Damien O’Connor Criticises Budget 2026 as ‘Miserable’ for Rural New Zealand
A miserable budget that didn’t deliver much for anyone.
The Fit for a Better World plan launched today centres on three themes:
• Productivity: adding an additional $44 billion to export earnings over the next decade through a focus on value, rather than volume.
• Sustainability: improving freshwater and reducing biogenic methane emissions to 10% below 2017 levels by 2010 and 24-47% below by 2050.
• Inclusiveness: employing 10,000 more New Zealanders in the primary sector workforce over the next four years and 10% more New Zealanders in the food and fibre sector by 2030.
“The Fit for a Better World Roadmap spells out practical ways for the sector to fetch more value, create more jobs and bolster our green reputation in a global pandemic environment to ensure New Zealand builds back better, together,” said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said the sector’s ability to record 4.5% growth in the past year, with forecast export growth of $48 billion despite COVID-19, highlighted demand for Kiwi products.
However, O’Connor said the industry can’t continue to rely on volume growth to generate greater returns.
“We need to create new billion-dollar, category-leading products services for consumers here and overseas, while respecting Te Taiao – the natural world.
“Our Fit for a Better World Roadmap builds on the work both primary industries and the Government have already started and brings together actions, investment, and resources that will work in concert to accelerate the transformation we need.”
