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- By Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister and MP for Botany
New Zealand’s farmers and growers are once again proving why they are the backbone of our economy. Exports are on track to reach a record $64.3 billion – up more than six per cent despite tough global conditions.
That doesn’t happen by accident. It’s driven by the grit of rural New Zealand – and by backing farmers with practical policies that let them do what they do best.
National is doubling down on that support. Through the Primary Sector Growth Fund, we are investing in innovation, smarter land use, and higher-value production so farmers can grow more, earn more, and stay competitive on the world stage.
We’re also opening new markets. The India Free Trade Agreement unlocks access to 1.4 billion consumers – creating real opportunities to sell more of the world-class food and fibre New Zealand produces.
Because when our farmers do well, the whole country does well – more jobs, higher incomes, and stronger communities across the country.
However, New Zealanders should be very clear about the alternative.
You might have seen news over the weekend that Labour has more than $20 billion in spending promises, without any idea how to pay for them.
I think you deserve to know how Labour are going to make their promises add up, because you will have to pay their bill.
There are two choices available to Labour – and both will put our economy at risk. They will
have to hike taxes on your income, your KiwiSaver, your house, your business, and your farm. Or they will have to borrow billions of dollars, pushing up inflation and interest rates, and increasing your mortgage repayments.
National is focused on the opposite. No reckless borrowing, just discipline. Because you can’t tax, spend, and borrow your way out of every problem without creating debt for future generations and lifting inflation for everyone.
