3. Question No. 3—AgricultureTANYA UNKOVICH (NZ First) to the Associate Minister of AgricultureQuestion No. 3—Agriculture3. TANYA UNKOVICH (NZ First) to the Associate Minister of Agriculture: What recent announcements has he made?Hon MARK PATTERSON (Associate Minister of Agriculture): In line with recent announcements on Monday myself alongside Minister McClay and local Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick embarked upon our first of our nationwide woolshed meetings in the Wairarapa. We met with a significant turn out. Not only were we outlining Government plans and priorities we will be also seeking feedback. This Government is actually committed to listening to our farmers primary sector and rural communities. Over the next few months we will be undertaking over 20 of these meetings from Northland through to Southland. Of special interest to me is seeking input in relation to reviving New Zealand's strong wool sector.Tanya Unkovich: What engagements has he had with the sector?Hon MARK PATTERSON: Recently I convened a meeting of key industry leadership. These individuals came from both the commercial sector and crucially within farming leadership. This is a group that has for far too long had their views poorly canvassed. From this meeting I have tasked this group with establishing a pathway to a united and recognised industry voice. They are also tasked with exploring alternative pathways to market capable of delivering much higher returns back behind the farm gate.Tanya Unkovich: What other actions is he taking?Hon MARK PATTERSON: Next week I'm taking New Zealand wool to the world. I will be leading a delegation of New Zealand wool manufacturing businesses to the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) Conference in Adelaide. We aim to capitalise on the significant increased trend back towards natural and sustainable fibres. These end uses span from traditional carpets and upholstery to exciting new innovations like 3D-printed acoustics and pigments from walls broken down into the component parts. Only by increasing demand in high-value end uses will we lift returns to our farmers.Tanya Unkovich: What benefit will this bring?Hon MARK PATTERSON: This is the first time actually that New Zealand wool has been specifically featured at the IWTO—it is quite a big deal. This represents a significant opportunity to showcase the attributes of New Zealand wool and the innovation of New Zealand's wool manufacturing capability to a large international audience. I am determined that the New Zealand wool sector will make a significant contribution to deliver on the coalition Government's agreement of doubling our exports in the next decade.Hon Damien O'Connor: To the Minister: why did he and his colleagues remove ministerial oversight of the Overseas Investment Office that will mean that more funds go into foreigners' hands for the planting of pine trees?SPEAKER: Wait—just a minute. I mean there's been a lot of comment my way about the appropriateness of answers to questions but similarly questions should relate to the—Hon Member: Point of order Mr Speaker.SPEAKER: Well you can have your point of order when I'm finished. The question was What recent announcements has he made?" and if you're asking about what they have done that may not be a recent announcement.Hon Members: It was a recent announcement.Hon Peeni Henare: Point of order Mr. Speaker.SPEAKER: Oh well in that case—no no; no sit down. In that case we'll carry on. Ask the question again.Hon Damien O'Connor: To the Minister and his colleagues: why was there a recent announcement that ministerial oversight of the Overseas Investment Office would be removed which means more farms will be sold to foreigners to be planted in pine trees?Hon MARK PATTERSON: Well that's speculation on the member's part but I would invite the member to address the question to Minister Penk who is the relevant Minister."