Monday, 06 December 2021 13:32

Kuriger retains shadow ag portfolio

Written by Sudesh Kissun

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger has retained her agriculture portfolio in National's shadow cabinet.

Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger has retained her agriculture portfolio in National’s shadow cabinet.

New National leader Christopher Luxon says Kuriger is doing an excellent job and he’s confident that the party will win back rural support that moved to Labour during the last election.

Kuriger is ranked 10^th in the 20-member shadow cabinet. She also has biosecurity and food safety portfolios.

The climate change and environment portfolios have gone to Scott Simpson, who is ranked 11^th.

Luxon says Simpson chairs the party’s ‘Blue Green’ group.

“I think he will deliver the clean and clear thinking needed to navigate climate change,” he says.

“We will get beyond the words and emotion of it and will deliver.”

Former leader Judith Collins drops to 19^th on the list and will look after science, innovation and technology.

More like this

Farming Leader Katie Milne Steps into Politics for National

Former Federated Farmers president Katie Milne is National’s candidate for the West Coast- Tasman seat in this year’s general election.

Election 2026: Former Federated Farmers President Named National Party Candidate

Katie Milne, former Federated Farmers president, has been announced as the National Party’s candidate for the West Coast-Tasman electorate.

Dreams aren't plans

OPINION: Milking It reckons if you're National, looking at recent polls, the dream scenario is that the elusive economic recovery finally roars to life.

If voters see some growth and wages rising faster than prices, the government could say they've "fixed" things as they ride into the next election.

Back here on Earth though, the economy they inherited is a basket case, and the long-term headwinds are fierce.

Political commentator Liam Hehir says, "dreams are not plans" and if the turnaround doesn't come in time, National may have no choice but to go negative.

"Everybody wants to fight on the economy if they can. But when neither side has a compelling story, the contest shifts to other issues. That's not new. In fact, it's the stuff of politics everywhere, always."

Trop de Paris!

OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly relating to how they're treating their farmer base.

Farmers win as government scraps proposed Fringe Benefit Tax on utes

Selecting the reverse gear quicker than a lovestruck boyfriend who has met the in-laws for the first time, the Coalition Government has confirmed that the proposal to amend Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) charged against farm utes has been canned.

Featured

Over 1,200 Exhibitors Confirmed for Fieldays 2026

More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.

Maschio Gaspardo Posts 12% Revenue Growth Despite Global Machinery Market Pressure

Despite difficult trading conditions for European machinery manufacturers brought about conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, alongside the United States imposing punitive tariffs, Italian manufacturer Maschio Gaspardo, has seen turnover increase 12% in 2025 to €390 million (NZ$775m) with a net profit of €11.2 million (NZ$22.3).