Really minister?

O’Connor says the group will keep working on a plan of action to be presented to him by late September.

“My expectation of this group is to do a stocktake of the multiple initiatives already underway to promote good winter grazing practices and identify why these are not currently working for all,” said O’Connor.

“Then we need to come up with actions on how we can get farmers where they should be.

“The taskforce will draw on advice and expertise from various groups and individuals across the country who can inform and challenge the taskforce’s thinking.”

The taskforce is chaired by John Hellstrom, a former chair of the national animal welfare advisory committee.

The appointment on the taskforce of Hamilton businessman Angus Robson, who has spearheaded a recent campaign to highlight cows in bogged paddocks, has raised eyebrows in the farming sector and raised questions about O’Connor’s judgement.

Two farmers — Ewen Mathieson, Southland and Pania King, Gisborne — were also appointed.