Feds challenge Bill English's team to continue good work

"John Key has been an outstanding Prime Minister and ambassador for our country.

"During his time in office he has overseen some profound challenges and changes," Federated Farmers President Dr William Rolleston says.

"These are tough shoes to fill, but we are certainly happy to back Bill English and expect he will continue to lead the Government in the positive way John Key has always done."

Federated Farmers is pleased to see a farmer back in charge of the country, after 20 years, and hopes that he will lead with the pragmatism farmers are so well known for.

The challenge for English and his new team will be to live up to the expectations the nation has, particularly in terms of sound financial and economic management.

"This has been the cornerstone of the Key administration, and while New Zealand’s primary sector needs this to remain the government’s priority, we also need the government to stick to evidence-based policy.

"It needs to avoid popularism if it is to tackle contentious but important issues such as superannuation and the environment. Only then will it be able to say it has truly benefitted the country," Dr Rolleston says.

"The Government must stay focused on the importance of the primary sector to New Zealand. It’s the engine room of our economy and it supports our nation’s high standard of living."