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: The Hound suggests if there was any doubt that our so-called farmer industry bodies are little more than a bunch of quislings who are fully in the Government's pocket, then a recent publicity stunt will have quelled that doubt.
Earlier this month, PM Jacinda Ardern - joined by her chief handbag carrier Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor - was in the Waikato for a pre-Budget publicity photo shoot.
This stunt wasn't held on just any old Waikato farm, but on the property of current DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel.
When most farmers wouldn't want to be seen dead in the company of possibly the most anti-farming Government in NZ's history, van der Poel couldn't have seemed happier.
Makes it hard to argue that the lack of fight and push back from DairyNZ at the avalanche of govt regulations on farming doesn't come right from the top!
Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.
Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.

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