Many administrations have their heavy-lifting ministers who leaders entrust with important jobs because they know they are a safe pair of hands. Palmer was one such, as was the minister of everything Bill Birch in the 1990s Bolger Government.
David Parker performs that role in the Labour Government. Having overseen the freshwater reforms Parker should now have some of the burden lifted though the contentious Resource Management Act reform is yet to come.
The primary sector will be hoping he has the time and energy to devote to trade talks considering the importance of exports to the economy.
Free-trade agreements with the European Union and Britain, the signing off of the China FTA upgrade and the conclusion of agreements with Asia-Pacific partners are just some of the issues requiring Parker’s close attention.
The mystery 190kg nitrogen cap
AgFirst economist Phil Journeaux estimates the Government’s nitrogen cap will cost farmers $160m a year rather than the announced $30m. He’s joined in criticism of the policy by freshwater ecologist Professor Russell Death.
Green light for AgResearch
The long awaited $97m AgResearch facility at Lincoln University should be ready by late 2023 following an injection of funding to finalise the project. Altogether $196m has been earmarked for Crown Research Institutes over the next four years.
Beef demand to decline
Although global demand for beef is tipped to slow New Zealand beef exports to the year ended April have fallen by just 2%. Consumers are likely to switch to cheaper beef, poultry and pork.
Rain raises spirits
Rain has put a smile on farmers’ faces in drought-affected Hawke’s Bay, Hauraki and Northland while Hawke’s Bay farmers with lambing ewes have been helped out with an offer of fodder beet from Manawatu.
Wool industry in a tangle
Big players in wool manufacturing have voiced frustration that they have not been listened to by the Wool Working Group whose report on resetting the industry is due out in a few weeks’ time according to Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor.
David Parker up to job
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is confident David Parker can manage the important trade minister role as well as his attorney-general, environment and associate finance portfolios.
