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OPINION: Former politicians seem incapable of staying away from the limelight after they retire.
SEEKING AN outcome to the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, consistent with the vision agreed in the 2011 Honolulu statements, will be a top priority for the Government this year, Prime Minister John Key told Parliament yesterday.
"This includes comprehensive duty-free access to markets together with improved conditions for services, investment and government procurement markets," he said in his statement to Parliament.
"Successfully concluding the TPP agreement would significantly improve New Zealand's access to some of the world's largest economies, including the United States and Japan.
"The Government will also pursue opportunities to improve New Zealand's access to other overseas markets, including through trade negotiations with Korea, India, the Russia/Belarus/Kazakhstan Customs Union, and the 16 countries that make up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
"Building on the recently agreed Bali package, New Zealand remains committed to working towards the eventual conclusion of the World Trade Organisation's Doha Round.
He said ministers will continue their comprehensive programme of trade delegations focused on Asia.
"The reputation of New Zealand's food sector for quality and safety is critically important for our success as an exporting country. While the whey protein concentrate inquiry confirmed that our regulatory processes are among the best in the world, the Government is committed to ensuring the system can respond to challenges that may lie ahead.
"This year we will implement the recommendations of the inquiry, including investing more in food safety, and look to establish a centre for food safety science and research."
The Government will also continue to support the Primary Growth Partnership, which drives innovation in primary industries through long-term research programmes, jointly funded by government and industry, he said. A total of 17 programmes have been announced, with a total funding commitment from government and industry of $700 million.
An independent report, prepared for Alliance farmer shareholders is backing the proposed $250 million joint venture investment by Irish company Dawn Meats Group.
Whangarei field service technician, Bryce Dickson has cemented his place in John Deere’s history, becoming the first ever person to win an award for the third time at the annual Australian and New Zealand Technician of the Year Awards, announced at a gala dinner in Brisbane last night.
NZPork has appointed Auckland-based Paul Bucknell as its new chair.
The Government claims to have delivered on its election promise to protect productive farmland from emissions trading scheme (ETS) but red meat farmers aren’t happy.
Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks could have a detrimental impact on any country's rural sector, as seen in the United Kingdom's 2000 outbreak that saw the compulsory slaughter of over six million animals.
The Ministry for the Environment is joining as a national award sponsor in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA from next year).
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.