HolsteinFriesian Association National Conference

Monday 27 June 2005

Double welcome to Christchurch. I don't give out many double welcomes, but to any group managing to have their conference just around the same time as the All Black/Lions game a double greeting is in order. Once for politeness. And once as a salute to your cunning organisers.

I see in my background notes that Holstein Friesians make up 52 per cent of the total cow population in New Zealand. That's a majority either Labour or National would love to have. It is also a good reminder that behind the property boom bubble, behind the glittery new offerings from the world of high-tech in Canterbury, a good part of our economic backbone still comes from the land.

I note on the economic front that your association is very much into global networks for keeping breed data up to date and competitive. When I was in the United States recently I kept saying to the people there that Kiwis are great traders. We are.

One of the things you really get to see in a job like mine is how well so many Kiwis do in so many areas. It's why you keep getting trade delegations from new players like China and Vietnam seeking to tap into our agricultural expertise.

I note also that you are making a major effort to bring in and retain new blood in the industry. That's great to see.