Print this page

Tuesday, 16 September 2025 09:55

No Joy

Written by Milking It

font size decrease font size increase font size

OPINION: Milking It understands a formal disciplinary process is being conducted by Victoria University of Wellington on what one of its academics, Dr Mike Joy, said about "hanging" dairy chief executives for nitrate leaching and poisoning waterways.

The process will be confidential for privacy reasons. So, we'll never know the price Joy will pay for his comments on social media platform LinkedIn.

Whatever the outcome, let's hope this is a lesson for everyone on what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.

Read More:

More like this

Editorial: No joking matter

Editorial: No joking matter

OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.

Sir Lockwood Smith: Use academic freedom with great care

Sir Lockwood Smith: Use academic freedom with great care

Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.

Dr Mike Joy says sorry, escapes censure

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.

Farmer anger over Joy's social media post

A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.

Jobless!

OPINION: The Hound shed a tear (crocodile) on hearing about the looming redundancy of perennial anti-farming critic 'Dr' Mike Joy.

Popular Reads

Open Country opens butter plant

When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give…

MPI launches industry-wide project to manage feral deer

An industry-wide project led by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is underway to deal with the rising number of feral…

Early drought fears ease in Hawke’s Bay, but caution remains

Fears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.

Fonterra shareholders watch performance after sale

Fonterra shareholders say they will be keeping an eye on their co-operative's performance after the sale of its consumer businesses.

Idea of killing cows to curtail methane emissions 'crazy'

Visiting US climate change expert Dr Will Happer says the idea of reducing cow numbers to greatly reduce methane emissions…

Featured

Indian FTA 'opens doors for dairy'

A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.

Coalition Govt split over Indian FTA

The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.

Santa's present for the primary sector - an FTA with India

Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.

Beef Progeny Test 2025: Genetic insights for NZ beef industry

At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.

HortNZ celebrates 20 Years

More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).

Biosecurity NZ urges vigilance for yellow-legged hornets

Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.

National

Fonterra capital return could boost GDP – ANZ Report

The Fonterra divestment capital return should provide “a tailwind to GDP growth” next year, according to a new ANZ NZ report,…

Fonterra upgrades Eltham cheese production for global growth

Fonterra's Eltham site in Taranaki is stepping up its global impact with an upgrade to its processed cheese production lines,…

Michelle Pye elected to Fonterra board

Canterbury farmer Michelle Pye has been elected to Fonterra’s board for a three-year term.

Government plan to scrap regional councils faces criticism

Government plans to get rid of regional councillors shows a lack of understanding of the fundamental problem affecting all of…

Lactose to join fat and protein in Fonterra milk price model

For over 20 years, Whakatane farmer Gerard Van Beek has been attending Fonterra annual general meetings with the same message…

Machinery & Products

Case IH Unveils New RB6 Round Balers & 2026 Square Baler Upgrades

Case IH has released details of its all-new round balers and redesigns to its large square balers aimed at increasing…

How to Improve Milking Efficiency in Swing-Over Herringbone Sheds

The swing-over herringbone is the most common dairy type in New Zealand, used on 69% of dairy farms. Simple changes…

Claas Jaguar 1000 Series sets new forage harvesting world record

The recently released Claas Jaguar 1000 Series has seen its flagship 1200 set a new official Guiness World Record in…

CB Norwood appoints John Skurr as new general manager

CB Norwood Distributors Limited has announced the appointment of John Skurr to the position of general manager.

AIMER, Bovonic and Herd-i join forces to advance NZ dairy tech

Three New Zealand agritech companies are set to join forces to help unlock the full potential of technology.