Category Archives: Uncategorized

What is it with our politicians wanting New Zealand to be like other countries? Back in the 1980’s we had David Lange aspiring New Zealand to become the Switzerland of the South Pacific. Then in the 90s Jim Bolger wanted … Continue reading →

News that MAF will change its name at the end of April and be known as the Ministry for Primary Industries reminds me of the talented, but weird singer and musician Prince. Back in 1993, Prince had ‘an artistic difference’ … Continue reading →

The battle for the ownership of the Crafar Farms and the Government’s sign-off of the Overseas Investment Office’s approval of the sale of the farms to Chinese bidders has shown the nasty and ugly side of this country. During the … Continue reading →

The fight over the Crafar Farms has already had more twists and turns than a cheap novel. However, the battle for the hearts and minds of the New Zealand public in the long-running saga about who will get to purchase … Continue reading →

Fonterra’s recent announcement that it intends to reduce local milk prices may have been welcomed by various consumer groups and many others – including self-serving politicians. While the intention may be good; the move is likely to cause long-term problems … Continue reading →

There’s been a great deal of talk about 2011 being the time when all the planets lined up for a near-perfect year for farming. There is little doubt that export markets, growing nations with expanding middle classes hungry for our … Continue reading →

Fonterra delivered New Zealand’s children– and the country – an early Christmas present by announcing the return to free milk in schools. The Milk for Schools programme, which aims to deliver fresh milk to all primary schools nationwide by the … Continue reading →

So the votes have been counted and we know – or at least, we’re well on the way – to knowing what shape our new Government is going to take. It was always going to be a fairly safe bet … Continue reading →

National says it will pump $400 million into boosting on farm-water storage and irrigation if re-elected. Not surprisingly – especially in the midst of an election campaign – the idea has been shot down by political opponents. But the rationale … Continue reading →

  All over New Zealand sheep farmers are naturally rejoicing at the great prices that they are getting for their lambs – and so they should be. For many years sheep farmers have had to live with poor prices and … Continue reading →