Wednesday, 15 December 2021 11:30

What's she hiding?

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: This old mutt wonders what information Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's office apparently "overlooked" in briefing notes relating to Groundswell NZ.

Back in July, Ardern was sent an OIA request by media asking for all letters, emails, documents relating to Groundswell NZ.

Ardern's office refused the request, saying media advice to the PM was being withheld.

However, following a complaint lodged with the Ombudsman, the PM's chief of staff has now advised that there were some briefing notes provided by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's Policy Advisory Group.

It'd be interesting to know just what - and from whom - information about Groundswell both Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor and PM Ardern are hiding.

What's that about being open and transparent?

More like this

94% of NZ farmers oppose Paris Agreement, survey shows

A survey of 2000 farmers shows 94% of respondents believe that remaining in the Paris Agreement for climate change is not in the country's best interest.

Wrong focus

OPINION: Your old mate reckons townie Brooke van Velden, the Minister of Workplace (or is it Woke Place) Relations is now showing how underemployed she is as a minister by initiating an investigation into whether young children should be banned from collecting eggs on farms and feeding animals.

Burn the village

OPINION: There's an infamous term coined by a US general during the Vietnam war, specifically in reference to the battle of Ben Tre: "We had to burn the village to save it."

Purist problem

OPINION: The sudden departure of Jim Ward, manager of Molesworth Station for 24 years, highlighted some major dysfunction in the way conservation estate is managed in this country - the biggest problem, as the Hound sees it, being idealogues who harp on about "taonga" and use all means possible to block sensible commercial operations on conservation land.

Drill baby, drill!

OPINION: While the destruction of NZ's oil and gas industry by Jacinda Ardern's band of merry vandals was virtue signalling on a heroic scale - producing no environmental benefit whatsoever - the politician vowing to make that industry whole again, Shane Jones, is not above a bit of virtue signalling of his own.

Featured

Southland pasture growth study to continue as long-time champion retires

One of New Zealand’s longest-running pasture growth monitoring projects will continue, even as its long-time champion steps away after more than five decades of involvement.

IFSO warns of insurance claim delays after severe weather

The Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsmen Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is advising consumers to prepare for delays as insurers respond to a high volume of claims following this week's severe weather.

ETS costs cut 66% for forest owners – McClay

Additional reductions to costs for forest owners in the Emissions Trading Scheme Registry (ETS) have been announced by the Government.

Technology driving a new era of animal welfare monitoring in New Zealand dairy farming

Animal welfare is of paramount importance to New Zealand's dairy industry, with consumers increasingly interested in how food is produced, not just the quality of the final product.

Primary sector on alert as red rain warnings issued across multiple regions

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.

SH2 Waioweka Gorge closure to add major costs and delays for Upper North Island freight

The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.

National

Libby Judson: Keeper of rural memories from a bygone era

Libby Judson is a keeper of memories from an age gone by. Tim Fulton tells her story.

Government taps Nathan Guy as Agricultural Trade Envoy

Former Agriculture Minister Nathan Guy says he's excited about his new role as NZ's Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.

Horticulture leader Dr Stuart Davis remembered for lasting legacy

A pillar of New Zealand's horticultural industry, Dr Stuart Davis, was farewelled at a well-attended funeral service in Tuakau, South…

Stable but uncertain year ahead for New Zealand primary exports – MPI

A stable but uncertain year lies ahead for New Zealand primary products, says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General,…

China’s new beef tariffs expected to favour New Zealand exporters

Additional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.

Machinery & Products

Krone BiG Pack Gen 6 sets new baling benchmark

Recently named Farm Machine of the Year 2026 in the forage and harvesting category at Agritechnica in Hanover, Germany, the…

Carrfields expands machinery and seed capabilities

Complementing its existing portfolio of agricultural machinery brands, which includes Grange Machinery, Horsch, Novag, Manitou and MacDon, Ashburton-headquartered Carrfields has…