One and One Don't Make Three
OPINION: Since when did one and one make three? Who didn't smell an elephant-sized rat when our leaders decided to give $60 million to save the cement factory in Northland?
The Hound reckons former agriculture minister and speaker of the House David Carter is heeding calls for him to get out of the political game.
Carter (and former Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson) was one of the MPs mentioned as being past their use-by dates during the infamous taped phone call between National leader Simon Bridges and the very fecund and disgraced MP Jami-Lee Ross.
Your old mate understands that Carter is already preparing for life after Parliament, having put his hand up for the upcoming board elections for rural co-op Farmlands. Expect Carter to hand in his notice soon if he gets on the Farmlands board.
A Palmerston North shearer has been sentenced to six months' community detention and 12 months' supervision after being found to have physically abused three lambs while shearing them.
Power Farming has launched a joint venture in Southland.
Food rescue charity Meet the Need has released its 2025/26 Impact Report, revealing a record year of growth alongside a stark warning: demand for food support across New Zealand is rising faster than supply can keep up.
As we move into the second half of 2026, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that Year-to-Date figures ending June 30 saw new tractor deliveries hitting 1,386 units or 10.7% ahead of the same period in 2025.
The avocado sector is entering the new season with a larger crop and positive market opportunities.
New Zealand growers have always adapted to changing conditions, but one challenge is steadily gaining ground across the horticulture sector: resistance.