Diplomatic Incident
OPINION: Your old mate hears an international incident is threatening to blow up the long-standing Anzac alliance as Kiwis and Aussies argue over who wants new Australian resident and former NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
OPINION: The Hound was gobsmacked to learn that the NZ media's love affair with 'our' Jacinda took another great leap forward - or more correctly backwards - during the recent visit of Australian PM Scott Morrison.
Apparently, Ardern and her PR lackeys demanded that the NZ media submit their questions in advance before a press conference between the cuddler-in-chief and her Aussie counterpart.
By all accounts, our 'open and transparent' PM was concerned about the 'China issue' being raised and the embarrassment any tough questions might cause to our relationship with the communist powerhouse.
Ironically, Ardern's controlling of the media is identical to the totalitarian Chinese regime, where one does not ask embarrassing questions of its leaders.
However, what's worse was the gutless toadies in the lamestream media who complied with her demands.
Danielle Adsett has been announced as the new chief executive of New Zealand Apples and Pears (NZAPI).
Lian Butcher has been appointed as the next Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
A day after selling its consumer businesses, Fonterra has settled a civil claim, filed by Greenpeace, out of court.
The venue for National Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere's largest agribusiness show, is getting a major infrastructure upgrade.
Despite the ongoing bad news on the geopolitical front, New Zealand kiwifruit growers may be in for a good payout.
Under pressure wine growers say the appointment of a new chief executive will bring a fresh perspective, renewed focus, and a clear, united vision for the industry.