Declaration of the Responsible Ministers
This Statement of Intent documents the Government's expectations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) for 2007/10. It sets out the strategic context for the Ministry and the specific outcomes to which it will contribute over the next three years.
MAF is working towards sustainable economic growth and prosperity for New Zealand, and has a key role to play towards the Government's priority of Economic Transformation to a high income, knowledge-based market economy, which is both innovative and creative and provides a unique quality of life to all New Zealanders. MAF also contributes towards the Government's National Identity priority, enhancing not only the economic benefits, but also the natural environment and way of life valued by New Zealand.
Agriculture, food and forestry are the sectors in which New Zealand has global brands and scale, leading technology, skills and market position. The ability of these sectors to compete in international markets depends on effective trade negotiations and on credible assurances of product safety. Market access for food and food-related products is facilitated by the work of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA)1, under the umbrella of MAF. A well-functioning biosecurity system, led by MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, protects the primary production sectors and the natural resources on which they are based.
MAF is also working towards the outcomes of healthy New Zealanders and a vibrant rural community. In addition to its trade facilitation role, NZFSA aims to ensure New Zealanders have safe and suitable food, while MAF Biosecurity New Zealand has a role in protecting human health and wellbeing. The success of the primary industries relies on a vibrant rural community, and MAF has an important role in ensuring that Government policy takes account of the unique challenges faced by agricultural and forestry businesses.
MAF is also working to maintain and enhance the economic, social and cultural benefits for New Zealanders from the natural environment. MAF co-leads the Environmental Sustainability sub-theme of the Government's Economic Transformation priority, and within its Policy group, MAF is engaging on issues such as climate change, water quality and allocation, and sustainable land management. Not only is environmental sustainability critical to maintaining the integrity of New Zealand's productive resources, but a demonstrable commitment to sustainable development and animal welfare standards is increasingly important for market success.
In performing its role as set out in this SOI, MAF promotes the economic prosperity, health and wellbeing, and environmental sustainability that constitute the quality of life New Zealanders enjoy.
Hon Jim Anderton
Minister of Agriculture
Minister of Forestry
Minister for Biosecurity
Hon Annette King
Minister for Food Safety
Hon Damien O'Connor
Minister for Rural Affairs
1 The State Services Commission is currently investigating the separation of NZFSA from MAF, creating a new department to administer food safety. Results of the investigation are required by May 2007 and will include the implications that such a restructure would have in legal, financial and human resource terms. After receiving this advice, Cabinet will decide whether or not to proceed with the separation of NZFSA from MAF.
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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