Wednesday, 24 April 2024 14:25

Cut with care

Written by The Hound

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Given the 34% blowout in the size of the Wellington bureaucracy in recent years, The Hound is all for it.

Between 2017 and 2023, ten departments increased staff numbers by more than 64%.

As for growth in absolute numbers, MBIE led the way at 2917 new staff.

MPI added 1300, so will no doubt be looked at.

All the same, despite the need for savings, it was pleasing to hear Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard say frontline biosecurity services at MPI will not be cut.

This is vital to defending our biggest export earner.

Cuts to MPI, if any, will need to be chosen very carefully.

More like this

AMINZ launches Farm Debt Mediation video series with MPI

AMINZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have partnered to develop a new Farm Debt Mediation video series aimed at farmers, creditors, and advisors.

A Good Start

OPINION: While we're on the topic of lumberjacks, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has no doubt used a chainsaw hundreds of times, but your old mate reckons he would’ve still been sweating on getting it right when cutting down a pine in front of the cameras, as he did above Queenstown during a recent pre-Budget announcement around extra funding for wilding pine control efforts.

Industrial Hemp Regulations Revoked as New Zealand Opens New Era for Hemp Industry

From last week, the Industrial Hemp Regulations 2006 have been revoked.

Wilding Pines Could Cost New Zealand Billions, Says Hoggard

Wilding pines are the wrong tree in the wrong place, and they need to go, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

Editorial: A Sensible Decision

OPINION: For thousands of Southland farmers, this week would have tipped them into the non-compliant category when it comes to following regional freshwater plan rules. But the Government has stepped in to give them the clarity they deserve.

Featured

Canadian Spraying Experts Bring Workshops to NZ Growers

Two Canadian spraying experts, Tom Wolf and Jason Deveau, are visiting New Zealand in early August to ensure that arable growers are hitting the target with this key piece of equipment.

Tom Slee Wins 2026 FMG Young Farmer of the Year

Otago Southland Young Farmer Tom Slee has been crowned the Season 58 FMG Young Farmer of the Year after an outstanding performance at the Grand Final in New Plymouth, the first time the event has been held in the region.

Red Meat Sector Calls for Trade Focus Before Election

New Zealand's red meat sector says it welcomes the Government's focus on trade ahead of the general election in November.

Waikato Duo Win 2026 FMG Junior Young Farmer Title

Two year 10 students from Putaruru College and John Paul College in Waikato Bay of Plenty have been crowned the 2026 FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year at the competition's Grand Final in New Plymouth.

Indian PM Set To Make A Fleeting Visit

With the New Zealand/India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) dominating political debate here, India Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting New Zealand next week.

Southland Farmers Named 2026 Sustainable Farming Ambassadors

Michelle and Tony Roberts didn't inherit the farming business they have today. They’ve built it from the ground up.

National

How Pungent Pukeko Turned a Passion Project into an Award-Winning Gin Brand

“We’re not normal.” That’s how Jack Walters, executive director of Pungent Pukeko, describes his gin brand, which has just won…

Dr Tim Harwood Honoured with 2026 New Zealand Food Safety Award

Dr Tim Harwood, a seafood food safety research leader, has been awarded the 2026 Significant Contribution Award at the New…

Waikato Waters Begins Operations Across Waikato Region

Today marks the first day of operations for Waikato Waters, a new council-controlled organisation established by six district councils to…

MPI Opens $3m Greenhouse Gas Research Funding Round

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced has opened applications for the 2026/27 funding round of the Greenhouse Gas…

New Zealand Red Meat Exports Hit Record $1.6 Billion in May

New Zealand red meat exports reached a second consecutive monthly record in May, rising to $1.6 billion, according to the…

Machinery & Products

JCB Targets New Land Speed Record with Hydrogen-Powered Hydromax

While its best known as a manufacturer of construction and agricultural machinery, JCB holds a significant place in the record…

NZ Veterinarians Support Responsible Use of Virtual Fencing Technology for Cattle

Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work…

Kiwi Axemen Dominate World Stage as Jack Jordan Sets Record and Matthew Gower Claims First World Title

National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in…

WorkSafe Safety Push Reveals Major Farm Safety Gaps Across New Zealand

A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and…

The PostMate Wins Fieldays 2026 People's Choice Award

A farm shed solution to a long-standing safety problem has captured the public’s vote in the Fieldays Innovation Awards with…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Visit archives

» Connect with Rural News

RSS Facebook Twitter