Farmers swing on gates over One Plan ruling

Farmers are annoyed that DOC and Fish and Game appealed the One Plan, leading to the court supporting Fish and Game’s position. Federated Farmers says most farmers and commercial growers in the region are affected in some way by the plan.

 It’s nearly three weeks since the Court released its decision, but confusion remains over the impact of the One Plan. Even the chairman of Horizons Regional Council admits they are not certain what the Environment Court wants done with the plan and are seeking urgent clarification of some issues.

As Dairy News went to press, primary sector groups were meeting to decide whether or not to take appeals to the High Court. Appeals were required to have been lodged by September 24 and were admissible only on points of law, not previous evidence.

Federated Farmers early last week briefed members on the Environment Court’s decisions and sought feedback on what action to take.  About 100 farmers and industry group representatives gathered to hear Feds policy advisor Dr Tessa Mills’ opinions on the implications of the decision. Also present were two Horizons staff and the chairman, Bruce Gordon, who answered questions.

The tone of the meeting was subdued and most farmers were clearly frustrated at the court’s decision. They are trying to work out its effect on their farming operations. Most questions and comments were on what the farmers saw as the court’s failure to take account of economic issues. DOC and Fish and Game were painted as the main villains, leading to suggestions that given Fish and Game’s anti-farming stance its members should be refused access to farmers’ land.

Meanwhile primary industries minister David Carter awaits information, urgently sought from his department, about the implications of the One Plan. Given that One Plan is seen as precedent setting for other plans in the pipeline, the Government is pondering whether its economic growth targets and other pet projects could be derailed by the plan and others following. 

Commercial growers in the region have also met to discuss the implications of the plan on their operations. 

The president of Manawatu/Rangitikei Federated Farmers, Andrew Hoggard (a dairy farmer) says the meeting went well. Concerns that it might turn into a screaming match against Horizons proved unwarranted.

“Members views were kind-of split. Some suggested talking with Horizons to try to come to a reasonable outcome over the rules. Others were saying the lack of emphasis on economic issues was grounds for appeal.  The meeting was respectful to the Horizons people and it was good they came along to answer questions.”

Hoggard says the meeting gave farmers a chance to understand the implications of One Plan. Any decision on whether or not to lodge an appeal will be in the hands of the local executive with outside legal advice.