Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
Federated Farmers president, Wayne Langford says it was good to hear from the politicians and to learn more about international trade and consumer trends from other keynote speakers at last week's NZ Primary Industries Summit.
The session on trade agreements saw senior officials from the embassies of China, the UK, Australia and the EU talk about the opportunities for trade with their respective countries, and was an eye opener to many.
This sssion was particularly timely given it's expected that NZ and the EU will sign off the long-awaited FTA in the coming days when Chris Hipkins and Damien O'Connor are in Europe.
Over the two days, many topics were canvassed, including the latest consumer trends and the need for NZ to meet the new demands.
Ovrall, a stimulating, interesting election year conference.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.