Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA) is unhappy about National's proposal to reinstate live animal exports if it became the government.
The collective, while it calls itself 'veterinarians', includes other non-vets such as animal welfare advocates, animal welfare scientists, and other non-veterinary and body corporate members. Founding members include Bryce Johnson, former head of Fish and Game, and ecologist Mike Joy. It was established in 2022 to provide a science-based animal welfare advocacy voice.
Group spokesperson and veterinarian Dr Helen Beattie says animal welfare is not political, it is scientific and as such should not be used as a vote-chasing, political football. She says it's disappointing to hear that National would consider reinstating livestock exports.
Beattie says it's especially disappointing given that several National Party MPs sat in on the select committee hearing where a harrowing description was given of animals' experiences during livestock export.
"Irrespective of vessels being purpose built, animals would still be subjected to sea journeys of up to three weeks and a journey across the equator. Managing cattle welfare in these circumstances while maintaining an economically viable model would be extremely difficult and for that reason could never be classed as 'gold standard'," she says.
Beattie says she's also concerned about some of National's plans around winter grazing rules. She says there is also a significant and historically unacceptable animal welfare aspect to winter grazing.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.