increase font size
Prime Minister Jacinda Adern addressing the conference.
Economically, New Zealand is entering a dramatic era of unprecedented change, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told the Federated Farmers conference.
It seems all the long term challenges to the primary sector are on the table at the same time, she said.
“I want you to know, feel and experience that we too are focused on these issues and equally on supporting you as we navigate these issues,” she told the conference.
“This transition is not easy, but it will be less jarring if we start early.”
The PM said the pursuit of quality free trade agreements (FTAs) is a top priority for her Government.
They want quality, modern, enduring and progressive FTAs that adhere to the rules based systems of the WTO and open doors for NZ food and fibre products to shine as the best in premium markets.
“We should settle for no less,” Ardern said.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor urged the primary sector to engage and connect with and better understand Maori. Maori agribusiness will be a big part of NZ’s future, he said.
NZ must better connect with Maori and their aspirations, so appreciating and adopting their values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship and wise utilisation, not preservation) and manaakitanga (sharing goods we have with others), O’Connor said.
“These things will drive us into the future. More consumers are looking for sustainability in our products and more people want to know we care about our environment and are engaged in climate change initiatives.”
He says NZ must be the Swiss watch producer of protein products – “the very, very best”. These must be worthy of the highest possible prices, bought by people less concerned about price than about value.
OPINION: After Jacinda Ardern and Labour were asked to form the government following the 2017 elections, Federated Farmers sent an email out to its executives asking if any of them had a working relationship with any Labour MPs. The answer was no one did.
OPINION: It's been reported that former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will work alongside leaders from Conservation International to advocate for climate action and better treatment of the environment.
OPINION: The sudden resignation of Jacinda Ardern and installation of Chris Hipkins as Prime Minister will see many in the farming sector looking to the old maxim about 'putting lipstick on a pig' - which means making superficial or cosmetic changes to a product in a futile effort to disguise its fundamental failings.
OPINION: The Hound notes that in all the media hoo-ha over outgoing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her replacement by a Richie Cunningham from Happy Days look-alike, news that another quitter was back went under the radar.
Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard believes the agriculture sector is “losing a friend” with the shock resignation of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Hawke’s Bay’s Silt Recovery Taskforce has received the Collaboration Excellence Award at the Association of Local Government Information Management (ALGIM) Awards.
Construction is underway at Fonterra’s new UHT cream plant at Edendale, Southland following a groundbreaking ceremony recently.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) has launched a new summer checklist for animal owners this year.
The Amuri Basin Future Farming (ABFF) Project in North Canterbury is making considerable strides in improving irrigation efficiency, riparian management, and environmental innovation.
A Farmlands shareholder is questioning the rural trader’s decision to more than double its annual card fee.
OPINION: Before we all let The Green Party have at it with their 'bold' emissions reduction plan, the Hound thought…
OPINION: The Feds' latest banking survey shows that bankers are even less popular with farmers than they used to be,…
