National launches Primary Industries policy
National’s Primary Industries policy released today has a strong focus on creating jobs and driving the New Zealand
economy forward, says spokesman Nathan Guy.
“National has set an ambitious goal of doubling the value of our primary sector exports by 2025 – from $32 billion to
$64 billion,” says Mr Guy.
“Already this year primary industry exports have reached record levels of almost $38 billion in the year to June.
Maintaining this success is crucial for the health of our regions and the strength of our economy as a whole.
“We will continue to support the Primary Growth Partnership (PGP), which is co-investing over $700 million into 18
innovation projects with industry. This covers a range of industries and has the potential to deliver returns of up to
$11 billion by 2025.
“National will continue prioritising our biosecurity system by strengthening our borders and working closely with
industry and other countries.
“Irrigation and water storage has a major role to play, given the droughts we have suffered through over the last two
years. We will continue to support carefully-targeted irrigation projects that will deliver economic and environmental
benefits for New Zealand.
“Environmental sustainability is increasingly important to consumers around the world and this is a priority for
National. We are cleaning up waterways and carefully manage fishing stocks, including the creation of two recreational
fishing parks in the Hauraki Gulf and Marlborough Sounds.
“New roads, supporting Māori freehold land and a $150 million extension to the Rural Broadband Initiative will all help
regional economies.
“Already we’ve announced a $100m fund for voluntary land purchases near significant waterways, and a $22.5m scheme to
encourage the planting of new forests.
“Just as important is what we won’t be doing,” says Mr Guy.
“Unlike opposition parties, we won’t be introducing higher income taxes, a capital gains tax, an irrigation tax or
rushing animal emissions into the ETS.”
Mr Guy says National is the only party committed to backing the regions, and supporting the primary sectors to grow -
benefitting all New Zealanders.
National’s Primary Industries Policy is available at: http://ntnl.org.nz/1s7K79n
ends