Editorial: Getting RMA settings right
OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.
OPINION: Politicians the world over have as their priority - get elected and stay elected.
What they do after that for their fellow citizens is a by-product of their ego-driven goal to get into power. This is well illustrated in that famous comedy/'documentary' Yes Prime Minister, where the first consideration to making any decision depends on whether it will win or lose votes.
This philosophy extends well beyond the jurisdiction of many so-called 'friends of NZ' and manifests itself particularly when it comes to international trade. Countries talk up their geopolitical, cultural and historical friendships - even mateship, where long-time allies have spilt blood together in war.
But this goes out the door when it comes to international trade and over how many years, I don't know, getting elected to enjoy the baubles of office overrides any consideration of mateship etc. NZ has had to battle this hypocrisy and 'about-faceness' for decades. Think Britain, the US and the EU.
Now Canada is on our blacklist as a rogue recidivist protectionist country who, against all international trade rules, is blocking NZ from exporting dairy products there. Canada signed up to the CPTPP - a trade group based around the Pacific rim - to trade freely with all members. But while Canada portrays itself as a 'free trader' and 'friend', the reality is quite different. Canada has a peasant-like dairy industry, with average herd size of 89 cows, but a lot of small farmers with big mouths and egos, and, seemingly, power. They have managed to pressure their government to break international trade rules and ruin relationships with close friends to protect their subsidised and unsustainable dairy industry.
The NZ Government has won a case against Canada and is now looking at other legal options.
By refusing to comply with the international trade rules, Canada in effect has stolen about $120 million dollars from NZ dairy farmers. They must be taken to task for this.
A 50% tariff slapped by the US on goods from India last month has opened an opportunity for New Zealand wool carpets exports to North America.
There's been unprecedented demand from secondary school students across the country to study agricultural related subjects.
Brett Wotton, an Eastern Bay of Plenty kiwifruit grower and harvest contractor, has won the 2025 Kiwifruit Innovation Award for his work to support lifting fruit quality across the industry.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
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