AgriZero's Emissions Gravy Train Goes Global
AgriZeroNZ is taking its taxpayer-funded waste global, says Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie. The announcement that AgriZero is teaming up with a UK government research body shows theyre doubling down on their complete misunderstanding of …
AgriZeroNZ is taking its taxpayer-funded waste global, says Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie.
'The announcement that AgriZero is teaming up with a UK government research body shows they're doubling down on their complete misunderstanding of agricultural emissions and now exporting it.
'It's a slap in the face to any Kiwi taxpayer who can follow the methane cycle on a chart.
'AgriZero was always a PR bandage for the Farming Tax, pretending to take farmers' concerns seriously while ignoring the science. New Zealand's livestock emissions are part of a natural cycle and, with falling herd sizes, that cycle is shrinking.'
'Farmers are forced to fund this nonsense too, through compliant industry players playing along to keep the gravy train running.'
'Like the Green Investment Fund, it's time the Government pulled the plug on AgriZero and accepts the reality: New Zealand agriculture already has a net-zero warming effect,' says Mr McKenzie.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Techday NZ
15 hours ago
- Techday NZ
Westcon-Comstor & Juniper boost Starship with sales support
Westcon-Comstor New Zealand and Juniper Networks have announced a partnership to donate a portion of sales to Starship Children's Hospital. Under the 'Sales that Transform Lives' initiative, Westcon-Comstor will donate 1% of every Mist sale in an effort to support children's healthcare needs through Starship, New Zealand's national children's hospital. The partnership continues Westcon-Comstor New Zealand's efforts to support Starship Children's Hospital. Since 2022, Westcon-Comstor has collaborated with the Starship Foundation—a non-profit organisation supporting the hospital—to raise more than NZD $68,000 through a range of activities such as fundraising events, baking competitions, team building sessions, fun runs, and other campaigns. Funds raised under the new initiative will assist with acquiring lifesaving equipment, supporting critical care services, advancing medical research, and providing family support initiatives. Sales initiative The arrangement specifies that Westcon-Comstor will donate 1% of earnings from the Juniper Mist product line on each sale. This is expected to continue the company's pledge to business initiatives that include charitable giving alongside commercial operations. Dave Rosenberg, Managing Director, Westcon-Comstor, New Zealand, commented on the company's intent to integrate purposeful actions with business operations. He said: "Partnering with Juniper Networks to support Starship Children's Hospital reflects our deep commitment to doing business with purpose. Contributing a portion of our sales is just one way we aim to give back, but more importantly, we hope it encourages others in our community to get behind this meaningful cause and help make a real impact for Kiwi kids." Juniper Networks is joining Westcon-Comstor in this effort, linking the role of technology with broader social outcomes. Ken Lord, Country Manager, New Zealand, Juniper Networks, said: "At Juniper Networks, we believe technology has the power to do more than build networks – it's about connecting people, empowering communities and creating meaningful impact. We're proud to partner with Westcon-Comstor in support of Starship Children's Hospital, with proceeds from our sales directly contributing to the wellbeing of children across New Zealand. Together, we're making every connection count while turning innovation into purposeful action and helping those who need it most." Community impact The fundraising activities correspond to Westcon-Comstor's global Responsible Business strategy, which is structured around commitments to people, the planet, and communities. According to the company, these pillars guide its decision-making processes to ensure positive social impact forms part of its business model. The Starship Foundation reports that demand for services has risen, with a 13% increase in children visiting the hospital over the past year. Jo Simon, Chief Executive Officer of the Starship Foundation, described the importance of continued support: "Over the last year there has been an increase in children coming to Starship by 13%. With a huge demand on services, the work of the Starship Foundation has never been more urgent, more critical, or more relevant than right now and our children need your support more than ever. Every dollar donated helps improve the lives of seriously sick and injured children, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your ongoing support." The total funds donated, both past and future, are designated for hospital needs throughout New Zealand, addressing medical care for a wide range of health conditions affecting children, from minor injuries to severe illnesses. Last year, Starship Hospital recorded attendance from more than 150,000 children from across the country. Westcon-Comstor and Juniper Networks state that their joint initiative is intended both to provide resources for critical child healthcare and to serve as an example for others in the sector to engage in similar programmes.
National Business Review
16 hours ago
- National Business Review
Green Party reacts to Rich List with further calls for wealth tax
The Green Party has reiterated its call for a wealth tax after the 2025 NBR Rich List, released today, revealed the country's leading wealth creators are now collectively worth more than $100 billion. The latest NBR Rich List profiles 119 Kiwi individuals and families who are building enterprises,
National Business Review
20 hours ago
- National Business Review
Lucidome Bio appoints board chair
Lucidome Bio has appointed agricultural technology commercialisation expert Bridgit Hawkins as chairperson, strengthening its governance bench as the company advances its breakthrough methane-reducing vaccine towards global commercial development. The company was established by AgriZeroNZ, with the support of the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre, the Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium and the New Zealand Government and consolidates New Zealand's intellectual property, scientific talent and funding into a single high-growth venture. Lucidome Bio chief executive David Aitken said: 'We've built strong … foundations and are now focused on making technology breakthroughs, progressing regulatory pathways, and strengthening our commercial roadmap into the future. Bridgit has navigated this transition many times and understands how to balance bold thinking with tight execution. She is set to play a critical role in helping us move with clarity and intent.' Hawkins brings deep experience in leading technology-driven companies from early concept phase through to scale and exit. As former founder and CEO of Regen Ltd, she is currently chief sustainability officer at farm management solution company CropX. Hawkins' work has spanned startup governance, capital raising, intellectual property strategy, commercial partnerships, and measuring climate tech impact for global clients. With a master's degree in agricultural science, she has also completed executive training at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and founded Fields of Change, an initiative focused on industry-wide solutions to systemic agricultural challenges. 'Early-stage governance is very different to conventional business-as-usual. You're dealing with high potential, limited resources, and a very fast-moving market. The skill is knowing where to focus – what truly matters – and how to use the resources you have to maximise their effect,' Hawkins explained. Hawkins said what drew her to Lucidome Bio was a rare combination of breakthrough science, a purpose-led team, and a shared sense of urgency. 'The impact potential is enormous, the science is sound, and the belief is real. Now we need to show the world we can execute.' The appointment comes as Lucidome Bio gains growing international recognition, following its selection as a 2025 global finalist at the Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation Showcase in Boston where the company's methane vaccine was recognised for its potential to transform livestock methane reduction at scale. The technology targets methanogenic archaea – the microbes in a ruminant's gut responsible for methane production – by priming the animal's immune system to generate antibodies that reduce methanogen growth through a cost-effective vaccine. The result is a practical, science-backed solution that supports emission reductions without compromising animal health or productivity. 'In many parts of the world, feed additives or high-cost delivery systems simply aren't viable. A vaccine levels the playing field – it's scalable, cost-effective, and equitable and I look forward to ensuring Lucidome Bio gains traction both locally and on the global innovation stage,' concluded Hawkins. This is supplied content and not commissioned or paid for by NBR.
