End of war on farming, say farmers
Federated Farmers says changes announced to the Resource Management Act today mark the end of the war on farming.
The Government's decision not to proceed with a capital gains tax has been approved by farmers.
Federated Farmers says it is heartening evidence that the coalition government is willing to put well-reasoned and practical considerations in front of ideology.
"It’s clear the coalition partners have listened to widespread concerns that a capital gains tax has too many downsides, including massive administration costs and the potential to put the handbrake on the progress of small and medium businesses vital to our economy," Feds economics spokesperson Andrew Hoggard says.
"It seems to us that New Zealand First has been pivotal in this decision, and we appreciate their pragmatism.
"The Prime Minister spoke this afternoon about new measures to tackle land banking and land speculation, an approach that has a much better chance of tackling our housing affordability issues than a CGT."
Federated Farmers is pleased the Government is committing to looking at the compliance cost reduction ideas mentioned in the Tax Working Group’s report.
"There were a number of these that are worth looking at, including increasing various thresholds (e.g., for provisional tax) and simplifying depreciation and Fringe Benefit Tax, and removing resident withholding tax on close company-related party interest and dividend payments," says Hoggard.
"We’re also pleased with the assurance that there will be no resource rental for water or fertiliser tax — at least in this term of Government."
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
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