McClay Nats' new ag spokesman
National Party trade spokesman Todd McClay will become the party’s agriculture spokesperson, National leader Christopher Luxon announced today.
Hamilton East MP David Bennett has been appointed National’s new agriculture spokesman.
Bennett replaces Todd Muller who is now the leader of the National Party.
Muller has appointed Rangitata MP Andrew Falloon as deputy agriculture spokesman.
IrrigationNZ congratulated Bennett.
“We have worked closely with Todd since he took over the agricultural portfolio, and we congratulate him on his new role as leader of the National Party, alongside his deputy Nikki Kaye,” says IrrigationNZ chief executive, Elizabeth Soal.
“We look forward to working with David - and all political parties - to ensure that water infrastructure, use, and good management gets the focus it urgently requires.
“It is critical to underpin a resilient and sustainable future for New Zealand’s food and fibre sector, our communities, and the environment.”
Last month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.
Former Agriculture Minister and Otaki farmer Nathan Guy has been appointed New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy (SATE).
Alliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
Fonterra has slashed another 50c off its milk price forecast as global milk flows shows no sign of easing.

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