Labour policy, however, starts from the proposition that sound farm and other rural businesses are nurtured by viable rural communities.
Rural communities are dependent upon sound infrastructure.
This has never occurred by accident. NZ's rural roading network, electricity and telecommunications, schools and hospitals have all been developed in the past by community initiative, with government as an essential partner. Labour recognises that although the primary sector and its related service industries provide the foundation of our economy, small rural communities will always be disadvantaged if social service provision is left purely to market forces. Accordingly, we will intervene where necessary to ensure universal access to essential social services for all NZers. Labour will appoint a Minister of Rural Affairs, supported by a strong policy group within the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.