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Results of aerial and ground surveillance of the Coromandel Peninsula show that the presence of Phytophythora taxon Agathis (PTA), or kauri dieback disease is not widespread in the area, Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy announced today.

A ban on the finning of all shark species within New Zealand waters will take effect from 1 October this year, Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy announced today.

“Implementing this ban has happened much faster than originally proposed. It reinforces New Zealand’s strong international reputation for sustainability and protecting our natural environment,” Dr Smith says.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced increases to catch limits for a range of New Zealand fisheries today, thanks to healthy stock levels.

“This shows the success of our world-leading Quota Management System (QMS). It is flexible and driven by science, which means that we can increase take as stock levels improve,” Mr Guy says.

Healthy stocks have led to increased Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limits for:

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced the establishment of a working group to develop a ‘roadmap’ on how to meet the future capability needs of the dairy processing sector.

“This was a recommendation of the independent Government Inquiry into the Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Contamination Incident last year. It found that our food safety regulatory model for dairy is among the best in the world, but also recommended improving people capability to strengthen the food safety system.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Good afternoon everyone and thank-you Dennis for inviting me to be here today.

The National Government’s business growth agenda has six streams focusing on the inputs businesses need to succeed and grow: export markets, capital markets, innovation, skilled and safe workplaces, natural resources and infrastructure.

There are more than 350 BGA actions, of which more than half are complete or being implemented.

Associate Primary Industries Minister Jo Goodhew says the results from a trial using remote control technology in tree felling, which could save lives in forestry harvesting operations, show promising results.

“During the successful trial the operator was able to successfully fell and bunch several trees from a safe distance at the top of a steep slope using a remote control device,” says Mrs Goodhew.

A proposed package of measures to improve the status of New Zealand’s iconic longfin eel population has been announced today by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

“The longfin eel is the largest freshwater eel in the world and is only found in New Zealand. This package of measures will help ensure its survival for future generations.”

The proposed measures include:

Today I want to say a few words about my portfolio, and on some of the big challenges and opportunities facing your industry.

The horticulture industry plays a major role in New Zealand’s economic growth, contributing $6.7b to the economy in the year to June 2013 and making up around 8 percent of New Zealand’s total merchandise exports.

Horticultural exports have more than doubled since 2000, to $3.6 billion in 2013, and are forecasted to surpass $4 billion in 2016, a major milestone for the sector.

A bill to strengthen the regulation of foreign-owned commercial fishing vessels operating in New Zealand waters has passed its third and final reading in Parliament today.

The Fisheries (Foreign Charter Vessels and Other Matters) Bill will require all foreign charter vessels to carry the New Zealand flag from 1 May 2016, and operate under full New Zealand legal jurisdiction.

Associate Primary Industries Minister Jo Goodhew has announced changes to the funding programme supporting East Coast landowners with erosion issues.

“The Gisborne region has a severe erosion problem. A quarter of the land is susceptible to severe erosion, compared with only eight per cent of all land in New Zealand,” says Mrs Goodhew.

It’s great to be here tonight to launch this report on the economic contribution wine makes to New Zealand.

I believe it’s really important to celebrate your success as growers, producers and exporters. 

The wider primary industries are the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, making up around 73% of all our exports. Viticulture is an important part of that and this report shows us just how far you’ve come.

Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to address you all tonight.

Following some challenging years, there are strong indications of improved results for many companies in the sector this year.

This resilience is a reflection of the hard work of people throughout the red meat sector.

The meat and wool sectors make up 21 percent of total primary sector export revenue at an estimated export value of $8 billion for the year ending 30 June 2014, which is a record.

Consumer demand in East and South East Asia for high value foods and beverages is driving export growth and diversification, a new Government report shows.

‘What does Asia Want for Dinner? Emerging Market Opportunities for New Zealand food & beverages in East & South East Asia’ was released today by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

The Government and the commercial pork industry have committed to a partnership to strengthen biosecurity, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

The Deed of the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) on Biosecurity Readiness and Response was signed by New Zealand Pork at its annual conference today.

“This enables New Zealand Pork and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to make joint decisions on biosecurity readiness and response activities. It means we can focus on the areas of greatest priority to the pork industry,” Mr Guy says.

It’s great to be here today to witness the signing of the Government Industry Agreement Deed by the New Zealand Pork Industry.

This is a historic day. It’s the result of the hard work over several years of both industry and government to realise the benefits of working in partnership. 

There is a simple but important principle behind the GIA: by working together, we are stronger.

This agreement means we can share our expertise, experience and knowledge to make joint decisions on biosecurity readiness and response.

Further relief for Northland is on the way after Social Development Minister Paula Bennett today activated Enhanced Taskforce Green (ETFG) to help with the clean-up following the recent storms.

“Northland is moving into recovery mode and the Government is pitching in with wage support, and by paying locals beneficiaries to help with the clean-up,” Mrs Bennett said. 

Associate Minister Primary Industries Jo Goodhew is urging Northlanders to take extreme care when clearing windthrown trees, and to get in touch with the Ministry if they need safety tips.

The warning follows days of torrential rain and gale force winds, which have battered the region. The storm has impacted around 80% of the primary sector, and as a result has been declared a medium-scale adverse event.

“As the clean-up gets underway, there are widespread reports of uprooted or toppled trees,” says Mrs Goodhew.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has declared a medium-scale adverse event for the primary sector in storm-hit Northland.

“This will provide the overarching framework for any Government support as assessments continue to be made.

“The first stage of this is to provide funding for Northland Rural Support Trust (NRST) to deliver help, support, and management advice to farmers and growers. The Trust have been working closely with MPI and local authorities to determine what's required in the clean-up phase after severe flooding and wind damage.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy today announced a new growth study to help increase investment opportunities, employment and incomes in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.

The Manawatū-Whanganui Regional Growth Study will bring together knowledge held by central and local government, local business people, Māori, and other stakeholders, as well as official economic data and independent economic analysis.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Good morning everyone and thanks for inviting me to address you today.

First, I want to acknowledge the institute, a professional body with a long and distinguished history.

I was interested to learn that the NZIF was founded in 1927, as this country’s first tree planting boom really took off.

I would like to acknowledge Bob Pocknall, from PF Olsen and Co, this year’s conference organising committee chair.

Farm buildings are to be exempt from the requirements for assessments under the Government’s earthquake-prone buildings policy, Building and Construction Minister Dr Nick Smith and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy announced today.

“The Government is not satisfied that the risks posed by farm buildings justify the cost of every building being assessed. These buildings have a low occupancy rate and there is no record of a fatality caused by a farm building collapsing in an earthquake,” Dr Smith says.

The Government has today announced clear, robust national standards for freshwater that will make a significant improvement to the way freshwater is managed.

Environment Minister Amy Adams and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy say the changes announced today are a critical milestone in the Government’s drive to improve water quality.

“Ensuring an on-going and reliable supply of healthy water is one of the most important environmental and economic issues facing New Zealand today,” Ms Adams says.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says a new $65m high-security biocontainment laboratory announced in Wallaceville today is another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to biosecurity.

“The new facility will replace the existing high security laboratory and continue more than 100 years of animal disease diagnostics at the site,” says Mr Guy.  

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has tonight congratulated Te Rua O Te Moko Ltd, the winner of the 2014 Ahuwhenua Trophy Māori Excellence in Farming Award.

“There was a real buzz at the event in Tauranga which attracted 900 tonight. I take my hat off to Te Rua O Te Moko, and to the other two finalists this year; each one is an exemplar for rural economic development,” says Mr Guy.