Listen to The Country online: Sir Ian Taylor to debate Shane Jones on Bendigo gold mine

Sir Ian Taylor spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay today. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Today on The Country radio show, host Jamie Mackay catches up with businessman and entrepreneur Sir Ian Taylor.

Taylor is gearing up for a debate with Minister for Resources Shane Jones over a gold mining plan at Bendigo in Central Otago.

On with the show:

Christopher Luxon:

The Prime Minister ponders the lead-up to National Lamb Day on February 15 and the National Lamb Day broadcast from Parliament Lawns on February 11.

We also discuss the upcoming regional farmer Field Days season, and who is right - Shane Jones or Sir Ian Taylor when it comes to gold mining at Bendigo in Central Otago?

Sir Ian Taylor:

To dig or not to dig?

A leading New Zealand businessman and entrepreneur prepares to take on Matua Shane Jones, the Prince of the Provinces, over gold mining in Bendigo, Central Otago.

Paul Joules:

Consumers may soon see products containing cocoa-free chocolate appearing on shelves as confectionery manufacturers look to manage increased volatility in the price and supply of cocoa beans, according to newly released research from Rabobank.

But what will it taste like?

We ask a RaboResearch analyst.

Richard Allen:

After the mystery surrounding the latest GDT Auction, Fonterra’s president of global ingredients finally got us the real numbers.

And they were worth waiting for – whole milk powder up 5.3%, skim milk powder up 10.6% and butter up 8.8%.

Listen below: