Proposed solutions for the major issues facing the rural sector were argued at the lively 2026 Rural Issues Debate.
A recording of the special election debate is available on the New Zealand Herald website.
Moderated by radio host and columnist Heather du Plessis-Allan, the debate featured Todd McClay (National), Jo Luxton (Labour), Andrew Hoggard (ACT), Mark Patterson (New Zealand First) and Steve Abel (Green Party).
They focused on the big issues impacting farmers, growers and rural communities, including resource management, climate change, and the environment, as well as the impacts of global volatility on exporters.
The debate was an opportunity to shine a light on the issues that impact rural New Zealanders, B+LNZ chair Kate Acland says.
Held before a live audience of about 400 people at the Mystery Creek Events Centre near Hamilton, the debate was also livestreamed.
B+LNZ teamed up with DairyNZ and Federated Farmers to organise the event for farmers.