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New Zealand has a long history of experience with biological invasions – over time, rats, mice, and numerous other pests and diseases have made it here. We’ve had to develop strong systems for biosecurity to maintain our environment and way of life, systems recognized as world class by the rest of the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen: my colleague Paul Swain, Director-general Murray Sherwin, I am delighted you could join me here today, to formally launch plans for the National Centre of Biosecurity and Infectious Disease.

Innovation is essential to maintain competitive advantage.

The United States of America is not only the world’s only superpower, it is the world’s greatest economic superpower, the world’s richest consumer market, and its greatest supplier of intellectual property.

A NZ-Pacific Business Council has been formed.

Pressure is being maintained on Australia for summerfruit market access.

The Government has worked hard to give primary industry access to the markets it needs.

New Zealand fruit and vegetable exports face about $200 million in tariff barriers each year.

The Government is pressing Australia hard to get access for apples.

ASEAN is an important partner with New Zealand.

The Government is taking steps to enable industry to access world-class plant material.

The Food and Agribusiness Market Experience programme could really benefit young leaders.

Meat and Wool NZ is helping grow the future.

Changes are afoot in the meat sector.

The international wine market has lots of potential, but faces challenges.

The project, partly funded by the Sustainable Farming Fund, looking at the wise use of nitrogen fertiliser on hill country farms is timely.

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for the invitation to speak today.

My colleague Marian Hobbs sends her apologies. Unforeseen circumstances had her delayed, but she would have dearly like to be here today.

The potential of China as a market for New Zealand goods and services is palpable.

New Zealand is not a rural society.

Protectionism and food safety standards can be barriers to our trade, but so can fashion.

Forestry is an important industry to New Zealand.

The Labour-Progressive Government is working to ensure New Zealand is a country where we can balance productive and satisfying work with an enjoyable lifestyle in a glorious environment.

Aerial topdressing to fertilise paddocks was one of those innovations that bought about a great leap forward in New Zealand agriculture.

Trade is vital for all New Zealand, especially the Wairarapa.