Wrapping up 2011

2011 has been an eventful and challenging year. The Canterbury earthquakes and more recently the Nelson floods have highlighted a real sense of community pulling together to get through the hard times. As I’ve said before, in the worst times we see the best of New Zealanders – something we should all be proud of.

Farmers have also faced hard times but the sun god’s are shining at the moment. Excellent spring weather has meant a great start to the season for most sheep, beef and dairy farmers with plenty of feed about. This has helped put us on track for record primary exports this year, something all New Zealanders will benefit from.

When I became Agriculture Minister in 2008 my goal was to work with farmers to boost profitability. We’re well on the way with that, and I’m pleased to see renewed confidence across the primary sector.

November’s election result was a strong vote of confidence in a National-led Government. It showed that nearly every second voter backed the Government’s focus on less debt, more jobs and stable economic management.

The focus on building the country’s economy is behind the Government’s decision to bring the primary industries together in a primary sector ‘super Ministry’. The Ministry for Primary Industries – incorporating agriculture, biosecurity, forestry, fishing and aquaculture – makes sense.

I’m delighted to be appointed New Zealand’s first Minister for Primary Industries. I also welcome my colleague Nathan Guy as Associate Minister.

Looking ahead, my focus in 2012 will continue to be water and biosecurity.

Water is one of New Zealand’s greatest competitive advantages, but we are not making the most of it. Developing water storage and irrigation has huge potential to unlock economic growth.

I will also continue to work closely with industry to ensure our biosecurity system works more efficiently.

2012 is going to be another busy year. I wish you all the very best for the festive season.

Canterbury Earthquake: One year on...

One year on from the Canterbury earthquakes and few of us can forget the shattering images and the enormous grief suffered by so many people over that time.

As a Christchurch MP, this has been particularly close to home.

In the face of the two major earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks, the province has come a long way since 4 September 2010. There is a lot to do before life is back to normal for many Cantabrians, but real progress is being made.

I was in Auckland when the September quake struck but I got back to Canterbury within hours.  In our rural areas of Selwyn and Banks Peninsula, it was shocking to see historic homes destroyed, grain silos tipped over and milking platforms severely damaged.

But there was more to come in February when so many lives were shattered by the severe quake that struck Christchurch City.

The Government remains totally committed to rebuilding Christchurch and its surrounds.  A year ago I said that the quake showed us that in the worst of times, you see the best of New Zealanders.  The generosity of people pitching in to help has been amazing.

This has been the toughest year for many people, but good progress is being made.

I want to assure you that the Government will continue to support the Christchurch rebuild in every way possible.

A draft Recovery Strategy just released for public consultation sets out a proposed direction and priorities for the recovery of greater Christchurch. I encourage you to have your say on the future of our region by commenting on the Strategy at www.cera.govt.nz.