Wednesday, 10 February 2021 10:30

No change

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Your canine crusader suggests hopes for a change in some of the anti-farming government policies will not be helped by the clear dearth of farming experience and lack of rural knowledge in the ranks of the current Labour administration.

This has been made abundantly clear by its choice of chair and deputy of the primary production select committee.

The Hound reckons that while Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor remains the only member of the current Government with any actual farming background and understanding and have his work cut now with the addition of the huge trade portfolio to manage.

Meanwhile, O’Connor will get bugger all real world advice from the new chair of the primary production select committee Jo Luxton, a former playcentre teacher, or her deputy, former union delegate, and newbie MP Steph Lewis. God help us!

More like this

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.

Wrong focus

OPINION: Your old mate reckons townie Brooke van Velden, the Minister of Workplace (or is it Woke Place) Relations is now showing how underemployed she is as a minister by initiating an investigation into whether young children should be banned from collecting eggs on farms and feeding animals.

Burn the village

OPINION: There's an infamous term coined by a US general during the Vietnam war, specifically in reference to the battle of Ben Tre: "We had to burn the village to save it."

Purist problem

OPINION: The sudden departure of Jim Ward, manager of Molesworth Station for 24 years, highlighted some major dysfunction in the way conservation estate is managed in this country - the biggest problem, as the Hound sees it, being idealogues who harp on about "taonga" and use all means possible to block sensible commercial operations on conservation land.

Drill baby, drill!

OPINION: While the destruction of NZ's oil and gas industry by Jacinda Ardern's band of merry vandals was virtue signalling on a heroic scale - producing no environmental benefit whatsoever - the politician vowing to make that industry whole again, Shane Jones, is not above a bit of virtue signalling of his own.

Featured

Southland pasture growth study to continue as long-time champion retires

One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.

IFSO warns of insurance claim delays after severe weather

The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.

ETS costs cut 66% for forest owners – McClay

Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.

Technology driving a new era of animal welfare monitoring in New Zealand dairy farming

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.

Primary sector on alert as red rain warnings issued across multiple regions

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.

SH2 Waioweka Gorge closure to add major costs and delays for Upper North Island freight

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.

National

Libby Judson: Keeper of rural memories from a bygone era

Libby Judson is a keeper of memories from an age gone by. Tim Fulton tells her story.

Government taps Nathan Guy as Agricultural Trade Envoy

Former Agriculture Minister Nathan Guy says he's excited about his new role as NZ's Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.

Horticulture leader Dr Stuart Davis remembered for lasting legacy

A pillar of New Zealand's horticultural industry, Dr Stuart Davis, was farewelled at a well-attended funeral service in Tuakau, South…

Stable but uncertain year ahead for New Zealand primary exports – MPI

A stable but uncertain year lies ahead for New Zealand primary products, says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General,…

China’s new beef tariffs expected to favour New Zealand exporters

Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.

Machinery & Products

Krone BiG Pack Gen 6 sets new baling benchmark

Recently named Farm Machine of the Year 2026 in the forage and harvesting category at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, the…

Carrfields expands machinery and seed capabilities

Complementing its existing portfolio of agricultural machinery brands, which includes Grange Machinery, Horsch, Novag, Manitou and MacDon, Ashburton-headquartered Carrfields has…