Friday, 28 August 2020 09:39

P*ss weak!

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: Your old mate reckons if you ever needed proof of just how little influence Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has, just look at his inability to get a dispensation for much needed overseas machinery operators for agricultural contractors for this season.

Meanwhile, overseas-based, synthetic horse racetrack layers are deemed essential and have been allowed entry into NZ?

Could this have anything to do with a certain senior (in more than one sense of the word) cabinet minister’s passion for the gee-gees and bottom-line demands?

Meanwhile, the current Government has also allowed international America’s Cup sailors and even movie makers dispensation to come to NZ – but not agricultural contractors. It’s apparent that the current Government, and its friends, see more value in horse racing, sailing and movies than our vital agricultural sector.

Featured

Mike Siermans confirmed as Federated Farmers chief executive

Federated Farmers has confirmed interim chief executive Mike Siermans to the role.

Registrations open for 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic supporting Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust

Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.

Beef Progeny Test strengthens NZ beef genetics

Mating wrapped up last month at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri.

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.

New Zealand native tree study strengthens Bioeconomy Science Institute’s forestry leadership

A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute's position as a forestry research leader.

Rubisco to relocate hemp fibre processing to Ashburton in $30m expansion

Hemp fibre processor Rubisco is relocating its core processing facility to Ashburton as part of a $20-$30 million expansion to leverage what it says is an accelerating global demand for sustainable and renewable fibres.

National

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.

Primary sector leaders praise speed and ambition of India–NZ free trade deal

Primary sector leaders have praised the government and its officials for putting the Indian free trade deal together in just…

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…