Damien O’Connor Criticises Budget 2026 as ‘Miserable’ for Rural New Zealand
A miserable budget that didn’t deliver much for anyone.
Fonterra chairman John Monaghan says Fonterra is looking forward to working with the Coalition Government on the review of dairy industry regulations.
His comments come after a meeting in Wellington yesterday with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and senior ministers.
“We are looking forwards to working with the Government on the review undertaken by Minister O’Connor (Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor),” he says.
Monaghan says apart from briefing Government on its annual results, they discussed other matters relating to the industry. He did not elaborate.
Monaghan was accompanied by new chief executive Miles Hurrell.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says the red meat sector is doing an excellent job promoting our pasture-fed system around the globe.
The European Union ramped up its presence at this year's Fieldays.
Moves are underway to create a single organisation to represent the country's beekeepers.
Against all the odds, the primary sector has turned in a stellar performance with export returns for 2026 hitting $64.3 billion - up 6% on the previous year.
Farmers and growers are powering the economy with export revenue at record highs.
Analysis of decades of research has revealed the implementation of good farming practices plays a critical role in reducing nutrient losses to improve freshwater outcomes.