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.
OPINION:The reception at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards the following night in Hamilton was slightly less warm for Damien O'Connor.
There was no honorary title for Agriculture Minister O'Connor. However, the message from a few speakers was clear - the Government must do more for migrant workers in the dairy industry.
One judge told the 700 gathered for the awards that some of these immigrants in the dairy industry are still on work visas and have been waiting for some time to get their residency tidied up. This is hindering their progress.
While the Government has ruthlessly knocked back the request for 500 more migrant workers, the least they can do is to grant permanent residency to those already here and doing a great job in the dairy sector.
OPINION: The latest reforms of local government should come as no surprise.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.
Rural recycling scheme Agrecovery is welcoming the Government's approval of regulations for a nationwide rural recycling scheme for agrichemicals and farm plastics.
Despite a late and unfavourable start, this year’s strawberry crop is expected to be bountiful for producer and consumer alike.
Nearly three years on from Cyclone Gabrielle, Hawke's Bay apple orchardist Paul Paynter says they are still doing remedial work around their orchards and facing financial challenges.
An unusual participant at the recent Royal A&P Show in Christchurch was a stand promoting a variety of European products, during an event that normally champions the homegrown.
OPINION: Dipping global dairy prices have already resulted in Irish farmers facing a price cut from processors.
OPINION: Are the heydays of soaring global demand for butter over?