Editorial: Making wool great again
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
New Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson says rural communities often get marginalised behind urban issues and he intends to change that.
Patterson, who is also an associate Agriculture Minister, told Dairy News that he was determined to get cracking in his new role.
This week, Patterson will be visiting Gisborne to get a first-hand look at recovery efforts in the area following devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year.
"It will give me a chance to see first-hand where things are sitting in terms of recovery," he says.
"We will see what their needs are and what more can be done to help them."
Patterson, an Otago sheep and beef farmer, is serving his second stint as a NZ First MP.
He served in Parliament six years ago. He was given a portfolio outside Cabinet as part of the coalition deal.
He says he's honoured to be given the role, given he has lived in rural communities all his life.
"I'm passionate about them and understand the issues they face. Rural communities often get marginalised behind urban issues. We are going to change that by working for rural communities and farmers."
Patterson believes the large number of farmers in Parliament and holding associate agriculture roles outside Cabinet make for a strong voice for rural communities.
The farmer MPs will work as a team in their delegated areas of responsibility.
They will be led by Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay, a National MP.
Other farmers holding associate agriculture roles are former Feds president Andrew Hoggard and National's Nicola Grigg.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.
Global Dairy Trade (GDT) and Arla Foods have announced that Arla will begin offering European-sourced skim milk powder (SMP) on GDT Pulse from May 2025 as part of an extension to the GDT Pulse pilot.
Farmers in the Australian state of New South Wales will soon be able to use virtual fencing and herding technology to boost farm productivity.
Hawke's Bay teenage entrepreneur Hugo Moffett is helping the rural community access cheaper school uniforms, all without leaving their homes.
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