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!
Registrations are now open for the 2026 Ruralco Golf Classic, with all proceeds from the event set to support the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust.
Mating wrapped up last month at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test on Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri.
Libby Judson is a keeper of memories from an age gone by. Tim Fulton tells her story.
A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute's position as a forestry research leader.
Hemp fibre processor Rubisco is relocating its core processing facility to Ashburton as part of a $20-$30 million expansion to leverage what it says is an accelerating global demand for sustainable and renewable fibres.
Tradition meets some of the latest in technology at the 2026 East Coast Farming Expo.

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