Damien O’Connor Criticises Budget 2026 as ‘Miserable’ for Rural New Zealand
A miserable budget that didn’t deliver much for anyone.
OPINION: A mate of yours truly wonders if outgoing Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor will now call it a day on his 30-year long political career.
Not only did O'Connor's Labour Party take a drubbing on election night, but he also lost his West Coast seat to the infamously labelled 'F#$%ing useless' Maureen Pugh.
While O'Connor got back into parliament, courtesy of his high list placing, one would have to wonder if the 63-year-old fancies a likely (at least) six years in opposition before getting back into government again.
That would see him nearing 70 years of age and frankly well past his use-by date.
As a list MP, O'Connor can depart from Parliament without triggering an expensive by-election and the next 'union flunky or gay gagglist' (to paraphrase his own words) from the Labour list can take his place.
37 farmers from across the Rangitīkei and Manawatū regions recently spent a day-and-a-half learning new business management and planning skills at Rabobank’s latest AgPathways Programmes in Whanganui.
Seven catchment groups across New Zealand have been awarded $10,000 grants as part of the Westpac Water Care Project.
Equine veterinarians say horse owners need to stay alert and communicate with their vets following an outbreak of the highly contagious bacterial disease Strangles in the North Island.
New nationwide research has revealed exactly how Kiwis like to enjoy hot chips, with a simple sprinkle of salt coming out on top.
Deputy Prime Minister and ACT Party leader David Seymour says advocacy group Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has submitted against a controversial bill without consulting its members.
Eighteen months ago, when negotiations for a free trade deal with India were announced, New Zealand apple growers expressed their desire to be part of the deal.

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