infonews.co.nz
INDEX
NEWS

FGC Pays Tribute to Sue Kedgley

Tuesday 27 September 2011, 2:38PM

By NZ Food & Grocery Council

382 views

The New Zealand Food and Grocery Council pays tribute to retiring Member of Parliament Sue Kedgley and wishes her well for the delivery of her valedictory statement in Parliament today.

“As a campaigner for safe, healthy food Sue Kedgley has maintained a keen interest in the food industry, often keeping us on our toes”, said Katherine Rich, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council (FGC).

“Sue has won respect not only as a formidable opponent, but also a formidable ally on issues such as folic acid, supermarket power, natural products and medicines regulations reform.

“While we’ve been on opposite sides of numerous industry debates, we have appreciated Sue’s professionalism, interest in our sector and willingness to engage.

“She has without exception maintained an open door, and not once declined an invitation to meet. Our members have valued the opportunity to discuss issues and share information.

“Many food issues are contentious, but in her twelve years she has maintained a dignified approach to politics. I can’t recall a single instance where she has played the (wo)man rather than the ball.

“Sue can look back on her parliamentary career and know she’s made a significant contribution to New Zealand’s political environment. Many controversial issues she’s championed over decades of activism are now the societal norm.

“FGC pays tribute to her twelve year contribution as a Member of Parliament and wishes her all the best for the next phase of her career.

“To use the grocery sector vernacular - deleting this major brand from the product range will leave a major gap on the supermarket shelf”, Mrs Rich said.