This is achieved by establishing networks between MAF and rural people.
Regional staff monitor key rural issues and maintain contact with organisations at a regional level.
The rural policy group also make contacts with policy people in other government departments to present the rural perspective, and monitor and analyse rural trends and issues. The Government's response to the telecommunications inquiry will mean better phone deals for many homes and businesses in areas such as South Canterbury, according to Aoraki MP and Rural Affairs Minister Jim Sutton. This means real competition in the New Zealand telecommunications market for the first time since the industry was deregulated 10 years ago. Social Services and Employment Minister Steve Maharey and Rural Affairs Minister Jim Sutton said today the Heartland initiative aimed to improve face to face' contact with government agencies for people in rural areas. The Digital Divide' is the term used to indicate the gap that occurs between different parts of society, as a result of varying rates of adoption of Information Technology.