Damien O’Connor Criticises Budget 2026 as ‘Miserable’ for Rural New Zealand
A miserable budget that didn’t deliver much for anyone.
OPINION: Your old mate well realises that politicians are slippery types.
However, he reckons the Government's decision to announce its final agricultural emissions policy just a couple of days before Christmas, when most media have knocked off for the year and people are busy readying themselves for the holidays, is one of the most cynical and gutless moves he's seen.
How cynical was it of Ag Minister Damien O'Connor and PM Jacinda Ardern to make possibly the biggest announcement to impact on agriculture in this country since the reforms of the 1980s and then bugger off on holiday or 6 weeks!
Perhaps, just like their government's equally cynical move to pass the deeply unpopular 3 waters legislation right on the eve of end-of-year, they hope people will forget about it.
Fat chance - especially with an election year in the offing!
Joshua Irving has been named the 2026 Ormond Nurseries North Canterbury Young Viticulturist of the Year.
Vets say they support the responsible use of virtual fencing and virtual herding technology for cattle and wants to work with farmers, manufacturers and government to help shape standards for future use backed by ongoing research to strengthen animal welfare outcomes.
National and world records tumbled as top Kiwi axeman claimed two Stihl Timbersports world titles at the same event in Budapest, Hungary over the first weekend in June.
A safety push across New Zealand has revealed significant gaps in hazardous substances management, farm vehicles, tractors, quad bikes and side-by-sides.
New Zealand farmers have earned a global edge by consistently yet cautiously taking advantage of emerging agri-technology.
New season data from LIC shows a strong reproductive performance for the 2025-26 season, with a lift in key metrics compared to last season.

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