Tuesday, 01 February 2022 10:53

Sticky spot

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: This old mutt notes that NZ's mānuka honey sector recently lost a trademark case in the UK, which may end up costing the sector big money.

However, it looks like taxpayers could also be big losers as well.

It's been reported that MBIE - backed by the Government - has already lent the country's mānuka honey producers $1.7m, through the Kānoa Regional Economic Development & Investment Fund, to pay its legal bills.

However, that money is now unlikely to ever be paid back to the taxpayer, because the contractual terms forgave the debt if they lost their trademark bid (which they now have).

It seems Regional Economic Development Minister Stuart Nash now must decide how much more money he is willing to plough into court costs and lawyers' fees and to gamble more public money on obtaining an international legal precedent that, thus far, has failed wherever it has been attempted.

More like this

Trop de Paris!

OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly relating to how they're treating their farmer base.

NZ vs Aussie beef

OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try harder" report card on the red meat industry regarding its exports to China - particularly when compared to Australia.

Arable advocacy?

OPINION: Spare a thought for the arable farmer, squeezed on one side by soft global prices and on the other by limits on further yield increases.

Our own 'Clarkson'

OPINION: The huge success of former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson's new TV show, Clarkson's Farm, and the boost it has given the image of farming in the UK, has prompted one scribe to wonder aloud who could fill a similar role here in NZ.

Gaslight much?

OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts started after their disastrous Covid response; now trying to undermine the Covid inquiry to protect his own backside.

Featured

T&G Global returns to profitability

Fresh produce grower and exporter T&G Global has overturned last year’s dismal performance by reporting a half year net profit of $1.7 million.

Urea plant faces forced closure over gas supply

One of New Zealand’s largest fertiliser plants could be forced to shut down for four months as uncertainty looms over gas supply.

Rural backlash over plan to cut police staffing

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says two public meetings held this week should have made it loud and clear that rural families and businesses are concerned about proposed staffing changes at NZ Police.

EPA proposes ban on weedkiller Chlorthal-Dimethyl

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is consulting on a proposal to ban weedkillers containing chlorthal-dimethyl (DCPA).

DairyNZ thanks farm staff

August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.

Editorial: Getting RMA settings right

OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.