Ag sector 'loses a friend'

He told Rural News that Ardern was one of the “more supportive” voices that farmers had among Cabinet Ministers.

“Many people may think I’ve had too much to drink during the holidays, but within that Cabinet, she supported the ag sector more than anyone else.”

“We may get a new PM who doesn’t share her views.”

On He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) – an ag sector group set up to work closely with the Government on emissions pricing – Hoggard says he found that Ardern was willing to support recommendations from the industry group.

He claims that there were some ministers who wanted to “chuck agriculture into an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) straight away”.

But Hoggard adds that, while Ardern was supportive of the farming sector, one of the criticisms she will face is that farmers faced an avalanche of regulations while she was at the helm of the Government.

Hoggard says he was “shocked like others” to hear the news of Ardern’s resignation.

He believes farmers, like other New Zealanders, will be watching with interest to see who will take over as Labour leader and PM until the general election in October.

The Labour caucus meets on Sunday to elect a new leader. Chris Hipkins is said to be front runner at this stage.

Ardern says being Prime Minister has been the greatest honour of her life but she couldn’t continue in the role any more.

“With holding such a privileged role comes responsibility, including the responsibility to know when you’re the right person to lead, and also when you’re not.  

“I have given my absolute all to being Prime Minister but it has also taken a lot out of me. You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along. 

“Having reflected over summer, I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It’s that simple.”