Damien O’Connor Criticises Budget 2026 as ‘Miserable’ for Rural New Zealand
A miserable budget that didn’t deliver much for anyone.
OPINION: The Hound is bitterly disappointed to learn that the Ministry of Education has awarded an American company the contract to install nylon carpet in 800 rural schools around the country.
This is a major slap in the face to NZ's struggling strong woolgrowers.
Where has the Minister of Agriculture Damien O'Connor been on this subject?
It seems, like his government, O'Connor is missing in action (MIA) again when it comes to backing the ag sector.
He is all talk and no action.
Especially since O'Connor was all talk when setting up the Wool Working Group and Wool Impact Ltd and claiming at the time it would be "fantastic" if strong wool became the first choice of fibre and businesses.
Did he speak to his counterpart Education Minister Jan Tinetti about this contract and ask if she had looked at the NZ wool option?
What's the bet he didn't?
Thanks - again - for nothing, Damien!
OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.
More than 300 growers, exporters, researchers, service providers and industry leaders will descend on Queenstown later this month for EXPO 2026, the annual conference for New Zealand’s apple and pear sector.
Signs for the 2026-27 kiwifruit crop look good, but there are still some challenges for growers – especially those who produce green kiwifruit.
37 farmers from across the Rangitīkei and Manawatū regions recently spent a day-and-a-half learning new business management and planning skills at Rabobank’s latest AgPathways Programmes in Whanganui.
Seven catchment groups across New Zealand have been awarded $10,000 grants as part of the Westpac Water Care Project.
Equine veterinarians say horse owners need to stay alert and communicate with their vets following an outbreak of the highly contagious bacterial disease Strangles in the North Island.

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