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.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor is praising the dairy sector’s contribution to New Zealand’s economy.
Speaking at the opening of Dairy Business 360 Conference in Hamilton this morning, O’Connor noted that dairy farmers showed “incredible work ethic and resistance to get the job done”.
He says the effort of the dairy sector is helping to keep the wheel of the country’s economy turning.
The food and fibre sector remains the powerhouse of NZ economy.
For year ending June 30, 2022, the food and fibre sector export revenue hit a record $53.3 billion, representing 11.1% of the country’s GDP.
He says dairy made up nearly half of that food and fibre export revenue with $22b.
“This is an impressive performance by the dairy sector in the face of challenges from Covid-19 to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and extreme weather conditions,” he says.
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition has removed 33,418 wild goats over the past three years.
New Zealand needs a new healthcare model to address rising rates of obesity in rural communities, with the current system leaving many patients unable to access effective treatment or long-term support, warn GPs.
Southland farmers are being urged to put safety first, following a spike in tip offs about risky handling of wind-damaged trees
Third-generation Ashburton dairy farmers TJ and Mark Stewart are no strangers to adapting and evolving.
When American retail giant Cosco came to audit Open Country Dairy’s new butter plant at the Waharoa site and give the green light to supply their American stores, they allowed themselves a week for the exercise.
Fonterra chair Peter McBride says the divestment of Mainland Group is their last significant asset sale and signals the end of structural changes.