9639 (2024). Rachel Boyack to the Associate Minister of Agriculture

9639 (2024). Rachel Boyack to the Associate Minister of Agriculture: Has the Minister read the article 'Now farmers on hook for GDEx millions' printed in the April 8, 2024 edition of 'Farmers Weekly', and if so, has he sought advice from officials about any potential impact of the change in legal advice on the viability of Live Cattle Exports by Ship from New Zealand?

Hon Andrew Hoggard: I am aware of the article that the member refers to. The change in legal advice referred to in the article related to matters of insolvency - whether the liquidator could recover payments made by the insolvent export company from the livestock agent companies or the farmers. The change in legal advice did not relate to the overall viability of live exports by sea. Regarding advice I received from officials on livestock exports by sea, I refer the member to the response to 8850 (2024) for advice I have received to date. MPI will consult on options to reinstate the trade with improved animal welfare standards before providing me with more detailed advice and options as part of future work.