Statement of Intent
Ministerial Foreword
The agricultural and forestry industries are critical to achieving the Government’s vision for a sustainable, prosperous New Zealand that is secure in its identity and proud of its achievements. Similarly, New Zealand’s indigenous flora and fauna are precious and a core part of our natural heritage and culture. More than any other developed country, our economy, people and environment depend on the success of our land-based industries, unique native species and the biosecurity system that underpins them.
The future of our industries lies in producing high-value, differentiated products. As a small country, New Zealand cannot compete on quantity and does not want to compete against products with low environmental, animal welfare or social standards. We also need to remain well connected internationally to expand our relationships, influence and resources. By taking a long-term strategic approach, New Zealand can be a price-setter and achieve export success through presenting a “one New Zealand” story across all industries.
Government wants to help industries achieve this success and is strongly committed to keeping New Zealand at the cutting edge. This requires partnerships across industries and between industries and government. We can make faster progress when we co-operate. The Government’s New Zealand Fast Forward initiative will create a partnership with the pastoral and food industries to develop world-class science, skills and innovation that will substantially lift the capability and performance of the sectors. In return, industries will need to take up new opportunities and be flexible and responsive in how they think and operate. Government also wants to support rural-based businesses through a well-connected rural community – particularly with regard to skills, infrastructure and access to broadband.
The rural community (rural people and rural businesses) is an important part of New Zealand’s society, and our economy is highly dependent on the prosperity of rural-based businesses. To maximise their contribution rural people and businesses need to be well connected to each other and to the world and must have workable access to services. This year, MAF will be promoting its new Rural Proofing initiative – a best practice guide to assist government agencies in identifying and taking into account rural implications when developing policy and undertaking consultation.
New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable development and to addressing climate change will not only protect our environmental resources but facilitate the growth of our industries. Government will invest in capturing new opportunities that arise and in managing risks within the sectors, thereby reducing our carbon footprint in the process. We have asked the forestry sector to be the first to integrate into the Emissions Trading Scheme and the agricultural sector is preparing to follow.
New Zealand needs to be well connected to the international trading arena but at the same time protect the natural environment that we depend on. Biosecurity is one of New Zealand’s “make or break” areas of work. It is the filter between international trade and the protection of our natural resources and human health. Biosecurity pressures will increase as the global environment continues to change. Government will continue to invest significantly in a top class biosecurity system that protects our economy, people and environment while allowing us to connect internationally.
Whatever biosecurity measures we put in place must be thoroughly grounded in science. New Zealand is actively involved in setting sound and principled rules to facilitate trade and protect our biosecurity. At the international table, government will continue to present New Zealand’s case through an integrated approach across departments.
The Government has asked for some significant pieces of work from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry this year. Work will also continue on walking access, sustainable water management and joint border work, among other projects. On top of this, the Ministry will be expanding its management of the Crown forests to include forests previously managed by Timberlands West Coast. As a major contributor to the Economic Transformation theme, the Ministry’s work will be crucial in achieving the Government’s vision for New Zealand in 2008 and beyond.
Hon Jim Anderton
Minister of Agriculture
Minister of Forestry
Minister for Biosecurity
Hon Damien O’Connor
Minister for Rural Affairs
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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