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.”
With the New Zealand/India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) dominating political debate here, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting New Zealand next week.
Michelle and Tony Roberts didn't inherit the farming business they have today. They’ve built it from the ground up.
“We’re not normal.” That’s how Jack Walters, executive director of Pungent Pukeko, describes his gin brand, which has just won gold at the World Gin Awards.
Dr Tim Harwood, a seafood food safety research leader, has been awarded the 2026 Significant Contribution Award at the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST) Food Industry Awards.
Today marks the first day of operations for Waikato Waters, a new council-controlled organisation established by six district councils to deliver water and wastewater services for their communities.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced has opened applications for the 2026/27 funding round of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research (GHGIR) fund.

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