Dunne will take up his three-year term on November 18, succeeding Wayne McNee who left in July to join LIC. Scott Gallacher has been acting director-general since McNee’s departure.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy believes the appointment signals a fresh start for MPI. Federated Farmers has also welcomed Dunne as the new director-general, rightly noting that he “brings a completely new dimension to the leadership of the MPI”.
DairyNZ also welcomed his appointment. Chair John Luxton says MPI has a vital part to play in enabling the primary sector to make the most of the opportunities to grow our export value.
The State Services Commission says Dunne has been high commissioner to Australia since 2011, following six years running the Customs Department where he oversaw a strengthening of border protection.
Dunne’s professional background and high-rank military role, and his experience in trade access, customs and international relations make him a good choice to head the country’s most important government department.
This is a very important role, given that the primary industries remain the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, accounting for at least 70% of New Zealand’s exports generating annually about $32 billion.
MPI has been criticised in recent years, not least for its role in introducing the kiwifruit wasting disease PSA and for the muddled paperwork that stalled meat exports on China’s wharves this year.
The ministry has undergone a lot of change since it was formed from the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Fisheries and the New Zealand Food Safety Authority. It now needs a sustained period of stabilisation and consolidation.
Let’s hope Dunne’s leadership at MPI will bring the ‘fresh start’ Minster Guy has called for as well as the stability New Zealand’s primary sector needs.
