Election 2026: How Parties Would Lift the Arable Sector
As part of its Election 2026 coverage, Rural News asked political parties how they would help pull the arable sector out of the doldrums. Here's what they said:
Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand's trade interests are best served in a world where trade flows freely.
His comments follow the announcement from US President Donald Trump that New Zealand would face a 10% tariff on goods entering the United States.
"While this is a significant development, New Zealand remains competitive against other exporters in the U.S. market," McClay says.
He says tariffs have consequences for the global economy, impacting inflation, demand, currency stability, and economic growth.
"While these tariffs create additional costs that will largely be passed on to consumers, New Zealand is in a stronger position than many other countries, some who are facing higher tariff barriers," McClay says. "This reinforces the importance of our work to create new trade opportunities and reduce barriers for our exporters in the EU, UK, UAE, GCC and most recently India."
McClay says New Zealand's bilateral relationship with the United States is still strong.
"We will be talking with the Administration to get more information, and our exporters to better understand the impact this announcement will have," he adds.
"We will continue to advocate for a rules-based trading system."
In farming there are external factors that can influence behaviour of a whole herd, such as a bad weather event, triggering false positive heat detections or health attentions.
For Canterbury dairy farmer Cameron Henderson, supporting Meet the Need comes down to a simple question: how can the success of New Zealand farming benefit more than just those within the industry?
Fonterra board members are in line for a pay rise of around 3%.
Dairy processors are ready to further boost New Zealand’s export earnings but want the incoming government to match their ambition with good policy.
Massey University is best placed to solve the “problems” facing the dairy industry, says vice chancellor, Pierre Venter.
Synlait's longest serving employee – a man who joined the Canterbury-based milk processor even before it began processing milk – is now its newest executive.

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