An inclusive and comprehensive review of dairy industry legislation will help our biggest export sector get in shape for the future, says Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor.

The Government has released the terms of reference for a review of the 17-year-old Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA), which regulates Fonterra to protect the long-term interests of farmers, consumers and the wider economy.

“The Ministry for Primary Industries will consult widely throughout the review, including surveys and formal consultation later in the year and I encourage you all to get involved and have your say,” says Damien O’Connor.

“The review will allow us to take a strategic view of issues facing the dairy industry.

“In particular it will look at open entry and exit for farmers, the raw milk price setting process, contestability for milk, the risks and costs for the sector, and the incentives or disincentives for dairy to move to sustainable, higher-value production and processing.

“The whole dairy sector needs to look ahead to see what trends and potential disruptions are coming our way and get ahead of consumer trends.

“Only through a frank appraisal of the issues will we come to the right conclusions.

“In December last year I announced this Government would review DIRA as a matter of priority, in February we rolled it over to stop certain parts expiring, and today I release the terms of reference setting out the objectives, approach and timing of the review.

“The dairy industry will be fully consulted throughout the review so that any issues can be given full consideration before any changes happen.

“I look forward to receiving feedback from farmers, dairy processors, consumers and the wider public in the upcoming consultation process.

“A high-performing, innovative and sustainable dairy sector is vital to New Zealand’s economic wellbeing,” says Damien O’Connor.

Find the terms of reference here www.mpi.govt.nz/DIRA-review

A beehive release  ||  may 09, 2018   |||

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has unveiled a nearly $1 billion boost for the Government’s foreign policy and international aid budget, arguing the funding is crucial for our security after a decade of underfunding writes Sam Sachdeva for Newsroom.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has appealed to the business community to help the government develop a "robust plan" for the economic and environmental policy shifts required to deal with climate change and the fast-changing nature of work

The Government is setting up a three-way forum with the major business and trade union organisations to inform policies for future challenges in the workforce. Finance Minister Grant Robertson will lead the work with Business New Zealand CEO Kirk Hope and the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) …

He also foreshadowed spending commitments on rebuilding the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's capability, to improve its ability to promote trade, ensure New Zealand is heard on the international stage, and support its Pacific neighbours. The Green Investment Fund, which was part of Labour's …

The Provincial Development Unit (PDU) administering the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is strengthening its systems and processes for assessing and approving requests for funding following an internal review, Provincial Development Unit head Nigel Bickle said today.

Journalist, broadcaster and former member of the press gallery Guyon Espiner analyses New Zealand’s foreign policy, and how it must look to outsiders, in the first of a new fortnightly column for RNZ.

Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones welcomes the opportunity to work with New Zealand’s energy sector as the country begins a just transition to a low carbon economy.

The Government has today announced no new permits for offshore oil exploration, limiting block offer 2018 to new onshore acreage in Taranaki. However, existing permits will not be affected, which was the priority of New Zealand First in negotiations.

As is the normal practice, existing permit holders will continue to be able to apply for permit extensions and change of conditions in line with New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals protocols.

“Last week I launched the Taranaki Regional Economic Development action plan, which identifies ‘four futures’ for the region, including energy,” Shane Jones said.

“The initial money the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) committed to investigate establishing Taranaki as an internationally recognised leader in clean energy technology is an example of the collaboration needed between Government and the energy sector going forward.

“I was heartened by the conversations I had with various stakeholders, who show a genuine willingness to lead the way and seize the opportunities that the transition provides us with.

“The block offer does not affect any jobs that are already there. New Zealand First’s support is predicated by its commitment to protect the rights of existing permit holders to ensure certainty for all of those in the industry that currently hold exploration, prospecting and mining permits – these permits continue as far out as 2046.

“With ten years’ worth of natural gas consented, plus potentially billions of dollars of natural gas reserves permitted but yet to be consented, we can ensure economic returns and security of supply.

“With a long-term plan, we can protect jobs and provide the time needed for economies that have traditionally relied on fossil fuels, such as Taranaki, to diversify and future proof.

“The just transition will not happen overnight so there’s no need for scaremongering and, while it will undoubtedly pose challenges, it also provides opportunity through investment in new technology and new industries.

“I’ll be working to ensure our regions are supported to tap into these opportunities and will be encouraging clean energy proposals that meet the criteria of the PGF,” Shane Jones said.

| A Beehive release  |  || April 12, 2018   |||

Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods has today announced the start of consultation with iwi and hapū on the proposed Block Offer 2018 release area for petroleum exploration permits.

The proposed release area is restricted to the onshore Taranaki Basin, and covers a 1,703 square kilometre area.

“The onshore Taranaki Basin has a long history of oil and gas production and exploration,” said Megan Woods.

“The purpose of the consultation is to identify areas of sensitivity or significance that I need to be made aware of. This could include sites that might need to be protected for their cultural, social or spiritual significance.

“Iwi and hapū can request the removal of areas within blocks, or put conditions on any permits over certain areas to protect them.

“To be clear, the area for consultation includes a small amount of conservation land – approximately 2 percent of the entire release area. All conservation land will be excluded from the final tenders.

Iwi and hapū will have 40-working days to make a submission and the final area for tender is expected to be announced in August.

Further information will be made available at https://www.nzpam.govt.nz/about/news/consultation-block-offer-2018-open/

| A Beehive release  |  ||  April 12, 2018   |||

The Coalition Government is taking an important step to address climate change and create a clean, green and sustainable future for New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced today.