DairyNZ welcomes new Ministerial appointments

MEDIA RELEASE
January 23, 2013

DairyNZ welcomes new Ministerial appointments

Industry-good body DairyNZ has welcomed the appointment of Levin dairy farmer Nathan Guy to the position of Minister for Primary Industries.

DairyNZ Chairman John Luxton says the dairy industry is leading a renewed focus on responsible and competitive dairy farming, with a new Sustainable Dairying; Water Accord about to be released and a Strategy for Sustainable Dairy Farming under development and going to be launched in May.

“We know the Minister has first-hand knowledge of dairy farming and its challenges – and will be able to engage easily with farmers and talk their language,” he says. “That’s a huge plus when you are doing that job.”

Mr Luxton, a Minister himself for nine years, including holding the agriculture portfolio, says it’s a challenging role because the area is so broad and covers a very wide brief from operational to policy to trade issues.

“We thank David Carter for the significant contribution he made to the portfolio and the rural sector including the transition from MAF to MPI. He had the gravitas and industry knowledge to get through a number of key initiatives including the introduction of the National Animal Identification and Tracing scheme – a huge and challenging step forward.”

John Luxton says he’s also delighted to welcome Jo Goodhew as Associate Minister for Primary Industries.

“Both Ministers serve important dairying electorates and I’m sure a close affinity with their communities will be an added advantage. They come into their roles with a good practical knowledge of farming because of where they come from. We look forward to working with them.”

-ENDS-

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