Carpet decision 'bonkers' - Shaw
Green Party co-leader James Shaw has described the Ministry of Education’s decision to carpet 800 small and rural schools in synthetic carpets as “bonkers”.
OPINION: It's hard to comprehend the ignorance and stupidity of the so-called leaders in the Ministry of Education who for some incomprehensible reason seemed hell bent on perpetuating the myth that agriculture is just for ‘dummies’.
Their unilateral decision, based on their own enclosed Wellington view of the world, to abolish the academic science subjects of agriculture and horticulture must rank as one of the dumbest ideas ever made in the ag sector in at least the last 70 years.
Yes, there is an important place for vocational training, but have these so-called educators never heard governments of all colours point to the need for NZ to get the brightest and best people into highly skilled well-paid jobs in agriculture and horticulture.
There needs to be an education programme run for the educators about the technology which drives our primary sector.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.
Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).
New Zealand innovation company Techion, best known for its animal diagnostics platform, FECPAK has signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Farmlands to bring independent animal health disease intelligence to its customers.
Zespri says it welcomes the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty Regional Deal, describing it as an important step towards supporting growth in the region and for New Zealand's kiwifruit industry.
Troubled milk processor Synlait has lost its third chief executive in five years.
OPINION: Reckless action by Greenpeace in 2024 forced Fonterra to shut down a drying plant for four hours, costing the co-op…
OPINION: The global crusade against fossil fuel is gaining momentum in some regions.