Damien O’Connor: NZ united on global trade
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
OPINION: This old mutt reckons Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor too often suffers from 'foot in mouth' disease.
Speaking at last month's Central District field days, O'Connor told an audience of agricultural leaders and politicians that the last year has taught the tourism industry "not to be so cocky" after losing its spot as the top export earner to the dairy industry.
Not a very smart thing to say when tourism operators are going broke all over the country due to his government's policies on border control - especially when tourism businesses in his own patch on the West Coast are suffering terribly.
This follows O'Connor's dumb comment, earlier in the year, when he told the Australians to show China 'more respect'.
The Hound suggests O'Connor should practice engaging his brain a whole lot more before opening his big, fat mouth!
Following a side-by-side rolling into a gully, Safer Farms has issued a new Safety Alert.
Coming in at a year-end total at 3088 units, a rise of around 10% over the 2806 total for 2024, the signs are that the New Zealand farm machinery industry is turning the corner after a difficult couple of years.
New Zealand's animal health industry has a new tool addressing a long-standing sustainability issue.
The Government has announced that ACC will be a sponsor of this year's FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition.
As veterinary student numbers grow to help address New Zealand's national workforce shortge, Massey University's School of Veterinary Science is inviting more veterinary practices to partner in training the next generation of vets.
South Island dairy farmers will soon be able to supply organic milk to Fonterra.

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