The Finance Minister has praised Mid Canterbury as one of the regions forging economic recovery in New Zealand.

Nicola Willis recently spent a day in the area, taking a look at the Genesis Lauriston Solar Farm, Winseed International, a dairy farm and she also met with local business leaders and National Party supporters.

Willis, who's also the Minister for Economic Growth, acknowledged that Mid Canterbury, like the rest of the country has experienced difficult economic times, including people being hit by the increasing cost of living.

But she said the coalition government has "now got inflation and interest rates down" which will help ease economic stress.

"You're also seeing job creation starting, so that should be happening over the next couple of years."

She put a brighter economic outlook down to the region's agricultural sector.

"You really can feel the impact of farmers in this region, who are doing really well. Export prices have been up and they're exporting big volumes, and that's very pronounced here. It feels like the recovery is very strong."

Willis said there has been "generations of hard work" by Mid Canterbury farmers.

"Despite all the red tape and problems that have been thrown at them for many years, have just kept doing it and worked really hard," she said.

"I love visiting them and seeing their ambition for the future, as it gives me confidence that New Zealand will be a wealthier and better place to live in the future."

The introduction of tariffs by the United States was unwelcome news for the government when it was received in April.

"New Zealand was disappointed that we'd landed at that 15% rate, and it will have an impact on some sectors and businesses, but we have to put it in context," Willis said.

"It's a small amount of our overall trade that will be affected, and New Zealand's great strength is we have multiple markets. I expect our exporters will be resilient.

She said tariffs will see returns reduced on some products, but predicts some "might find themselves growing in other markets".

"I'm confident that our red meat producers, our dairy producers will be resilient to that. But no doubt we'd prefer it wasn't happening."

The minister's upbeat mood was bouyed by a visit to seed exporter Winseed International, which is part of the Ashburton-based Carrfields group.

"They're doing really well," Willis said.

"New Zealand has some of the best seed in the world and they've invested in research and science to keep making those seeds better. It's a very important industry that has huge potential to grow."

Willis said Winseed was interested to talk to her about the government's free trade negotiations with India as it "is a very important market for them".

A tour of the Genesis Lauriston Solar Farm was on her agenda, which she described as fascinating.

"This region uses a lot of electricity over summer when the irrigators are on. And that's exactly when the solar farm is using the most energy, so it works really well."

Nicola Willis on the second Ashburton River bridge and lizards

The Transport Agency and Environment Canterbury have to plan for relocation of at-risk southern grass skinks that call the river area home, ahead of construction of the second Ashburton River bridge.

They also have to factor-in how to prevent harm to the threatened black-billed gull (tarāpuka) which nest in the riverbed.

Willis has called for a pragmatic approach.

"The bridge needs to be built, and the bridge will increase living standards of everyone living in this region. That has to be our priority and we shouldn't make a mountain out of a mole hill.

"Let's come up with a practical solution for the lizards, but not let them delay things."

In an announcement this week, Fletchers Construction will take the lead in building Ashburton’s second bridge.

Nicola Willis on Rangitata MP James Meager

The Minister for Economic Development said local MP James Meager takes his advocacy role for the South Island seriously.

"He ensures the issues being talked about in the South Island are front of mind for all ministers. As the Associate Minister of Transport he takes real interest in how we're funding those big roading projects and big transport projects across the country.

"He's busy and effective minister and the South Island has a very strong voice, thanks to him.

"I know he's advocated strongly for the new investments we've put into the health system with the expansion of more urgent care available in this area."

By Julie Moffett