Where is Luxon?
OPINION: Why can't Christopher Luxon stand up to Winston Peters over the latter’s high-profile attack on the proposed Indian FTA?
increase font size
OPINION: National's new leader Christopher Luxon’s first speech after his elevation to the top job included one important line about the engine of the economy: “Our provincial heartland feels taken for granted. Our farmers are not villains!” he told the press gallery.
Perhaps an indication that the plight of the rural sector and farmers will be top of mind as Luxon tries to restore National’s fortunes and wrestle power away from Jacinda Ardern.
After all, a good chunk of the 400,000 ex-National voters he alluded to in his speech would be made up of rural dwellers.
Getting them back into the fold would be crucial to Luxon scoring the keys to Premier House in 2022.
OPINION: Why can't Christopher Luxon stand up to Winston Peters over the latter’s high-profile attack on the proposed Indian FTA?
OPINION: November 7 has been set by Christopher Luxon as ‘E day’ – election day.
OPINION: When he promised an Indian FTA in his first term, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was really putting it all on red for the win. Against the odds (and with help from Todd McClay and others), he has thumbed his nose at the many doubters by closing just such a deal before Christmas – a move that will change the narrative around the PM and could help him win the election.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and New Zealand.
|
A landmark moment for New Zealand. That's how Prime Minister Christopher Luxon describes the conclusion of negotiations for an India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. Popular ReadsEnvironment Canterbury urges buyers to check wastewater systems on rural propertiesBuying or building a rural or semi-rural property? Make sure you know where the wastewater goes, says Environment Canterbury.Formula goes sourOPINION: Media reports say global recalls tied to cereulide toxin contamination in milk-based nutrition brands could inflict combined financial losses…Fonterra confirms timeline for Lactalis deal and $2-per-share capital returnThe sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.China’s new beef tariffs expected to favour New Zealand exportersAdditional tariffs introduced by the Chinese Government last month on beef imports should favour New Zealand farmers and exporters.Southland enters status 2 water shortage amid dry conditionsWhile the North Island is inundated with rain, Southland is facing receding water levels as warm weather and lack of rainfall…FeaturedNZ Red Meat Outlook 2026: Growth amid trade uncertaintyWhile things are looking positive for the red meat sector in 2026, volatility in global trade remains a concern, says the Meat Industry Association (MIA). Massey University hosts conference on innovative catchment-level water solutionsThe quest to find innovative practical, scientific solutions to deal with water-related issues at a catchment level has been the theme of an important conference at Massey University last week. Top Māori farm faces costly rebuild after severe storm damageOne of the country's top Māori farms faces a long and costly rebuild to get the property back to where it was before recent storms ripped through it. Global Dairy Trade prices surge, boosting New Zealand dairy farmersThe latest Global Dairy Trade auction results have delivered a boost to dairy farmers. NZ potato growers focus on value creation amid market and climate challengesNew Zealand potato growers are prioritising value creation from high yields to meet a complex mix of challenges and opportunities, says Potatoes NZ chief executive Kate Trufitt. Horticulture export growth at risk without plant import reforms, says Hawke’s Bay orchardistA Hawke's Bay apple orchardist supports the Government's objective of doubling exports but says this won't happen in the horticulture sector unless there's a change in the process for bringing new plant material into the country. NationalFonterra confirms timeline for Lactalis deal and $2-per-share capital returnThe sale of Fonterra’s global consumer and related businesses is expected to be completed within two months.Fonterra expands butter production at Clandeboye with $75m investmentFonterra is boosting its butter production capacity to meet growing demand.Upper North Island Storms: Limited impact on dairy farmsFor the most part, dairy farmers in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Tairawhiti and the Manawatu appear to have not…South Island dairy production lifts despite stormy summer, feed risks loomSouth Island dairy production is up on last year despite an unusually wet, dull and stormy summer, says DairyNZ lower…Ray Smith: Dairy still has growth potential despite flat export outlookMinistry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in…Machinery & ProductsStihl unveils centennial MS 500i chainsawMost rural properties wouldn’t be without a chainsaw, so it’s fitting to celebrate the centenary of Andreas Stihl inventing the…New Deutz-Fahr 5105 boosts power for Kiwi livestock farmsWith ROPS tractors still being consistently popular in livestock operations, given their ease of use for hopping on and off…John Deere showcases 130hp E-Power electric tractor prototype at AgritechnicaEasily missed on its expansive Agritechnica site, John Deere offered visitors to the bi-annual event, the first opportunity in Europe to…Exceed two-wheeled farm motorcycles enter NZ marketIn a market already well supplied with agricultural spec’ two-wheeled motorcycles, a new arrival with an aggressive price point is sure…Merlo Hypercompact Telehandler built for 3500kg towingGiven that most countries who favour the humble ute have maximum braked towing limits of 3500kg, those seeking to use mobile… |