Election 2026: Rural Lobby Groups Challenge Parties on Agriculture Policy
Three farmer lobby groups are applying the blowtorch to political parties on key issues facing the primary sector ahead of the general elections.
Groundswell New Zealand’s ‘Mother of all Protests’ is underway.
At around 11.30am a convoy of trucks, utes and cars set off from Westgate Shopping Centre in West Auckland, under police escort bound for the city.
About 150 vehicles had gathered at Westgate. However, not everyone is traveling to the city. About 30 minutes after the procession had left, vehicles carrying NZ flag and anti-Government placards were still parked at Westgate Shopping Centre.
![]() |
|---|
|
One of the 150 vehicles that gathered at Westgate Shopping Centre for the Mother of all Protests. |
Another convey is making its way from Pukekohe. Groundswell NZ is expected to make a public statement around 1.30pm.
The nationwide protest is aimed at Government regulations against the farming sector.
Unlike the July protest, there were no tractors at West Auckland. One tractor was mounted on a truck and part of the procession to the city.
![]() |
|---|
|
Protestors gathered at Westgate Shopping Centre, Auckland. |
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
Having gone through a troublesome “divorce” from its association and part ownership of AGCO, Indian manufacturer TAFE is said to be determined to be seen as a modern business rather than just another tractor maker from the developing world.
Two long-standing New Zealand agricultural businesses are coming together to strengthen innovation, local manufacturing capability, and access to essential farm inputs for farmers across the country.
A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.

OPINION: If you ask this old mutt, the choice at the next election isn't shaping up as a contest of…
OPINION: A mate of yours says we're long overdue for a reckoning on what value farmers really get for the…