Tuesday, 06 February 2024 07:55

MP seeks consensus on water, climate change

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
New Northland MP Grant McCallum says it is the job of leaders to take people with them during periods of change and to help cushion the effects on society. New Northland MP Grant McCallum says it is the job of leaders to take people with them during periods of change and to help cushion the effects on society.

New Northland MP Grant McCallum is calling for cross Parliament consensus on long-term issues like water quality.

Delivering his maiden speech in Parliament last week, the Maungaturoto dairy farmer noted that while change is inevitable, it is the job of leaders to take people with them during periods of change and to help cushion the effects on society.

"As farmers, all we ask for is a clear direction of travel that is achievable while maintaining a profitable business,” he says.

“Having the pendulum swing wildly every time there is a change of government is not good for anyone and is certainly not good for the environment.”

McCallum, a former National Party board member, is an executive of Bluegreens, National’s advisory group on the environment, formed in 1988 by former MPs Simon Upton and Nick Smith.

McCallum noted that the Bluegreens is an excellent forum for debating some very challenging environmental issues.

“It is a forum where all sides of the political and environmental spectrum can meet. It is respectful relationships like this that [we] need to chart a way forward as we work through long term environmental issues.”

McCallum says solutions to environmental challenges lie with Parliament and New Zealand as a whole.

“No single political party or organisation owns the environment, we all do,” he says.

McCallum says dealing with climate change is another challenge facing farmers.

While some see this as too tough and as a pointless battle, McCallum sees it as an opportunity.

He points out that it’s an opportunity to help the world reduce global emissions and increase the value of our exports.

“Let’s back ourselves and our amazing scientists to find solutions. Then, we can add real value to our produce and help secure a future for the next generations both financially and environmentally.”

He also outlined his vision for Northland, the “electorate that is miles above the rest”.

“If ever there is a region that has untapped potential, it is Northland. We are located next to the biggest city in the country, and we have a great coastline and beaches.

“We are blessed with quality soils that can grow a large range of crops. We have one of the highest percentages of young people under 15 in the country, yet we are struggling economically and socially and have done for a long time.”

The single biggest factor holding the electorate back is connectivity, particularly the quality of roading infrastructure.

McCallum says it is best summed up by the state of the Brynderwyrns and the Mangamukas. The Mangamukas has been closed since August 2022 and are expected to be closed for the rest of 2024. The Brynderwyrns were shut for fifty-eight days after the wet weather last summer and are going to be shut for at least another nine weeks to do some urgent repairs, just to try and stop a catastrophic failure this winter.

McCallum says Northlanders have had enough.

“It is time to stop politicising Northland’s roads. It is time all the members of this house release the handbrake on Northland’s prosperity and back the four-lane highway.

“It is a vital part of lifting families out of poverty by enabling businesses to invest, creating jobs and opportunities across a range of sectors and breathing new life into Northland.”

More like this

Feds power!

OPINION: Your canine crusader reckons no single lobby group has had a bigger turnaround in fortunes than Federated Farmers since the election of the new coalition Government.

New minister's hort focus

The new Minister of Horticulture, Nicola Grigg, says the reason that she came into Parliament was because of her interest in and commitment to agriculture.

Back to the backbench

Former Labour agriculture and trade minister Damien O'Connor hopes the new coalition Governent will continue the direction of travel initiated by his government in terms of ensuring the high reputation of our primary exports.

New Government has a lot to do

Former agriculture minister and speaker of Parliament Sir David Carter says the new National-led coalition faces significantly more important issues to deal with than previous governments.

Featured

New UHT plant construction starts

Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.

National

Farm Source turns 10!

Hundreds of Fonterra farmers visited their local Farm Source store on November 29 to help celebrate the rural service trader's…

Climate-friendly cows closer

Dairy farmers are one step closer to breeding cow with lower methane emissions, offering an innovative way to reduce the…

Machinery & Products

A JAC for all trades

While the New Zealand ute market is dominated by three main players, “disruptors” are never too far away.

Pushing the boundaries

Can-Am is pushing the boundaries of performance with its Outlander line-up of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) with the launch of the…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Milking fish

OPINION: It could be cod on your cornflakes and sardines in your smoothie if food innovators in Indonesia have their…

Seaweed the hero?

OPINION: A new study, published recently in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, adds to some existing evidence about…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter