Minister's hands-on role
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson, who farms at Lawrence in Otago, has personally been actively involved in assessing the situation in his region.
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.
