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.
OPINION: Claims by Damien O'Connor that his government's crazy plan for pricing and taxing farm emissions is "now open to consultation with the sector before a final decision is made" should be taken with a large grain of salt.
The supposed 'consultation' period closes on November 18, which has given the entire agriculture sector less than a month to respond to the Government's proposal.
This is true to form for this self-proclaimed 'most open and transparent government in NZ's history'.
Remember the 'consultation' it did with the sector over its freshwater reforms?
Or how about the 'consultation' it carried out with farmers over its winter grazing regulations?
And, of course, let's not forget the 'consultation' the Government recently conducted over its 3 Waters reforms, which ignored any criticism and shut out thousands of submissions against the changes!
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.