Dodgy!
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last election, the Hound has a bridge to sell you.
OPINION: This old mutt hopes the demise of the Labour government at last year’s election will see a return of more agriculture and rural related people recognised for honours in the New Year and King’s Birthday lists.
This year’s New Year honours – as has been the case over the past six years – saw the usual bevy of musicians, artists, failed former politicians, unionists and activists rewarded by the outgoing Labour administration.
Of the 194 people awarded in the New Year’s Honours, only four nominees had any connection to the rural or primary sector.
For a country so heavily reliant on the farming and rural sector this is a disgrace.
Meanwhile, congratulations to former Merino NZ boss John Brackenridge, beekeeper Frank Lindsay, rural doctor Mike Miller and Havelock’s Gavin O’Donnell for service to his local rural community, for their well-deserved accolades in representing the economic backbone of the country.
The drought in western parts of the North Island is reaching crisis point with many farmers from Northland to Taranaki having to truck in water and feed for their stock at great expense.
The chair of New Zealand's biggest grower, packer and exporter of apples says it's been a bumper season.
The Commerce Commission's move to investigate commitments made by major banks under the Net Zero Banking Alliance is being hailed by farming leaders.
Horticultural prices are set to remain elevated this year, reflecting the balance between demand in key export markets and an increase in supply.
The drought breaking rain in Northland was greeted with much joy and delight by the more than 200 people who turned out last week for a field day at the farm of Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust near the east coast settlement of Whangaruru, about 70km from Whangarei.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.