If you’ve been following the conflict in the Middle East, you’re probably wondering what it means for you and what your Government is doing about it.
The most obvious impact is being felt at the petrol pump, with pressure on global oil markets flowing through to the price New Zealanders pay to fill their tanks.
At this time, it’s vital that fuel markets continue to operate fairly, transparently, and competitively.
Therefore, I have written to the Commerce Commission asking it to step up its monitoring of fuel pricing, margins, and market behaviour.
The Minister for Energy, Simon Watts, and I have also written directly to fuel companies thanking them for their ongoing contribution to the Fuel Sector Coordinating Entity and advising them that the Commerce Commission will publicly call out unwarranted price increases should they occur.
I’m also part of the Ministerial Economic Security and Supply Chains Group, which is chaired by the Finance Minister Nicola Willis. Our role as a ministerial group is to provide strategic direction during any potential disruptions, enabling swift, evidence-based decisions to protect essential services, support industry, and maintain public confidence. Whatever happens, our Government will deliver the responsible economic and fiscal management needed.
On a lighter note, I attended the Auckland/Hauraki Dairy Industry Awards at the Thames Civic Centre last week. It was a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the incredibly talented people working in our primary sector. I was really impressed by the calibre of the nominees who were up for the major awards, such as Share Farmer of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Trainee of the Year.
A huge congratulations to all the award winners, as well as everyone who is doing their bit to ensure that the dairy sector is growing and thriving. It was inspiring to hear about your experiences and the passion that you all have for the future of the industry in New Zealand.
From Scott’s Facebook page posted 25 March
National backs recreational fishers and we’ve heard your concerns over the past couple of days.
The PM spoke to New Zealand First Minister Shane Jones and he has agreed to take out the sections of the Fisheries Amendment Bill that removes the minimum size limits.
