In the final part of a three-article series on Associate Agriculture Ministers, Neal Wallace interviews Mark Patterson. Patterson, who lost his Parliamentary seat in the 2020 election, reflects on his return to grassroots politics as the Otago Federated Farmers chair and how it has prepared him for his current role.
Patterson, now serving as the minister for rural communities and associate minister of agriculture, was appointed following NZ First’s inclusion in the three-party government coalition. He, along with fellow associate agriculture ministers ACT’s Andrew Hoggard and National’s Nicola Grigg, forms what he describes as “a pretty strong bench” under Agriculture Minister Todd McClay.
Patterson highlights the significance of having three associate ministers, indicating the government’s emphasis on agriculture and its intent to leverage their collective skills.
His portfolio, Rural Communities, sits within the Ministry of Primary Industries and functions primarily as an advocacy body without a direct budget. Its key role is rural-proofing, ensuring that the implications for the agricultural sector are considered in all cabinet decisions.
Patterson’s focus areas include improving mental health in rural communities and ensuring equitable distribution of infrastructure improvements. He notes the tendency for income generated in provinces to be disproportionately spent on urban mega-projects. He has been actively engaging with other ministers to address the needs of rural communities, such as advocating for a fair share of new police officers in rural areas.
The pillars of his portfolio encompass access to primary health care, particularly mental health, education, infrastructure, and connectivity. Patterson acknowledges the challenge in measuring success due to the breadth of his portfolio.
His delegations as an associate agriculture minister, still to be confirmed at the time of writing, are expected to focus on water management, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and forestry. He advocates for a higher trust model in the government approach, emphasising the need for the primary sector to grow and add value.
Patterson has a keen interest in irrigation and water storage, highlighting the Regional Infrastructure Fund, negotiated as part of the coalition agreement, as a key component in this area. He also supports the pending changes to the Resource Management Act, which include fast-track consent to benefit regional communities and facilitate infrastructure projects like the Waitaha hydroelectric dam and mineral/resource extraction.
While acknowledging high expectations for the coalition government, Patterson is realistic about the limitations, noting that broader policy directions and constraints mean not all farmer demands can be met. However, he aims for more progress and less bureaucracy than in recent years.
This interview with Mark Patterson concludes Neal Wallace’s series on Associate Agriculture Ministers, providing insights into the individuals shaping New Zealand’s agricultural policies.
