Todd Talks with Todd Muller National MP

We know how important a profitable primary sector is to our economy and prosperity. I can’t emphasise enough just how important it is that you give us feedback on the Primary Sector Discussion Document National released at Mystery Creek Fieldays.

You can help determine National’s policy during coming years, and help shape our nation’s future by developing sound economic practices. Having your say is even more important than ever now we have a slowing, uncertain economy and declining job market. Together with the previously-released Environment Document, these are available at www.national.org.nz

We want primary producers to keep more of what they earn, rather than having it swallowed up in the Coalition Government’s escalating taxes by stealth. Writing taxpayer-funded cheques is not the answer to boosting rural confidence or the way to deliver a sound economic plan. Rural NZ is already one of the most emissions efficient in the world and lead with innovative practices and technological development. The sector needs certainty and to be able to look toward a positive future, not knee-capped with more taxes and broken promises.

Despite immediate challenges we believe NZ’s future lies with the development of new technologies and biotechnological solutions to tackle climate change together with increased efficiencies of land use and I’ll continue to push this message to preserve healthy rural communities. Our nation was built on the ingenuity and resourcefulness of number 8 wire and I have no doubt we’ll continue to be global leaders in best practice.

Biosecurity threats

Rural NZ isn’t just battling an inept Government and increasing bad legislation but biosecurity threats continue to be a big risk. Once again NZ is at the frontline with organisations like Bay of Plenty-based Kiwifruit Vine Health working closely with primary growers, MPI, the science community and other industries to understand and respond to these threats. Psa, fruit fly detections in Auckland, stink bugs in the Bay of Plenty, and spreading kauri dieback disease are just some invasive pests and organisms threatening our primary industries and environment.

In another first The Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital formed as a partnership to tackle the threat of invasive pests and diseases promotes and coordinates biosecurity action across the country. It includes KVH, Zespri and several other kiwifruit industry bodies, alongside local and national government, iwi, scientists and local organisations.

It is collaborative efforts like these which enable New Zealanders to continue to celebrate its iconic rural lifestyle and live the rural dream. National will continue to support the regions on the back of a sound commercial and environmental approach.