The calvary arrives — finally!
The first batch of overseas drivers for local agricultural contracting work is expected in the country next week, says Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) chief executive Roger Parton.
Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) says with spring here and grass growth starting to peak; farmers around the country are looking to rebuild their supplementary feed stocks by making hay and silage.
"As spring gets underway many contractors will be cranking out their gear getting ready for the hay and silage season," explains RCNZ president Steve Levet. "This means that all over New Zealand, rural contractors will be hitting the roads with their tractors, balers and silage wagons.
"So there is going to be more and larger machinery on our roads than normal; as contractors' travel around helping the country's farmers to replenish their supplementary feed stocks."
Levet is advising motorists to be extra vigilant and patient when approaching rural contractors and their machinery on the road.
"Some of our gear can be pretty big and it may sometimes be hard for operators to see prevailing traffic approaching them. The last thing they want to do is hold up traffic and they'll make every effort to ensure motorists can pass them in a safe and timely manner," he says.
"All we are asking is that motorists exhibit some patience and understanding – so we can all be safe on our roads," Levet says.
He also suggests motorists take a wide berth when passing machinery to ensure a safe passage and this will probably even gain a friendly wave from the rural contractor.
Meanwhile, with new rules for agricultural vehicles – that came into force on June 1 – RCNZ is reminding contractors to familiarise themselves with these new regulations.
Levet says rural contractors can find – and be able to refresh themselves on – all these changes on the RCNZ website – www.ruralcontractors.org.nz
