Fletcher Tabuteau

New Zealand First Deputy Leader

11 May 2018

EMBARGOED UNTIL 12.00pm

New Zealand First deputy leader Fletcher Tabuteau has welcomed the launch of Te Uru Rākau in Rotorua – the first step in re-establishing New Zealand’s forestry service and a key aspect of New Zealand First’s coalition agreement with Labour.

“As an MP based in Rotorua, I’m particularly happy to see our region’s proud forestry industry once again put in the spotlight,” Fletcher Tabuteau said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Forestry Minister Shane Jones, Associate Forestry Minister Meka Whaitiri, and Waiariki MP Tamati Coffey attended the launch of Te Uru Rākau in Rotorua today, where the name and new branding was unveiled.

“New Zealand First has been clear in its determination to return prosperity to the regions and strengthen the forestry industry, a sector which has great potential for growth,” Fletcher Tabuteau said.

“New Zealand has not had a dedicated forestry service since 1987, and in the period since the forestry industry has been in decline. The launch of Te Uru Rākau, along with the One Billion Trees programme, will stimulate job creation, economic development, and training opportunities in provincial New Zealand.

“It’s important that Te Uru Rākau has a strong presence in our regions and having the head office in Rotorua reflects its status as being at the heart of the country’s forestry industry.

“Forestry has already made great strides under this Government through the advocacy of New Zealand First, whether it be the establishment of the One Billion Trees programme or the Forestry Directive issued to the Overseas Investment Office to encourage foreign investment in the sector.

“Today’s launch demonstrates our continued commitment to realising our ambitious targets for the industry, as well as for regional New Zealand,” Fletcher Tabuteau said.

ENDS

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