Science fiction
OPINION: Last week's announcement of Prime Minister’s new Science and Technology Advisory Council hasn’t gone down too well in the science community.
John McCarthy, past president of the ginger group Meat Industry Excellence (MIE) recently gave Winston Peters a run for his money.
McCarthy played the ‘yellow peril’ card in reference to Silver Fern Farms’ capital raising.
”Will our killing sheets be in Mandarin? Silver Fern Farms and the family silver” was the headline of his media release. He stressed “this is not xenophobia” -- a common tactic used by Winston and others who like to play the race card to promote fear.
McCarthy was pushing for the meat industry merger MIE has been on about for a while and he made some valid points about fixing the industry and about protecting regional New Zealand’s economic self-determination. But why use the race card to make the point? China is a key customer for our primary produce. If we’re happy to sell to them, let’s refrain from the racial slights.
The Good Carbon Farm has partnered with Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust to deliver its first project in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
The Government says it is sharpening its focus and support for the food and fibre industry in Budget 2025.
A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.
A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.
Healthcare appears to be the big winner in this year's budget as agriculture and environment miss out.