Before I start, I want to thank the owners of this shipping centre for allowing me to tour their facilities around here. Papakura relies on shipping and logistics as a bedrock of the economy, and getting to see the way we get our milk around here was not only fascinating but gave me a better perspective about the way everything is so interconnected in this country. So, everyone, give a hand to our wonderful hosts today!” “So, after touring your shipping facility, I would like to add my words on how I will work to strengthen Papakura’s economy. This will be achieved through numerous means, but right now I think we really ought to start at the root. Look and see what I saw from the vehicles moving in and out of this facility, and you will see milk in copious quantities. Milk in and milk out, travelling around New Zealand and perhaps destined for our export markets abroad. It is clear that dairying helps fuel this whole area. Not only does it help create the jobs for the farmers out in the regions, but it also provides livelihoods for the shippers, packers, manufacturers, and exporters who deal with the raw product and make it something that others can access and consume. So, for a strong Papakura you need a strong local dairy industry. I will deliver it.” “The first stage is respecting the farmers. We will make this country suitable for property owners again by respecting them in the issuance of new policies and regulations. Unlike this past government, I will co-operate with the interests affected so we can reach amenable regulatory solutions which are level-headed and implemented in a clear manner. No more ‘New Year Surprises’ will come, as we so cruelly saw from Labour in the past weeks. We will ensure that our dairyers will have the ability to capture water as needed and irrigate their pastures through support of water capture and irrigation projects around the country. From this, our farmers can produce more reliably and with less land. It’s a win for the people who make a living off of such things, and it’s a win for all who reap the downstream benefits.” “What happens when it’s off the farms and into facilities like these? Well, I and the rest of the National Party have a strong strategy going forward to make sure that we can get products to where they need to go. We will enhance our overland infrastructure massively. I am sure you have heard of our proposal to build more Roads of National Significance. This will enhance overland transport and bring dairy, as well as all sorts of goods, to where they need to go. It will aid our economy and it’s something National will pursue seriously. After we get the goods to logistics and shipping centres we need to be able to sell excess to foreign markets. Exports a key part of fueling our economy around here and we will do our best to make sure that they are able to be sold abroad. One easy way to expand market access is to support preferential trade deals, and we will do so by joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. This will give our economy a real boost, and especially help those farmers keep their operations profitable in this competitive environment.” “So, that’s the plan. National will promote farming at the roots by providing the proper regulatory environment. We will invest in our infrastructure, so that places like this become more efficient with their work. Then, we will expand access to markets abroad so our farmers have more places to sell to. This whole area could be uplifted by our policy, and that’s why National is the top choice this General Election. Vote for jobs, vote for Papakura, vote two ticks National.” “God defend New Zealand and may God save the Queen!”