Listen to The Country online: Shane Jones on Budget 2025

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones spoke to Jamie Mackay on The Country today. Photo / Cameron Pitney

Today on The Country radio show, host Jamie Mackay catches up with Regional Development Minister Shane Jones to get his take on yesterday’s Budget.

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On with the show:

Shane Jones:

The Prince of the Provinces, the self-titled Matua Shane, comments on yesterday’s Budget, where a highlight was his baiting of the Greens over his spend-up on fossil fuel energy. But should he who has sinned cast the first stone?

Jason Te Brake:

The chief executive of Zespri comments on the strong demand and market returns from Zespri’s largest-ever crop, which has seen the kiwifruit marketer top $5 billion in global sales in the 2024/25 season, exceeding the goal set in 2015 of $4.5 billion by 2025.

Zespri sold a record 220.9 million trays of kiwifruit in 2024/25, an increase from 164.2 million trays in 2023/24.

Chris Brandolino:

NIWA’s principal scientist on our Indian summer, which is heading into winter.

Kane Brisco:

This month’s Farmstrong farmer and champion is a well-known Taranaki cow cocky and author of the best selling book Tools for the Top Paddock.

Rowena Duncum:

The Country’s rural commercial lead is just back from a 10-day trek of the Australian Outback, where her touring party ventured to some great Aussie Outback stations.

Listen below: