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Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Agriculture Minister heads to Australia

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor heads to Brisbane today to meet with his Australian Government counterparts.
Mr O’Connor will attend the annual Agriculture Ministers’ Forum (AGMIN) from 26-27 April to discuss common approaches to biosecurity, climate change and international trading conditions.
He will meet with Australia’s Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources and the equivalent ministers from Australian states and territories.
Discussions at the sixth AGMIN will centre on the similar issues and opportunities facing the agricultural sectors in Australia and New Zealand.
“As significant exporters of agricultural products Australia and New Zealand face similar aspirations and challenges in world markets. We both produce high-quality products in demand from consumers around the world, but global conditions are volatile and biosecurity is a top challenge,” Damien O’Connor says.
“During the talks we will look for new opportunities for our two countries to work together to support our agricultural sectors.”
New Zealand and Australia have a Trans-Tasman Action Plan on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Preparedness where the two countries share intelligence on risk, collaborate on training opportunities and share specialised skills.
Another example of Trans-Tasman collaboration between our primary sectors is in biosecurity where both countries are signatories of the International Animal Health Emergency Reserve Agreement and can exchange experts in the event of an animal disease incursion. As part of the current Mycoplasma bovis response Australia has provided New Zealand laboratory staff and epidemiologists.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: NZSL Board Appointments open

Minister for Disability Issues Carmel Sepuloni is encouraging people from the Deaf community and NZSL users to put themselves forward for the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Board now that the appointments process has opened.
“The NZSL Board is focused on making it easier for deaf people and NZSL users to use sign language and on removing barriers to sign language use. We’re looking for people from the community who can help us achieve those goals,” Ms Sepuloni said.
“This is a routine appointment process, which takes place every three years, to offer the opportunity for people to join the NZSL Board.
“It is also important that the NZSL Board, fluent NZSL users with the majority being Deaf, reflects the Deaf community and NZSL users it serves by having a good balance of gender, age, ethnicity and a range of skills. I want to ensure a wide range of people know about the role and how to apply.
“This is the first time board elections have been held since the establishment of the NZSL Board in 2015. Five of the ten positions on the NZSL Board are available. The remaining five positions will be open for appointment in 2019.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the current NZSL Board members. Their efforts, as the first board, have contributed significantly to developing a strong foundation for providing strategic direction and expert advice to government and the community on NZSL,” Ms Sepuloni said.
Application and process details are available online at
http://www.odi.govt.nz/nzsl/2018-board-appointments/
Applications open today, with the process closing 4pm, Monday 14 May 2018.
 
  

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Financial Markets Authority board appointments announced

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi today announced the appointment of Professor Prasanna Gai to the Financial Markets Authority Board.
“Professor Gai, who is currently Professor of Macroeconomics at the University of Auckland, has extensive international academic and high-level policy experience in financial market issues, and will add a valuable dimension to the Board’s work.”
Current board member Campbell Stuart has been reappointed for one year.
“Mr Stuart has been a very effective contributor to the FMA Board over the last three years, particularly in technical market-related matters. I am pleased the Board can further benefit from his expertise,” says Mr Faafoi.
The FMA has an important role as the statutory regulator for our financial markets. Its main objective is to promote and facilitate the development of fair, efficient and transparent financial markets in New Zealand, and a principal function is to promote the confident and informed participation of businesses, investors and consumers.
 

Background  
Established by the Financial Markets Authority Act 2011, the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) is New Zealand’s main statutory regulator for our financial markets and discharges statutory functions under a range of Acts, including the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and Financial Advisers Act 2008.
Professor Prasanna Gai is currently Professor of Macroeconomics at the University of Auckland. He is serving a four-year term on the Advisory Scientific Committee of the European Systemic Risk Board. He was Special Adviser to the Governor of the Bank of Canada and was a Senior Adviser on financial stability at the Bank of England. In 2011, Professor Gai conducted a formal review of the monetary policy process at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Professor Gai has been Professor of Economics at the Australian National University and a Visiting Fellow of All Souls College, University of Oxford.
Campbell Stuart was first appointed to the FMA Board in 2015. He is a registered chartered accountant who has worked in stockbroking and funds management for the last 30 years. He spent the last 17 years with UBS New Zealand. Mr Campbell served on the NZX Disciplinary Committee for nine years and was Vice Chairman of the NZX. He is currently Director of Aspiring Asset Management.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Proposed changes to Takeovers Code

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi today released for public consultation an exposure draft of changes to the Takeovers Code.
“The draft proposes a number of relatively minor changes to the Takeovers Code, which combined, greatly improve clarity, efficiency and transparency.
“One of the more significant proposals will allow communications relating to takeovers to be conducted electronically,” says Mr Faafoi. 
“Other changes aim to ensure information disclosed to shareholders is clear and consistent, and that shareholders are fully informed about the entity which has a controlling interest.”
The proposals follow on from consultation undertaken by the Takeovers Panel in 2016, and changes to the Takeovers Code recommended by the Takeovers Panel in 2017.
You can find more information on the exposure draft and making a submission on MBIE’s website here.
Submissions close 25 May 2018.

Source: New Zealand Government

Headline: Primary Sector Council announced

A group of visionary agribusiness leaders is set to help our primary sector capture more value from its work, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Communities Damien O’Connor says.
Mr O’Connor today announced the membership of the Primary Sector Council, which will provide independent strategic advice to the Government on issues confronting the primary industries – with an immediate focus on developing a sector-wide vision.
“This group of 15 innovative leaders from across the sector will provide fresh thinking at a time when New Zealand’s primary sector is facing unprecedented levels of change.
“Does that vision coalesce around ideas of sustainability, grower to plate storytelling, pasture-fed protein, smarter use of water and appealing to consumers who are prepared to pay more for products that align with their personal values?
“I do not have all the answers myself, which is why I am excited about the work the council will do.
“The council will be chaired by Lain Jager, former Chief Executive of Zespri Group. 
“Lain brings solid experience in leadership, value-adding innovation and stakeholder engagement, which are all critical elements of the work I expect the council to deliver.
“The council will have its first meeting in late May. Once it has developed a sector-wide vision it will work with each sector to develop individual strategic plans.  
“These plans will include elements such as sustainable development, future value creation, technological opportunities and how a focused and thriving primary sector can reinvigorate rural communities.
“We’ve heard a lot recently about alternative proteins and the potential impact on our meat and dairy sectors. We also know some change will be required on environmental sustainability and a shift away from a commodity and volume focus. This move will give the primary sector its social licence to reap the opportunities of changing consumer trends.
“Kiwi growers and farmers have an immense collective knowledge and energy; they know sitting still is not an option and are constantly looking at ways to improve their operations. The Primary Sector Council will help harness that expertise.
“The Young Horticulturist of the Year and the Young Farmer of the Year will also be invited to attend sessions as a development opportunity,” says Damien O’Connor.