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.
Westland Milk's decision to sell to Chinese company Yili may get the nod of farmer shareholders but politicians aren’t happy.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, the West Coast-Tasman MP, says the impending sale is “personally of concern for me coming from the West Coast”.
NZ First MP Mark Patterson expresses similar sentiment: “Let’s hope Westland Milk shareholders think long and hard before selling the family silver”.
NZ First was highly critical of the sale of agribusinesses to Chinese interests before the election. However, the party has toned down its criticism since stepping into coalition Government with Labour and the Greens.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.