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: Your old mate wonders how both Beef+Lamb NZ and DairyNZ are feeling about their 'wonderful relationship' with the Government following the announcement of a FTA deal with the EU.
The trade deal saw our major primary sectors - red meat and dairy - get bugger-all nothing.
However, according to both Beef+Lamb and DairyNZ, one of the key reasons they sold out (sorry) 'negotiated' with the Government to put farmers, via He Waka Eke Noa, into an emissions scheme and having to pay carbon taxes, was because our trade partners - especially in Europe - are demanding it.
So not NZ dairy and red meat farmers are stuck with carbon taxes but still have no real access to EU markets.
Just imagine if the geniuses at Beef+Lamb and DairyNZ were hostage negotiators?
They'd end up paying the ransom and letting the terrorists shoot the hostages and still call it a win!
OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.
Minister for Universities, Shane Reti, has opened the final new build in a ten plus year project to upgrade the veterinary facilities at Massey University.
As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.
A recently held arable field day in the Manawatu brought with it a timely reminder to be on the lookout for velvetleaf incursions.
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…
OPINION: What are the unions for these days?