Coalition Govt split over Indian FTA
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
President Trump’s withdrawl of the US from the TPP has meant other options are been looked at by NZ.
Nathan Guy says some kind of trade deal with the US may still be possible, despite President Trump saying no to the TPP.
Trade Minister Todd McClay is planning to meet his counterparts in the next few months to test the waters for a deal.
“We need those discussions, particularly because the biggest opportunity for NZ exporters is Japan, which is big for horticulture and beef. So we are keen to engage with the rest of the countries [in the TPP] to see if we can still harvest the benefits of the TPP.
“Rather than the whole thing falling over, it is still worth trying to progress a TPP without the US.”
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.

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