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Wednesday, 10 May 2023 08:25

McClay's overture

Written by  Staff Reporters
National Party agriculture spokesperson Todd McClay. National Party agriculture spokesperson Todd McClay.

National's spokesperson on agriculture, Todd McClay, has entered the debate on the Hawke's Bay crisis.

Speaking at a woolshed meeting with his boss, Christopher Luxon, McClay says there were a lot of upset and angry people in the region because of the delay in an announcement of long-term recovery plans.

He says it's hard on people who've lost their livelihoods and have no certainty in their lives.

"The Government has made a big promise to Hawke's Bay to get this sorted out quickly. I am hearing that people are concerned, disappointed, disillusioned and extremely depressed at the lack of action."

McClay says he intends to approach Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor to see if there can be a bipartisan approach to the recovery.

O'Connor says there has never been a political approach to the recovery but is happy to meet with McClay or any other politician.

"The door is always open for any good ideas from National - if they have any," he says.

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Back here on Earth though, the economy they inherited is a basket case, and the long-term headwinds are fierce.

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"Everybody wants to fight on the economy if they can. But when neither side has a compelling story, the contest shifts to other issues. That's not new. In fact, it's the stuff of politics everywhere, always."

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