Maureen Pugh, West Coast-Tasman MP
It’s been a very busy time for myself and my colleagues in the rural space with more announcements of changes that will ultimately benefit every New Zealander by cranking up the economy.
Growers of all types will benefit from the strengthening of the Plant Rights Act to recognise that high-value horticulture relies on years of breeding, testing and commercialisation. It’s longer-term thinking, essentially issuing the equivalent of a patent to give breeders and importers exclusive rights over new plant varieties for up to 30 years.
From drought-resistant grass seed that benefits pastoral farmers, to higher-yielding and better-tasting produce for New Zealanders and our export markets, these changes will provide vital support for growers.
Growers will also benefit from additional returns as PVR varieties maintain their market value for longer, allowing growers to continue to build high value demand ahead of supply. Directly and indirectly we all benefit when our domestic growers are thriving.
Rule changes to support aquaculture have been updated to make it easier for operators to improve farming practices, do research and adopt new technology – all this without lowering the bar for environmental protection.
I am enjoying moving around the West Coast-Tasman electorate with new National Party candidate Katie Milne. She has a huge advantage as a prospective MP because of her years of experience as a rural advocate and as Federated Farmers’ first woman President.
One of the big issues people are asking about is the recently announced cuts to the Public Service. On behalf of the taxpayer’s money we need to get more efficient economically and process-wise. And those processes are changing rapidly in the tide of new technology coming our way.
At home I have a drainflow pipe that takes stormwater away and unwisely planted a small tree close to it that reminded me of the Public Service. Over the years that tree has grown up to such an extent that its roots have choked the pipe from handling water to the point where it now doesn’t work properly. Likewise, our Public Service has grown to a size where it actually chokes growth, effectiveness and efficiency.
I think of the five Government departments that are involved in the realm of dog-related laws and I am sure that efficiencies can be made, but some digging and replacement will be needed.
