NATHAN GUY MP for Otaki

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has provided an update on progress being made in resolving the delays in clearance for some meat exports to China.

“Resolving this delay is the number one priority for the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“New Zealand officials have worked around the clock to provide additional technical information to Chinese authorities over the weekend.

“This information will be given to AQSIQ, the Chinese organisation responsible for border clearances. This will enable them to pass it on to port authorities, a process which may take some days.

“New Zealand officials are also talking with their counterparts in China today to see what, if any, further information or support is needed.

“Overall trade to China is still flowing well and this issue appears confined to some shipments of meat.

“Most product is frozen and is being properly stored, while priority for clearance is being given to chilled meat.

“The Ministry for Primary Industries is also keeping in close contact with the meat industry and updating them on a daily basis.

“New Zealand is a trading nation and from time to time these kind of technical delays will occur. This is a temporary issue, but we’re confident it can be resolved,” says Mr Guy.

Budget 2013 has confirmed $80 million in funding for regional irrigation projects, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says.

“After the extreme drought that most of the country has struggled through this year, the need for better water storage is obvious,” he says.

“There is no shortage of water in New Zealand, but we lack the ability to store and use that water when it’s needed most. Currently, only 2 per cent of rainfall is used for irrigation. We need to do a better job of using this resource.

“Increasing irrigation could see a further 420,000 hectares of irrigated land becoming available, creating thousands of new jobs and boosting exports by $4 billion a year.

“More consistent river flows in summer will also have real benefits for the environment, with improved habitats for fish and birdlife.

“I’m disappointed that Labour and the Greens refuse to support this crucial infrastructure, which is so important to regional New Zealand. Once again, they are opposed to any positive moves to create jobs and exports,” Mr Guy says.

The $80 million funding was announced in January and comes from the Government’s Future Investment Fund, using proceeds from the share offer programme.

In total, the Government has signalled plans to invest up to $400 million in regional irrigation schemes to encourage third-party capital investment.

A new Crown company will be established on 1 July to act as a bridging investor for irrigation projects. This will involve short-term, minority investments to help kick-start these regional projects.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy says he is shocked at the Labour Party’s u-turn on supporting the Ruataniwha water storage scheme in Hawke’s Bay, despite previously indicating their support.

“The proposed Ruataniwha water storage scheme has the potential to irrigate an extra 25,000 hectares in Hawke’s Bay. This would be a major boost to exports, jobs and growth in the region.

“In October last year Labour MPs Shane Jones and Damien O’Connor visited the site and said it made a “very good case” and that “It is an obscure part of the country that [will cope] with such a large structure.”[i]

“Now they have been over-ruled by Stuart Nash, a rejected ex-MP who says “…Labour will not be funding water storage schemes if elected in 2014…”

“This is a slap in the face for farmers and Hawke’s Bay. I would have thought the severe drought this summer has made the need for this type of project even more obvious.  

“The drought has highlighted that we don’t have a water shortage in New Zealand, but a shortage of storage options. We only capture two per cent of the rainfall that falls on New Zealand with the rest running out to sea.

“Water storage can have real environmental benefits. Increased river flows means more water for recreational users in summer, and improved habitats for fish and birdlife.

“This is why former Fish & Game regional manager and senior freshwater ecologist at the Cawthron Institute, Iain Maxwell, has come out publicly in support of the scheme.

“Labour are anti-progress and don’t care about jobs and investment in provincial areas. They are opposed to any new mining, energy and irrigation projects, and want to bring in a capital gains tax and an enlarged emissions trading scheme which would hammer rural communities,” says Mr Guy.

The Government is investing $80 million this year into a new Crown company to act as a bridging investor for irrigation projects. In total, up to $400 million will be invested in regional-scale schemes to encourage third-party capital investment.

The Government is also funding $35 million towards the Irrigation Acceleration Fund to help suitable projects reach the prospectus-ready stage. Last year the IAF and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council jointly funded a $3.3m feasibility study of the Ruataniwha Water Storage Project.

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the decision to appoint a Board of Inquiry to consider the Peka Peka to North Otaki expressway.

“The development of new roads in our region is racing ahead now, and this is another big step forward.

“This section of expressway will improve one of the worst traffic choke points in the lower North Island. It includes a new bridge over the Otaki bridge and will also have easy access in and out of the retail shopping hub.

“A Board of Inquiry means that everyone can have their say, and a decision will be reached in nine months. We’ve seen with Transmission Gully and the Kapiti expressway that this is an open, efficient and transparent process.  

“The Levin to Wellington Airport Road of National Significance is a $2 billion project that will mean quicker, safer journeys and a real boost to local economic growth. It’s great to see things moving quickly on this major project,” says Mr Guy.

A national management plan for dealing with the kiwifruit Psa virus has been formally approved by the Government, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

“This plan means that the primary responsibility for managing Psa is now moving to the industry themselves as they are best placed to co-ordinate and lead the response.

“As part of this, the Government has approved a levy rate on exported kiwifruit equating to one cent per tray for green fruit and two cents a tray for gold fruit. This will help cover disease management, monitoring, plant material movement and dealing with unmanaged and abandoned orchards.

“The levy has been voted on by growers and will have a shortfall until yields return to pre-Psa levels. Therefore Cabinet has agreed that $3.5 million remaining from the initial Government funding of $25 million will be passed to Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH) to implement the plan.

“Since the discovery of Psa in Te Puke in late 2010 there has been a very effective partnership between the Government and the industry on disease management. The Government has provided $25 million, matched dollar for dollar by industry, to help fight the disease.

“The industry body charged with managing Psa, Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH), has done a great job in consulting with growers throughout New Zealand and developing the proposal for this plan. It has been pleasing to see a high-level of support from growers to establishing the plan,” says Mr Guy.

Mr Guy says that despite moving the management of Psa to industry, the Government still has a strong interest in the recovery of the kiwifruit industry.

New detector dog puppies and a recruitment drive to hire 30 new quarantine inspectors proves biosecurity is a top priority for the government, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

Mr Guy visited the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Detector Dog Breeding Centre in Auckland today to meet four new beagle puppies that will be trained to guard New Zealand’s airports to stop unwanted pests and diseases entering the country.

“The four puppies have overcome a tragic start to life. Their mum, Utah, was found to have leukaemia soon after the births and had to be put down,” says Mr Guy.

Mr Guy chose the name ‘Clara’ for one of the new puppies.

“I’m looking forward to following Clara’s progress as she helps to guard our border.”

“As well as recruiting canines, the Ministry is about to start recruiting 30 new quarantine inspectors to work on the frontline of our biosecurity system. This is in addition to the 56 extra frontline staff recruited over the last six months,” says Mr Guy.

Of the 30 new staff, six will start work in Christchurch, four in Wellington, two in Queenstown and 18 in Auckland. They will begin in mid-August after extensive training.

“Numbers of frontline staff are directly related to the volume of people and goods crossing the border. As New Zealand’s economy continues to grow the numbers of border staff are also likely to increase.

“The primary industries are the powerhouse of New Zealand’s economy and protecting them from biosecurity threats is my number one priority. We have a world class system, but we are always looking for ways to improve it even further,” says Mr Guy.

Increasing the number of staff and dogs at the border is one of a number of recent biosecurity initiatives including:

•    The Joint Border Management System to improve how our border agencies work together.
•    Implementing the Biosecurity Law Reform Bill which passed last year, including Government-Industry Agreements to boost our readiness and response.
•    Trans-Tasman Action Plan on Foot and Mouth Disease Preparedness with Australia.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has introduced a Bill to Parliament today to update and strengthen animal welfare in New Zealand.

“The Bill will allow us to create enforceable regulations that set out how farm and domestic animals should be treated. It also gives wider powers to deal with people who breach welfare laws,” says Mr Guy.

“This comes from a comprehensive review of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 which found that while the principles are sound, the time is right to update and improve how it operates. This will make the legislation easier to enforce, and make it clearer and more transparent.

“It matters how we treat animals, both to ourselves and for our international trading reputation. This Bill will make that reputation even stronger.

“This is important to New Zealanders because around 68% of households have a pet, and we earn around $20 billion a year by exporting animal products such as meat, milk and wool.

“The new regulations will be developed to support our 15 codes of welfare, and future codes, which cover a wide variety of animals.

“The codes that are currently developed by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) will be strengthened by these new regulations.

“The Bill also includes new direct protections for New Zealand’s wild animals, animals being exported to other countries, and those being used in research.

“These proposals have been through rigorous consultation and as a result several changes have been incorporated since the discussion document.

“We have one of the best animal welfare systems in the world, but at the same time we are always looking for improvements.

“The vast majority of New Zealanders who take great care of their animals will hardly notice the changes made in this Bill. However there will be greater sanctions for the few who mistreat animals.

“Last week, I released the New Zealand Animal Welfare Strategy, which sets the direction for animal welfare in New Zealand. This Bill is an important step toward that future,” says Mr Guy.

Further information on the Bill is available at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/biosec/consult/proposals-for-aw-strategy-and-aw-act.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has launched the New Zealand Animal Welfare Strategy today, setting out a high level framework for how we treat animals.

“The strategy Animal Welfare Matters sets out a formal foundation for New Zealand’s animal welfare legislation and policy,” says Mr Guy.

“It says that it matters how animals are treated, and that we have responsibilities toward animals. It also says that using animals for activities like farming and racing is acceptable as long as it is humane.”

The strategy lists four main routes to improved animal welfare:

• Better planning to prevent animal welfare problems;
• Better animal husbandry, science and technology;
• Clear expectations and sanctions, with help for people to comply; and
• Measuring animal welfare performance.

“Animals matter to us personally. Sixty-eight percent of New Zealand households have at least one pet.

“New Zealand also earns around $20 billion a year by exporting animal products, such as meat, milk and wool. Part of why we are so successful internationally is our world-leading reputation for animal welfare. It is vital that we recognise and protect that.

“New Zealand has a proud history of caring for animals and being a world leader in this area, but we are always looking to do better.

“This document will be followed up with new legislation to be introduced shortly updating the Animal Welfare Act,” says Mr Guy.

The Strategy follows up on public consultation held last year when over 2000 public submissions were received.

The New Zealand Animal Welfare Strategy is available at http://www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity-animal-welfare/animal-welfare/new-zealand-animal-welfare-strategy

Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed a new report on the Wellington and Manawatu-Wanganui regional economies which highlights the major investment pouring into local infrastructure.

“The Regional Economic Activity Report pulls together for the first time in one place the available economic data on all New Zealand regions. It also provides a breakdown of some of the specific initiatives the Government has underway under as part of the Business Growth Agenda.

“The report notes the Wellington Airport to Levin Road of National Significance, which will have a major impact on our region. The construction of this road will create thousands of jobs and once complete will be a major boost to regional growth.

“It will mean better access to markets for producers, and encourage more people to live, work and play in both Kapiti and Horowhenua.

“The report also notes the importance of Wellington commuter rail upgrade, which includes new Matangi trains and extended services to Waikanae

“Ultrafast and rural broadband will connect our regions with the world and open up new business and employment opportunities.

“Roughly half of Kapiti’s working population commutes to Wellington for their day jobs, choosing to live here because of the lifestyle. That's why a growing Wellington economy is so important to our region.

“The report also notes the challenge we have in maximising our tourism earnings, making the most of our proximity to Wellington and great local attractions like Kapiti Island. Palmerston North and Kapiti Airports now offer important transport connections for domestic tourists.

“The Manawatu-Wanganui region report highlights the importance of primary industries to the area. The Horowhenua economy is underpinned by agriculture and horticulture production and the challenge now is around environmental sustainability and innovation. Every one percent productivity gain across New Zealand's primary industries will generate an extra $4 billion a year in exports.

“The Wellington region has an average household income of $88,900 a year compared to $66,000 in Manawatu-Wanganui.

“The report will be of interest to local councils and to everyone who attended the recent Electra Kapiti-Horowhenua business forum.

“The next 10 years will be an exciting time for our region and it’s now up to local businesses to make the most of these new opportunities,” says Mr Guy.

A full copy of the report is available at http://www.mbie.govt.nz/what-we-do/business-growth-agenda/regions with the Wellington and Manawatu-Wanganui regions featured on pages 30 to 34.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has launched the National Plan of Action for Seabirds 2013 today, setting out a firm commitment to protect seabirds from fishing incidents.

“The plan shows there is real determination to improve how we protect our unique seabirds. The Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Conservation, the fishing industry, tangata whenua and environmental groups have all worked together on this important strategy.

“Seabirds are considered one of the world’s most threatened bird groupings, and the key threat to seabirds is incidental capture and mortality through fishing operations.

“New Zealand is an important breeding ground for around eighty seabird species including albatross, petrel, penguin and shag species.

“The plan defines objectives for the next five years to prevent, monitor and manage seabird interactions with the fishing industry.  It includes plans to:

• Reduce capture rates through continuous improvement in all New Zealand fisheries;
• Ensure effective prevention methods are applied in all New Zealand fisheries and by New Zealand vessels on the high seas;
• Helping develop new mitigation measures;
• Develop new research, observation and monitoring techniques;
• Cooperating with other countries whose vessels interact with seabirds, particularly those that breed in New Zealand.

“This is a high-level framework to help us gain a better understanding of the problem, and deal with it. It will be implemented in the annual operational plans of the Ministry for Primary Industries, and progress will be regularly reviewed and reported on,” says Mr Guy.

Interest groups will be involved in the roll-out of the plan through a special advisory group.

“The government is serious about protecting the rich abundance of seabird species found in our waters.”

The NPOA Seabirds 2013 can be found at http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Environmental/Seabirds/default.htm

More background information is available at: http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Environmental/Seabirds/FAQ.htm

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has signed a Strategic Plan on Promoting Agricultural Cooperation between New Zealand and China today.

The plan was signed with his counterpart, the Chinese Minister of Agriculture Mr Hang Changfu.

“This is an important agreement which will encourage cooperation and the sharing of knowledge to benefit both countries,” says Mr Guy.

The Plan sets out areas in which both countries can learn from each other, such as animal welfare and science, increasing productivity, and building skills and knowledge.

“This document will further build on the strong relationship that our two countries share, particularly in the agricultural sector.

“Since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in 2008 our exports to China have nearly tripled, from $2 billion a year to $6.9 billion in 2012.

“Two-way trade between China and New Zealand has reached almost $15 billion. Our aim is to double bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2015 and we’re on track to achieve that goal.

“The Strategic Plan will open wider the channels for cooperation, including between our industry organisations and companies. 

“There are already a number of business ventures between China and New Zealand in the primary sectors, with Fonterra looking to expand its milking operations in China.

“China is also keen to learn from New Zealand given our strong reputation for food safety and quality food products,” says Mr Guy.

This is believed to be the first visit to New Zealand by a Chinese Minister of Agriculture for over 30 years, and will be reciprocated later this year with a visit to China by Mr Guy.

Minister Han Changfu’s visit to New Zealand follows the successful visit by Prime Minister John Key to China earlier this month.

The agreement runs from 2013 – 2017 and can be updated at any time.

Recent rainfall has been welcomed by farmers but the problems created by the dry summer will be felt for some time, says Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy.

“The dry conditions may have ended in many parts of the country but there are still major challenges ahead. It will take time to build up enough grass cover to provide feed for winter.

“There’s no doubt the rain over the last week has been a real boost, especially for those in areas that have missed out before like the central North Island.

“However it’s very important that farmers plan ahead for how they will manage their feed supply through the rest of the year. A large amount of supplementary feed has already been used over summer and will be in short supply later this year.

“The impact of the drought makes the work of Rural Support Trusts very important in providing support and advice.

“For these reasons, it is unlikely I will be formally lifting the official drought status before it expires at the end of September. The rain may be falling but the effects on rural communities will be felt for some time,” says Mr Guy.

Regularly updated drought information is available at:
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/environment-natural-resources/funding-programmes/primary-sector-recovery/droughts/dry-conditions-2012-13-faqs

Five important projects focusing on aquaculture will benefit from the latest round of Sustainable Farming Fund grants, Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has announced today. 

“New Zealand seafood is a premium product and it’s great to see groups looking to improve their production and value by developing aquaculture,” says Mr Guy.

The projects with funding are:

• Koura Aquaculture, by Wai-Koura South: $119,420
• Farming Premium Salmon, by the Salmon Improvement Group: $600,000
• Management of the GLM9 Greenlipped Mussel Spat Resource, by GML9 Advisory Group: $20,000
• Tuna (Shortfin-eel) Aquaculture, by Te Ohu Tiaki o Rangitane Te Ika a Mauri Trust (MIO): $600,000
• Aquaculture custom bacterial vaccines, by Aquaculture New Zealand: $115,686.

“Addressing information gaps is a focus for four of these projects. They will investigate how to reduce skeletal deformities in farmed salmon, develop best-practice guides for raising freshwater crayfish and manage the wild greenlipped mussel spat resource.

“Importantly, the eel project will focus on learning more about young glass short-fin eels so we can raise them successfully and sustainably.

“The other will focus on developing New Zealand’s capability, in this case to manufacture vaccines for Chinook salmon.”

The projects will commence 1 July 2013 and run for one to three years.

A total of $8.8 million has been awarded to 42 projects around the country after the latest round of the Sustainable Farming Fund, Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has announced today. 

“These projects are driven from the grassroots and will help to improve economic and environmental performance. This co-funding will make a real difference to rural communities.

“Some of these projects include improving nutrient management, promoting pasture persistence, biological controls for pests, developing aquaculture, improving deer farm environmental management, and planning for collaborative water management.

“This includes 14 projects that have received funding from a special round that was run for Maori agribusiness late last year. Māori freehold land has enormous potential and some of these projects will help to realise the $8 billion in potential gains, as highlighted in a recent report by KPMG.

“Each project involves local groups and businesses who co-fund the work as well as running the project and bringing in the required expertise. Experience has shown this approach works and provides good value.

The projects approved in the main funding round will commence 1 July 2013 and run for one to three years. Most of the Maori agribusiness projects have already started, with the remaining three to commence on 1 July 2013.

A full list of successful projects is available here: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/environment-natural-resources/funding-programmes/sustainable-farming-fund

About the Sustainable Farming Fund

The Fund was set up in 2000 to fund projects that contribute to the economic, environmental and social wellbeing of New Zealand’s primary industries. To date the SFF has supported nearly 900 projects involving all sectors and interests. Aquaculture was added to the SFF’s scope in 2012.

SFF funding is matched by cash and in-kind contributions from industry, community groups and individuals.

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has welcomed 30 new vets onto the 2013 intake of the Rural Veterinary Bonding Scheme.

“The scheme is now in its fifth year and is making real headway in tackling the rural vet shortage,” says Mr Guy.

“Since the start of the scheme in February 2009, 136 new vets have joined and the retention rate is an outstanding 96%.

“The scheme is a solid incentive, helping to make rural practices more attractive to junior vets who might otherwise end up in city clinics or heading overseas.

“Livestock farming is the engine room of New Zealand’s economy. We export around $30 billion in primary sector exports a year and we want to double that by 2025. That’s not going to happen without practically skilled, dedicated rural vets who provide animal health advice.

“These vets are now practicing in rural areas, and being supported and mentored by senior vets in their practices.”

The scheme is open to newly qualified veterinarians from Massey University who have secured jobs in rural practices working with farm animals.

At the end of their third year of employment they are entitled to a $33,000 payment, and additional payments of $11,000 at the end of their fourth and fifth years.