Trump tariffs
OPINION: Former politicians seem incapable of staying away from the limelight after they retire.
Prime Minister John Key says the decision to reject a Chinese bid for Lochinvar Station was nothing to do with politics.
The $88 million bid Shanghai Pengxin subsidiary, Pure 100 Farm Ltd was knocked back by Ministers Paula Bennett and Louise Upston in September, despite the Overseas Investment Office recommending it be approved.
Key told a China Business Summit in Auckland today said the two ministers didn't discuss the decision with anyone else and took the decision there wasn't enough (in it).
"Right or wrong you can read their decision, he said. But he said the decision was nothing to do with the politics of it.
He said if you wanted him to change the Overseas Investment Act to have more clarity "show me where we can get the numbers from because only ACT will support us".
"We are stuck with the Overseas Investment Act whether we like it or not."
Cyclone Vaianu is continuing its track south towards the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it destructive winds, heavy rain, and large swells, says Metservice.
While Cyclone Vaianu remains off the East Coast of New Zealand, the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says impacts have been felt overnight.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.
Farmers will get an opportunity to hear about the latest developments in sheep genetics at the Sheep Breeder Forum this May.
Specialist horticulture and viticulture weather forecasters Metris says the incoming Cyclone Vaianu is likely to impact growers across the country.
A group of old Otago uni mates with a love of South Island back-country have gone the lengths of Waiau Toa Clarence from source to sea. Tim Fulton, who joined the group in the final fun to the river mouth, tells their story.

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