Government invests $8 million in LIC methane research to reduce dairy emissions
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
Trade Minister Todd McClay has welcomed the Waitangi Tribunal's Report on the TPP which found no breach of the Treaty of Waitangi.
"New Zealand's approach to its free trade agreements reflects the constitutional significance of the Treaty of Waitangi to New Zealand. TPP specifically recognises the Treaty of Waitangi, so that nothing in the TPP will prevent the Crown from meeting its obligations to Maori," says McClay.
"The Tribunal recognised that the development and successful incorporation of the Treaty exception clause, which has been in every free trade agreement signed by a New Zealand government since 2001, was an achievement and of credit to the government.
"As I have said to Iwi Leaders at their Forum meeting this week, I am happy to continue to engage with Maori on TPP and future free trade agreements.
"Maori have much to gain from the agreement. Maori businesses are big exporters and have significant ownership in key sectors such as forestry, fishing, red meat, and dairy.
"The tariff savings under TPP on current exports across these sectors are significant, amounting to an estimated $200 million a year once the tariff commitments are fully phased in."
OPINION: For close to eight years now, I have found myself talking about methane quite a lot.
The Royal A&P Show of New Zealand, hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association, is back next month, bigger and better after the uncertainty of last year.
Claims that farmers are polluters of waterways and aquifers and 'don't care' still ring out from environmental groups and individuals. The phrase 'dirty dairying' continues to surface from time to time. But as reporter Peter Burke points out, quite the opposite is the case. He says, quietly and behind the scenes, farmers are embracing new ideas and technologies to make their farms sustainable, resilient, environmentally friendly and profitable.
Relationships are key to opening new trading opportunities and dealing with some of the rules that countries impose that impede the free flow of trade.
Dawn Meats chief executive Niall Browne says their joint venture with Alliance Group will create “a dynamic industry competitor”.
Tributes have flowed following the death of former Prime Minister and political and business leader, Jim Bolger. He was 90.
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