Role of the Ministry
Mission - enhancing New Zealand's natural advantage
Over the past two decades MAF's role has shifted significantly. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the removal of our science and farm advisory activities into Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) and the private sector, and the establishment of the Ministry of Fisheries (MFish) with responsibility for the sustainable management of New Zealand's fisheries resources. During that time MAF became more focused on the needs of rural communities – as they went through periods of significant change – and on the environmental impacts of the primary sectors. In more recent times, the amalgamation of the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry has both broadened our scope and reinforced the environmental impact focus. At the time of the amalgamation, the more commercial elements of MAF's activities were devolved into State-Owned Enterprises and CRIs – reinforcing our mandate as a policy and regulatory ministry.
Contributing to New Zealand's economic, environmental and social performance
In more recent years, there have been further changes to our mandate with particular emphasis on the environment and on human health and wellbeing. MAF now contributes not only to New Zealand's economic performance – and thus indirectly to our environmental and social performance – but also directly to environmental and social outcomes. These changes have arisen through decisions by the Government in respect of domestic food safety and biosecurity. While our genesis was as a primary production ministry with an economic focus, we now have a wider sustainable development role and mandate to:
- Further the economic success of the sectors.
- Promote sustainable development and environmental integrity.
- Protect consumers and enhance New Zealand's position as a trusted supplier of food.
- Protect our valued biodiversity.
- Promote the humane and responsible use of animals.
- Uphold the interests of New Zealand's rural communities.
This mandate is reflected in our vision:
MAF wants to see, and contribute to, a future where New Zealanders celebrate dynamic, scientifically sophisticated and prosperous agricultural, horticultural, food and forestry sectors leading growth and innovation in the economy and underpinning our ability to achieve the economy, environment and society to which New Zealanders aspire.
Contact for Enquiries
Strategy and Performance Group
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0738
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