OPINION: Your old mate is astounded, but not surprised, to learn that the New Zealand Film Commission gave anti-dairy documentary Milked a $48,550 "finishing grant".
The film, currently screening in NZ cinemas, argues that the dairy industry causes climate change, pollutes water, destroys land, abuses cows, and victimises dairy farmers.
The dirty little deal was revealed by the Taxpayers Union, with spokesman Louis Houlbrooke rightly saying: "The 40,000 New Zealanders employed in the dairy industry are unlikely to be happy to learn they are funding a film that attacks the source of their livelihoods. And that's to say nothing of the rest of us, who all benefit from dairy's enormous contribution to New Zealand's economy."
The Hound agrees the taxpayer should not be forced to fund political propaganda.
The Film Commission decision to back this anti-dairy diatribe leaves a very sour taste in his mouth.