Diplomatic Incident
OPINION: Your old mate hears an international incident is threatening to blow up the long-standing Anzac alliance as Kiwis and Aussies argue over who wants new Australian resident and former NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Your canine crusader is usually not a fan of politicians showing as hypocrites.
However, your old mate is happy for PM Ardern, Trade Minister Parker and Justice Minister Little – all of whom marched in the streets in opposition to the TPP less than two years ago – to be shown as utter and total hypocrites in welcoming the legislation passing the CPTPP (new name, same basic deal) through the NZ Parliament last month.
Other hypocrites include Deputy PM Peters and his NZ First cronies who rallied against the trade deal in opposition – talk about lions in opposition and little lambs in government. The Hound suggests the only non-hypocrites in the current coalition are the Greens who still oppose the deal, but they are a bunch of nutjobs so who cares?
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…