“Everyone has been a bit glum for a combination of reasons, especially in farming, so this will definitely help that.”
With special votes yet to be counted, what the government cabinet will look like is still to be determined, but Acland feels Todd McClay would be a good pick for Minister of Agriculture, and his comparative inexperience in the primary sector could be a positive.
Acland said McClay would be more likely to look at the sector as a whole rather than as individual components such as beef and lamb or dairy.
“He would have no bias to any farm type or system; he is a clean slate.”
North Otago sheep and beef farmer and Methane Science Accord co-chairperson Jane Smith said the election result was a long overdue reflection of the silent majority regaining their voice.
“I hope that this brings with it accountability, fiscal responsibility, rational regulation and an end to choking the lifeblood out of small businesses, the provinces and the economy.”
Smith said she hoped the incoming government would focus on rebuilding the health care system, education and restoring law, order and democracy and that New Zealand could once again be proud of our farmers.
“We need the ability to innovate and remain at the top of efficient global production and environmental enhancement without being stifled by irrational, unpalatable and ineffective rules.”
Smith said she would continue to focus on questioning the new government, sector leaders, banks and processing companies on proposed methane taxing and the push for science-backed policy.
“The amount of farmers, ag-sector and taxpayer money we spend behind the scenes on research for methane emissions is a disgrace. I intend to bring science and accountability to that conversation instead of wasting money on a solution looking for a problem,” Smith said.
Groundswell NZ, whose Drive for Change tractor tour last month promoted a change of government, was pleased with the result, its environmental spokesperson Jamie McFadden said.
“It’s great for farmers, businesses, the environment, the economy, our democracy, our country – everything.”
McFadden said the difference the new government would mean for farmers could not be overstated.
“It’s a huge relief knowing how bad recent regulations are and what more was in the pipeline.”
North Canterbury farmer Angie Mason, who has had four children move overseas this year looking for a “better lifestyle”, hoped the change in government would make New Zealand a more appealing option for young people.
“Hopefully, we will see young professionals come back home shortly.
“Overall, the election results have given us a sense of relief and hope for the future,” Mason said.
This article was originally published in Rural Guardian.
