National committed to rural prosperity

Our electorate is one which thrives on farming and other primary industries. Around Wanganui we have sheep, beef and forestry, while in South Taranaki it's the classic Kiwi image - rolling green pastures filled with dairy cows.

These industries play a huge part in how we see ourselves, and for good reason, as they play such a vital part in the health of our export economy.

That is why National is committed to lifting long-term growth in our rural economy.

We've reformed the Resource Management Act to reduce costs, uncertainties, and delays, and we're moving on to our second stage of reforms to achieve the right balance between our environmental responsibilities and economic opportunities.

On April 1, we reduced ACC levies for farmers and rural businesses.

We also have committed $75 million in a Joint Border Management System between MAF and Customs to improve biosecurity.

The Primary Growth Partnership is a government/industry investment already worth over half a billion dollars in primary sector research and innovation, some of which has come to Wanganui and South Taranaki.

A further $80 million went into Fonterra, with all the benefits that will bring to South Taranaki dairy farmers.

We're providing $300 million for rural broadband, with 12 schools across the electorate already signed on to receive rural broadband or Ultrafast Broadband.

National has developed country strategies in our key growth markets, such as India and China, to increase support for our exporters and make the most of the trade opportunities we have. We are also working towards free trade agreements with South Korea, Russia, and India, and with the United States through the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

This year we've introduced New Zealand's first electronic livestock tracing system. This will improve protection for our rural businesses in the international marketplace and strengthen our biosecurity system.

Through sensible policy development, sound financial management, and industry consultation, National is delivering a smarter and more efficient primary sector. This is an important step towards building a brighter future for our rural communities - and all New Zealanders.