Monday, 08 April 2019 10:46

Hero or hypocrite?

Written by Rural News Group

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Your old mate was interested to see Trade Minister David Parker recently hailing the success of the revamped TPP trade deal.

According to Parker, the deal is “already delivering benefits for New Zealand”. Benefits for the ag sector include a reduction in the tariff on our beef into Japan, an increase in NZ butter exports to Canada and a doubling of our cheese exports to Mexico – in the month after the agreement came into force in January 2018.

This is all good stuff. However, the Hound wants to know if this David Parker now skiting about the success of the TPP is the same man who was marching in the streets in 2015 scare-mongering about the evils of the deal? While your old mate reckons it is good to see that Parker has had a change of heart, others might be less charitable and call him nothing but a hypocrite.

More like this

Dead in the water

OPINION: In a victory for common sense over virtue signalling, David Parker's National Policy Statement (NPS) work on freshwater is now dead in the water.

Editorial: Urgent action!

OPINION: When we finally get a government (no agreement had been finalised at time of writing), the first thing the new administration needs to review is all the regional and district plans that are being rolled out across the country to comply with the new National Policy Statement (NPS).

Parting shot?

OPINION: Environment Minister David Parker, likely in the final weeks of the job, remains hell-bent on burning bridges with farmers.

Forestry regulations updated

New national standards will give local councils more power to decide where new commercial forests – including carbon forests – are located, to reduce the impacts on communities and the environment, says Environment Minister David Parker.

Environment Minister labels protest group 'dinosaurs'

Environment Minister David Parker has labelled members of rural ginger group Groundswell NZ as “dinosaurs”.

Featured

Editorial: Support, don't stifle farmers

OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.

AI-powered fertiliser mapping a game changer for farmers

Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.

HortNZ Board Election 2025: Growers urged to vote before 10 July deadline

Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.

Biolumic’s UV light breakthrough set to transform ryegrass and reduce methane

A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.

NZ Startup Turns Sheepskin into World-Leading Collagen Supplement

A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.

ANZ offers support for farmers and businesses affected by extreme weather

With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.