Tuesday, 18 November 2025 11:12

SOE on the block?

Written by  The Hound

OPINION: Did the Prime Minister hint last week that the sale of Landcorp assets could be part of the manifesto for the next election?

While flicking Pāmu isn't current policy, it's no secret that Minister for SOEs, Simeon Brown, isn't happy with past performances of the state-owned farmer, or that coalition partner Act wants Pāmu sold, yesterday.

On Newstalk ZB Chris Luxon said: "I don't think our government agencies do a very good job of managing their assets in general. In fact, we're the fourth worst in the OECD... But if you look at something like Pāmu, which is a whole bunch of farmland that the government owns and runs... We're pretty bad I imagine as a government-run farm relative to other farmers doing that job much better".

The Hound hates to put words in the PM's mouth, but where there's smoke, there's fire!

More like this

Bias Blowback

OPINION: It's no surprise to this old mutt that some politicians are done playing nice with the low rent media pack that hounds them looking for a 'gotcha' moment.

Review SOEs!

OPINION: NIWA has long weathered complaints about alleged stifling of competition in forecasting, and more recently, claims of lack of transparency by the Crown-owned entity - spurred by its refusal to release information under the OIA about its conduct around Cyclone Gabrielle and the Hawke's Bay flooding.

Sell it!

OPINION: With things in NZ as tight as they are, your old mate is astounded the coalition Governmnt hasn't yet dumped the eternal underperformer Landcorp and put the $2 billion investment to better use.

Go woke!

OPINION: The Hound reckons the powers at Landcorp (or as they/them like to call themselves, Pāmu) are coming under the microscope with the new government in place.

Featured

Editorial: Drones Are Not Toys

OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.

Opuha Dam Commissions New Valve in Major Flood Safety Upgrade

Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.

Freshwater Farm Plan Changes Welcomed by Primary Sector

There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter