Paddock Talk

Greetings from Club Marama, where the spring has, on balance, been kind to us and, as a result, the animals are looking very well, which we are quite chuffed about!

In less than two weeks our votes will determine who governs us for the next three years. They could also determine the electoral system we'll have for several decades.

When I arrived in New Zealand to do some research about farming, I had to wonder.

It is great to see the rebuilding of a positive and constructive relationship between pastoral lessees and Land Information New Zealand (Linz), which administers leases on behalf of the Government.

We had expected to be in a minority supporting the Pumas at the Rugby World Cup match in Dunedin 10 days ago but the city was awash with blue and white.

It's a worry that only about 13% of voters live in rural areas, yet more than 60% of New Zealand's bills are paid for by agricultural exports.

Greetings from a soggy Club Marama where indeed the snow was of limited consequence as mid winter is a great time for snow!

Think of New Zealand's biggest A and P show, multiply it several times, add a Western theme, inject with Canadian warmth and you'll have some idea of the Calgary Stampede.

Prior to 1987, most Crown-owned land in New Zealand was managed by the Lands and Survey Department (L&S).

Sometimes I completely fail to understand New Zealand. As a nation we trade on a clean green image yet encourage the desecration of our resources at every turn.