Damien O’Connor Criticises Budget 2026 as ‘Miserable’ for Rural New Zealand
A miserable budget that didn’t deliver much for anyone.
OPINION: This old mutt hears that his editor has copped a fair bit of flak from readers after an article on former Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor appeared in the last issue of this fine organ.
It seems the general consensus was that while the former minister may claim that feedback he’s got on the new National-led Government is not positive, farmers couldn’t be more positive that he and his Labour mates are out of power.
Farmers say Labour’s six years saw a plethora of new regulations imposed on them that made little or no sense.
Which only goes to prove O’Connor’s admission in the same article, that it’s not easy being an agriculture minister in a Labour administration.
Watch this space for an announcement this year about the former Ag Minister’s new post-political career.
Amber Davy has won the 2026 Canterbury Young Grower regional title.
Carey Pawson-Edwards, a South Canterbury stock manager, has been named the winner of the 2026 Rabobank Management Project Award.
Nominations are now open for two directorships on the Ravensdown Board and will close at 5pm, Friday 24 July 2026.
AMINZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have partnered to develop a new Farm Debt Mediation video series aimed at farmers, creditors, and advisors.
Taranaki is preparing to welcome the country’s top young farmers for one of rural New Zealand’s most anticipated events.
Horticulture New Zealand’s Board has welcomed the re-election of grower-elected directors Alistair Petrie and Doug Brown.

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