Tuesday, 07 October 2025 10:44

Political stunts

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size

OPINION: Is the ECan regional council run by earnest, handwringing Greta Thunberg wannabes these days?

This mutt doesn't know how else to explain the juvenile declaration by ECan of a "nitrate emergency" - a political stunt rightly decried by Federated Farmers and others.

The pointless, virtue-signalling 'declaration' reminds the Hound of the now defunct group of equally earnest teenage 'eco-worriers' School Strike 4 Climate that declared daily climate emergencies for a few months before declaring itself 'racist' and promptly cancelling itself!

ECan councilors are unlikely to have the same good grace and will keep their snouts firmly in the trough.

So good on Central Plains Water Limited for taking out a full-page ad in The Press to correct the record and outline the massive economic contribution water schemes make to the economy.

More like this

Canterbury Boosts Wallaby Control With $2M Funding Push

Wallaby control efforts in Canterbury have received a major boost, with Canterbury Regional Council releasing $2 million from its Pest Management Reserve.

Selwyn Farmers Lead as A Grades Climb to 77% in FEP Audits

Newly released data from Environment Canterbury (ECan) Farm Environment Plan (FEP) audits are showing a dramatic lift in environmental performance across the region.

Environment Canterbury urges buyers to check wastewater systems on rural properties

Buying or building a rural or semi-rural property? Make sure you know where the wastewater goes, says Environment Canterbury.

More cows, less barley

OPINION: Canterbury grows most of the country's wheat, barley and oat crops. But persistently low wheat prices, coupled with a high milk payout, are believed to be driving farmers out of the industry in the hunt for the dairy dollar, according to media reports.

Environment Canterbury promotes on-farm composting as a practical alternative to offal pits

Environment Canterbury, alongside industry partners and a group of farmers, is encouraging farmers to consider composting as an environmentally friendly alternative to offal pits.

Featured

Editorial: Hunting Policy Misses The Mark

OPINION: As the general election approaches, political parties are churning out policies in the hope of attracting more votes.

Timaru-Bred Bull Takes Out 2026 Mahoe Trophy

An LIC bull, Tronnoco AR Sadio-ET S3F, bred by Tony and Keri O'Connor of Tronnoco Farming Co Ltd near Timaru, has won the 2026 Mahoe Trophy.

Ballance Urges Farmers to Plan Ahead for El Niño

With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.

Why 'Fork to Farm' Beats Farm to Fork, Expert Says

In the past, much has been made of the concept of farm to fork, but an Australian expert in food science and marketing with experience in the dairy industry, Dr Angeline Achariya, says the reverse of this slogan is critical to win modern day consumers.

George Dodson on Efficiency and Low-Cost Dairy Farming

Efficiency is the big one because it tracks back into what is done on farm.

Four-Year Trial Confirms Plantain Cuts N Losses 33%

A four year trial has reaffirmed that mixing plantain into dairy pastures can help reduce nitrogen losses to freshwater while maintaining milk production and profitability, say researchers.

National

Farmers Miss Out on Fuel Excise Refunds, Says Farm Focus

Too many farmers put reclaiming excise duty on petrol into the "too-hard" basket, says farm accounting software provider, Farm Focus.

PCE: Treat Environmental Data as Critical Infrastructure

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, wants environmental information to be treated as critical national infrastructure.

Morrinsville Business Marks 30 Years With Bull Sculpture

A Morrinsville business celebrating its 30th birthday has shaken up the street scene in the Waikato township.

NZ Must Prioritise Food Security, Says HortNZ's Malley

New Zealand needs to make sure that it continues to focus on its own food security, according to HortNZ board…

Mel Ewers Wins NZAPI Outstanding Contribution Award

For 50 years, Tasman's Mel Ewers has been helping the apple sector navigate through compliance issues and training.

Machinery & Products

Power Farming Launches Southland Joint Venture

Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.

Pöttinger Harvest Assist App Gets Major Update

In an era where data offers key information for effective farm management, Pottinger’s Harvest Assist App is a valuable tool…

Zetor to Move Tractor Production to India and China

In a move that will ask the question about the viability of manufacturing tractors in high-cost economies, Czechia-based manufacturer Zetor…

Tabula Launches End-to-End Contractor Platform

As agricultural contractors continue to address soaring costs and a challenging labour market, attention to detail remains paramount, with any…

NZ Tractor Sales Up 10.7% in First Half of 2026: TAMA

As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending…