Wednesday, 31 January 2024 11:25

Not popular

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

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.

More like this

Damien O’Connor Criticises Budget 2026 as ‘Miserable’ for Rural New Zealand

A miserable budget that didn’t deliver much for anyone.

Labour Supports NZ/India FTA

National's decision to ‘dribble’ information about the NZ/India to Labour contributed to the delay in it deciding to supported the FTA.

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."

Featured

DairyNZ: Waikato Farmers Need Certainty on PC1 Rules

DairyNZ says Waikato farmers need certainty on Plan Change 1, but they say that certainty must be matched with practical, workable rules and a clear transition that doesn't get ahead of the new resource management system currently under review.

NZ Rural Contractors Push for Urgent VDAM Rule Reform

While the Government has moved quickly to make commercial hauliers' lot easier during the current fuel crisis, they appear to be stuck in the creep box when it comes to the agricultural industry.

Government's New Planning System, PC1 'Won't Mesh Together Well'

Waikato farmers have been told that the Government’s new planning system legislation and the region’s Plan Change 1 (PC1) “won’t mesh together very well”.

Ravensdown Named Naming Rights Sponsor of A&P Show

Farmer owned co-operative Ravensdown has signed a two-year naming rights sponsorship of the Canterbury A&P Show.

Editorial: Wool's Back in the Black

OPINION: Confidence in the wool sector is rebounding as prices hit levels not seen in more than 15 years.

Queenstown to Host Sold-Out New Zealand Apple and Pear Conference

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.

National

Record Kiwifruit Harvest Brings Optimism, but Green Growers Face Profitability Challenges

Signs for the 2026-27 kiwifruit crop look good, but there are still some challenges for growers – especially those who…

Seven New Zealand Catchment Groups Awarded Westpac Water Care Grants for 2026

Seven catchment groups across New Zealand have been awarded $10,000 grants as part of the Westpac Water Care Project.

Equine Vets Urge Vigilance as Strangles Outbreak Hits North Island Horse Properties

Equine veterinarians say horse owners need to stay alert and communicate with their vets following an outbreak of the highly…

David Seymour Criticises Rural Women NZ Over Submission

Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says advocacy group Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has submitted against…

How New Zealand Apple Growers Won India Market Access

Eighteen months ago, when negotiations for a free trade deal with India were announced, New Zealand apple growers expressed their…

Machinery & Products

JCB Targets New Land Speed Record with Hydrogen-Powered Hydromax

While its best known as a manufacturer of construction and agricultural machinery, JCB holds a significant place in the record…

NZ Veterinarians Support Responsible Use of Virtual Fencing Technology for Cattle

Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work…

Kiwi Axemen Dominate World Stage as Jack Jordan Sets Record and Matthew Gower Claims First World Title

National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in…

WorkSafe Safety Push Reveals Major Farm Safety Gaps Across New Zealand

A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and…

The PostMate Wins Fieldays 2026 People's Choice Award

A farm shed solution to a long-standing safety problem has captured the public’s vote in the Fieldays Innovation Awards with…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Visit archives

» Connect with Rural News

RSS Facebook Twitter