Luxton to chair key select committee
Rangitata MP Jo Luxton has been rewarded with a couple of prime select committee positions.
Labour’s Luxton, who beat National candidate Megan Hands by 4408 votes in the 2020 election, will chair the primary production select committee.
This committee looks at business related to agriculture, biosecurity, racing, fisheries, productive forestry, lands, and land information.
Luxton said she was ‘‘incredibly proud’’ to be appointed chairwoman.
‘‘I’ll work alongside farmers and growers here in Rangitata, and across New Zealand, to maximise the export value of our primary sector, create and secure jobs, and support New Zealand’s brand for a clean, healthy and productive future,’’ Luxton said.
‘‘We are committed to working alongside industry to take care of our people and our environment, generate greater returns for farmers and growers’ hard work, and position New Zealand as the world’s most sustainable provider of high-value food and primary products.’’
Luxton said she had met farmers and growers right across the electorate, and she would continue to do so.
‘‘They are hard-working, innovative, and constantly looking to improve their practices. By growing our workforce, improving environmental outcomes and lifting our sights to growth through value rather than volume, the food and primary sector will be at the forefront of New Zealand’s export-led recovery.’’
Luxton said she was excited to continue as a member of the education and workforce select committee.
‘‘The Government has an ambitious plan that builds on the work done last term, like launching the Lunch in Schools programme which will benefit around 200,000 children within a year.’’