Growing Farmer Representation in New Zealand's Parliament Sparks Optimism and Reform Priorities
Source: https://www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz
Ruawai dairy farmer and returning ACT MP Mark Cameron is pleased with the increased representation of farmers in the new Parliament. He highlights that in the previous term, he often felt like the sole advocate for farmers, as issues related to the farming sector were not well understood by the governing parties, Labour and the Greens. Much of their time was spent explaining fundamental farming concepts to them.
Cameron is excited to have former Federated Farmers president Andrew Hoggard as a fellow member of the ACT caucus. This marks a positive development, as there is now another farmer alongside him in the ACT caucus, and National also has representatives from the farming sector.
Notably, several farmers, including former Federated Farmers executives, secured seats in Parliament on National's tickets. This includes individuals like Miles Anderson, a South Canterbury sheep and beef farmer, Mike Butterick, a Masterton sheep and beef farmer, and Grant McCullum, a Northland beef and dairy farmer. Mark Patterson, an Otago sheep farmer and former Feds leader, who stood as a NZ First list candidate, also returned to Parliament.
The composition of Parliament may still change as over 500,000 special votes are yet to be counted.
Cameron expresses his lack of surprise at Agriculture and Trade Minister Damien O'Connor losing his West Coast-Tasman seat to National's Maureen Pugh. He acknowledges O'Connor's success in trade negotiations but believes his performance as Agriculture Minister for the farming sector domestically was lacking.
Hoggard is pleased with the election results and the shift toward the political right. He emphasizes the importance of enacting meaningful RMA (Resource Management Act) reforms during this term to address the issues faced by people dealing with regional councils while seeking consents.
Notably, several farmers, including former Federated Farmers executives, secured seats in Parliament on National's tickets. This includes individuals like Miles Anderson, a South Canterbury sheep and beef farmer, Mike Butterick, a Masterton sheep and beef farmer, and Grant McCullum, a Northland beef and dairy farmer. Mark Patterson, an Otago sheep farmer and former Feds leader, who stood as a NZ First list candidate, also returned to Parliament.
The composition of Parliament may still change as over 500,000 special votes are yet to be counted.
Cameron expresses his lack of surprise at Agriculture and Trade Minister Damien O'Connor losing his West Coast-Tasman seat to National's Maureen Pugh. He acknowledges O'Connor's success in trade negotiations but believes his performance as Agriculture Minister for the farming sector domestically was lacking.
Hoggard is pleased with the election results and the shift toward the political right. He emphasizes the importance of enacting meaningful RMA (Resource Management Act) reforms during this term to address the issues faced by people dealing with regional councils while seeking consents.
