Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
OPINION: This old mutt notes that at the recent release of the Government's response to agricultural emissions, there was only the PM, Ag Minister, Climate Change Minister and local Labour MP - a non-descript, little man with a beard - fronting up to media.
Absent were members of the infamous He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) partnership - including its two biggest proponents, Beef+Lamb chair Andrew Morrison and DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel.
Usually, whenever there's been any government agricultural announcement of note over the past 5 years, Morrison and van der Poel have been loyally nodding behind the PM, helping to hold her handbag - along with Damien O'Connor.
Does this mean the two big ag industry chairs are no longer in the loop? Or, have they both finally seen the light and realised that the Government is about to screw the ag sector and want no part of it?
It's probably a little too late for this stance now!
Canterbury farmer Michelle Pye has been elected to Fonterra’s board for a three-year term.
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
The Government has announced it will immediately roll over all resource consents for two years, with legislation expected to pass under urgency as early as this week.
The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has achieved a major sustainability milestone - reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and reaching the target five years early.
Fonterra's 2025/26 financial year is off to a strong start, with a first quarter group profit after tax of $278 million- up $15m on the previous year.
Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of local government - poor governance.

OPINION: Your old mate welcomes the proposed changes to local government but notes it drew responses that ranged from the reasonable…
OPINION: A press release from the oxygen thieves running the hot air symposium on climate change, known as COP30, grabbed your…