Minister: Nathan Guy

Update on meat consignment

Beehive — Sat, 18 May 2013 03:22:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Food Safety

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye have this morning sought an update from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) about some consignments of New Zealand meat delayed in China. “MPI has informed us that there are no food safety concerns around the product,” Ms Kaye says. “We have been advised by MPI that most product is frozen and remains refrigerated. MPI also advises us that chilled product is being given priority clearance. ...

$80m for irrigation - boost to economy, environment

Beehive — Thu, 16 May 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Budget 2013

Budget 2013 has confirmed $80 million in funding for regional irrigation projects, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says. “After the extreme drought that most of the country has struggled through this year, the need for better water storage is obvious,” he says. “There is no shortage of water in New Zealand, but we lack the ability to store and use that water when it’s needed most. Currently, only 2 per cent of rainfall is used for irrigation. We need to do a better job of using this resource. ...

Shock at Labour’s u-turn on supporting Hawke’s Bay water storage

Beehive — Wed, 15 May 2013 02:54:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy says he is shocked at the Labour Party’s u-turn on supporting the Ruataniwha water storage scheme in Hawke’s Bay, despite previously indicating their support. “The proposed Ruataniwha water storage scheme has the potential to irrigate an extra 25,000 hectares in Hawke’s Bay. This would be a major boost to exports, jobs and growth in the region. ...

Government approves kiwifruit Psa plan

Admin — Tue, 14 May 2013 02:20:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

A national management plan for dealing with the kiwifruit Psa virus has been formally approved by the Government, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced today. “This plan means that the primary responsibility for managing Psa is now moving to the industry themselves as they are best placed to co-ordinate and lead the response. ...

New dogs and staff to strengthen biosecurity

Beehive — Fri, 10 May 2013 00:03:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

New detector dog puppies and a recruitment drive to hire 30 new quarantine inspectors proves biosecurity is a top priority for the government, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. Mr Guy visited the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Detector Dog Breeding Centre in Auckland today to meet four new beagle puppies that will be trained to guard New Zealand’s airports to stop unwanted pests and diseases entering the country. ...

Animal Welfare Amendment Bill introduced

Admin — Wed, 08 May 2013 02:19:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has introduced a Bill to Parliament today to update and strengthen animal welfare in New Zealand. “The Bill will allow us to create enforceable regulations that set out how farm and domestic animals should be treated. It also gives wider powers to deal with people who breach welfare laws,” says Mr Guy. ...

Australia-New Zealand defending against foot and mouth disease

Admin — Fri, 03 May 2013 00:32:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

A new action plan between Australia and New Zealand will see defences against the threat of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) strengthened. Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, and New Zealand’s Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, have announced the two countries will work more closely together focusing combined defences against the threat of FMD. ...

New Animal Welfare Strategy released

Admin — Wed, 01 May 2013 22:27:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has launched the New Zealand Animal Welfare Strategy today, setting out a high level framework for how we treat animals. “The strategy Animal Welfare Matters sets out a formal foundation for New Zealand’s animal welfare legislation and policy,” says Mr Guy. “It says that it matters how animals are treated, and that we have responsibilities toward animals. It also says that using animals for activities like farming and racing is acceptable as long as it is humane.” ...

New Lincoln Hub plans unveiled

Admin — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:50:00 +0000

Steven Joyce | Primary Industries

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy have today unveiled concept plans for a world-class agricultural research and education facility to be sited at Lincoln, near Christchurch. The Lincoln Hub concept plans and business proposal have been developed by a partnership of Lincoln University, DairyNZ and Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) AgResearch, Plant & Food Research, and Landcare Research. ...

Ministers wish MPI Director General well in new role

Admin — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:08:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Food Safety

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy and Food Safety Minister Nikki Kaye have paid tribute to Wayne McNee for his 14 years of service as a Chief Executive in the public service. Mr McNee is resigning as Director General of the Ministry for Primary Industries to take up a new role as Chief Executive of the Livestock Improvement Corporation. ...

New Zealand - China agricultural agreement signed

Beehive — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:31:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has signed a Strategic Plan on Promoting Agricultural Cooperation between New Zealand and China today. The plan was signed with his counterpart, the Chinese Minister of Agriculture Mr Hang Changfu. “This is an important agreement which will encourage cooperation and the sharing of knowledge to benefit both countries,” says Mr Guy. ...

Speech to Latin America Business Breakfast, Wellington Chamber of Commerce

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:48:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Good morning, I would like to thank the Wellington Chamber of Commerce for organising this event. This event comes off the back of the Prime Minister’s trade mission to Latin America, where we visited four countries over 10 days – Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and Brazil. The mission was a great success. Strong relationships were formed, or strengthened, both at the political and at the business level. ...

New plan to protect seabirds launched

Admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 22:35:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has launched the National Plan of Action for Seabirds 2013 today, setting out a firm commitment to protect seabirds from fishing incidents. “The plan shows there is real determination to improve how we protect our unique seabirds. The Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Conservation, the fishing industry, tangata whenua and environmental groups have all worked together on this important strategy. ...

Drought status likely to remain until September

Admin — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:05:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Recent rainfall has been welcomed by farmers but the problems created by the dry summer will be felt for some time, says Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy. “The dry conditions may have ended in many parts of the country but there are still major challenges ahead. It will take time to build up enough grass cover to provide feed for winter. “There’s no doubt the rain over the last week has been a real boost, especially for those in areas that have missed out before like the central North Island. ...

Funding to help sustainable aquaculture projects

Admin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Five important projects focusing on aquaculture will benefit from the latest round of Sustainable Farming Fund grants, Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has announced today. “New Zealand seafood is a premium product and it’s great to see groups looking to improve their production and value by developing aquaculture,” says Mr Guy. The projects with funding are: ...

$8.8m in funding for sustainable farming projects

Admin — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:28:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

A total of $8.8 million has been awarded to 42 projects around the country after the latest round of the Sustainable Farming Fund, Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has announced today. “These projects are driven from the grassroots and will help to improve economic and environmental performance. This co-funding will make a real difference to rural communities. ...

Scheme keeps veterinarians in rural New Zealand

Beehive — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:57:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has welcomed 30 new vets onto the 2013 intake of the Rural Veterinary Bonding Scheme. “The scheme is now in its fifth year and is making real headway in tackling the rural vet shortage,” says Mr Guy. “Since the start of the scheme in February 2009, 136 new vets have joined and the retention rate is an outstanding 96%. “The scheme is a solid incentive, helping to make rural practices more attractive to junior vets who might otherwise end up in city clinics or heading overseas. ...

New appointment to New Zealand Meat Board

Beehive — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 02:52:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has today announced the appointment of international trade specialist George Rutherford to the New Zealand Meat Board. The 10-member Meat Board is a statutory body which works to get the best possible ongoing returns from New Zealand’s quota markets. “Mr Rutherford has dedicated most of his 37-year career to furthering New Zealand’s agricultural trade interests. He has served extensively with the Ministry for Primary Industries and its predecessors. ...

Nominations sought for Racing Board Chair

Beehive — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 02:13:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Racing

Nominations sought for Racing Board Chair Minister for Racing Nathan Guy is calling for nominations for independent Chair of the New Zealand Racing Board. “This is an important position as the head of the governing body for racing in New Zealand,” says Mr Guy. “The New Zealand Racing Board is responsible for the promotion, organisation and development of the racing industry, and also provides racing and sports betting services through the TAB. ...

Drought shows need for irrigation projects

Admin — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 22:28:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

The drought affecting much of New Zealand emphasises the need for irrigation projects to store and distribute water, says Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy. After speaking to drought-affected farmers on the West Coast and the Central North Island this week, Mr Guy said water drives New Zealand’s economy just as much as minerals in Australia. ...

New report shows $8 billion potential in Maori freehold land

Admin — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 22:17:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

A new report commissioned by the Ministry for Primary Industries has shown the potential held in over one million hectares of Maori freehold land, says Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy. The report Growing the Productive Base of Māori Freehold Land estimates that lifting productivity to average industry benchmarks could result in an additional $8 billion in gross output and 3,600 new jobs for the primary sector. To achieve the estimated gains an investment in the land of just under $3 billion would be required. ...

Drought challenges still lie ahead

Beehive — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 09:58:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy says he is pleased with the way New Zealanders have rallied to help drought-affected communities, but challenging times still remain ahead. “Scattered rain is forecast over the next week which will be welcomed, but on its own it won’t be enough to break the drought conditions. We still need plenty more rain to help grass growth before the colder weather settles in. “However it’s encouraging to see a range of support available from not just the Government but also businesses and communities. ...

Drought declared in Buller and Grey Districts

Beehive — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:14:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

A state of drought has been officially declared in the Buller and Grey Districts today by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. This follows a meeting held this afternoon in Greymouth at which local farmers asked the Government for a drought declaration. “The rain over the last week has not been enough to help these districts, and there is only limited rain forecast for the next two weeks. ...

New shellfish catch limits will boost exports and sustainability

Beehive — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

New catch limits for rock lobster (crayfish), scallops and surf clams will boost exports and increase sustainability, says Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy. ...

Drought officially declared throughout North Island

Admin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:05:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

A state of drought has been officially declared throughout the entire North Island by the Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy today. “Local groups have asked for regional declarations of drought in the past week, and it has become clear that nearly all farmers in every part of the North Island are facing very difficult dry conditions. “Extra Government funding will now be available to Rural Support Trusts who work closely with farmers, providing support and guidance. ...

Minister meets Brazilian counterpart - opportunities in 'the giant of Latin America'

Admin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:18:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy was impressed by the size and scale of Brazilian agriculture when he met with Brazilian Agriculture Minister Mendes Ribeiro Filho in Brasilia today, at the end of a nine-day trade mission to Latin America led by Prime Minister John Key. “In meeting with my counterpart I outlined the expertise, innovation, and efficiency which characterises New Zealand's agricultural sector,” says Mr Guy. ...

Feedback sought on RMA and freshwater proposals

Admin — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:14:00 +0000

Amy Adams | Environment

Environment Minister Amy Adams and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy will this week begin a series of meetings throughout the country with councils, iwi, environment groups, businesses and the public to discuss proposed changes to the resource management system. The Government has announced proposals aimed at strengthening the Resource Management Act (RMA), and improving water quality and the way freshwater is managed. ...

New Zealand and Chile sign agricultural agreement

Admin — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 01:15:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and his Chilean counterpart Luis Mayol have signed a revised Agriculture Cooperation Forward Agenda between New Zealand and Chile. “New Zealand and Chile have a strong relationship, underscored by their role in the formation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership,” says Mr Guy. “New Zealand and Chile are like cousins and since 2007 New Zealand has invested $630 million in Chile. ...

Government releases freshwater proposals

Admin — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:51:00 +0000

Amy Adams | Environment

Environment Minister Amy Adams and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy today released a document outlining the Government’s proposed plan of action for improving water quality and the way freshwater is managed. ...

New Zealand and Colombian Primary Industries Ministerial statement

Admin — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:30:00 +0000

Nathan Guy | Primary Industries

Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy and his Colombian counterpart Andres Felipe Garcia Azuero have issued a joint statement agreeing to look for areas of strategic cooperation between the two countries. Mr Guy expressed his desire to see deeper cooperation with Colombia through sharing New Zealand's knowledge and technology. “We have a proven track record of lifting productivity at the farm gate through innovation, technology and modern farming practises,” says Mr Guy. ...