Election 2026: Rural Lobby Groups Challenge Parties on Agriculture Policy
Three farmer lobby groups are applying the blowtorch to political parties on key issues facing the primary sector ahead of the general elections.
OPINION: Your old mate understands that lobby group Groundswell's 'Mother of All Protests' is still going to be held on Sunday November 21.
This would be a bad move.
Sources tell this old mutt that much of the goodwill and support farmers garnered from many New Zealanders after the successful 'Howl of a Protest' back in June is in danger of evaporating.
Apparently, another big concern is that several fringe groups - such as anti-vaxxers, Brian Tamaki supporters and 'UN Agenda 21' conspiracy types - are hoping to hitch their wagons to the Groundswell protest, which would do untold damage to the group's hard-won respectable reputation.
Cyclone Vaianu is continuing its track south towards the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it destructive winds, heavy rain, and large swells, says Metservice.
While Cyclone Vaianu remains off the East Coast of New Zealand, the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says impacts have been felt overnight.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.

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