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!
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.
The Government has announced $60,000 to provide one-off grants of $1,000 to each of the 60 New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) clubs across the country.
New Zealand’s rural sector has once again demonstrated its generosity, with the second Rural Industry Leaders Dinner, Debate and Auction raising an impressive $400,000 for the Rural Support Trust.
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.
Yesterday the Government used the opening of Fieldays to announce a major investment, as part of its Land Use Flexibility package, to support a more productive and sustainable future across six sectors including dairy.

OPINION: While we're on the topic of lumberjacks, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has no doubt used a chainsaw hundreds of…
OPINION: To a chorus of crying greenies, and not a minute too soon, the Government has moved to put the…