The NZ agricultural sector is speculating on a new Minister but they’d like to retain Guy.
Prime Ministers like to choose Ministers who have at least a smidgeon of connection to their portfolio.
National has lost five of the nine MPs it had with agricultural experience (see “MPs careers”) but gained four new MPs from the sector. One of them may well be given an early associate opportunity. National MPs with primarily agriculture-based work and life experience are:
- Guy, Nathan
- McKelvie, Ian
- Tisch, Lindsay
- Carter, David
- Andrew Bayly (Hunua) – new; farmer
- Stuart Smith (Kaikoura) – new; grapes
- Barbara Kuriger (Taranaki-King Country) – new; farm admin
- Maureen Pugh (List) – new; dry stock farm