Tuesday, 12 December 2023 07:55

Patterson vows to work for rural NZ

Written by  Sudesh Kissun
New Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Patterson. New Minister for Rural Communities, Mark Patterson.

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.

More like this

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.

Irish, NZ connection showcased

The Irish Minister of State for Rural Communities says his country and New Zealand face very similar challenges on a range of issues related to agriculture, including climate change, biodiversity and rural depopulation.

Featured

Being a rural vet is ‘fantastic’

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.

Editorial: Long overdue!

OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.

National

Lame stories from a country vet

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Gongs for best field days site

Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive…

Amazone extends hoe range

With many European manufacturers releasing mechanical weeding systems to counter the backlash around the use and possible banning of agrochemicals,…

Gong for NH dealers

New Holland dealers from around Australia and New Zealand came together last month for the Dealer of the Year Awards,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Less hot air

OPINION: Farmers won't get any credit for this from the daily media, so Milking It is giving the bouquets where…

Dollars go offshore

OPINION: The Advertising Standards Authority’s 2024 report revealed that not only is social media rotting our brains, it is also…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter