Editorial: Long overdue!
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.
Farmers are throwing their support behind tougher firearms legislation proposed by the Government.
Federated Farmers says it supports the government’s intention to toughen firearms regulations.
"This will not be popular among some of our members but after a week of intense debate and careful consideration by our elected representatives and staff, we believe this is the only practicable solution," Feds rural security spokesperson Miles Anderson says.
"We are trying to tread a responsible path. The wrong guns can’t be allowed to get into the wrong hands."
"Christchurch, Friday March 15 has changed everything."
Feds’ message to members is to remember that at least this way, responsible gun owners are going to be recognised for being law-abiding, safety conscious and skilled.
Miles says it agrees with the Government there is no need for military style semiautomatic rifles in general public ownership.
“We also support the move to prohibit general access to, and possession of, detachable large capacity magazines for semiautomatic firearms."
"We’re pleased farmers are still going to have access to sporting semiautomatic rimfire rifles, such as the .22 long rifle, and sporting semiautomatic shotguns with limited magazine capacity."
These are needed for control of small, mobile pest species often found in groups (rabbits, possums, Canada geese) where quick follow-up shots is important for efficient, fast and humane destruction of these pests.
Federated Farmers considers there is a very limited need for centrefire semiautomatic firearms with large capacity magazines for professional pest management, but this access should be controlled by the kind of police checks, registration of individual firearms and the increased security requirements that currently apply to E category licences, Miles says.
"The surrender or destruction of firearms that don’t meet the new controls will be disappointing to many farmers, and others.
"But a clampdown is the responsible path to take to try to ensure we’re never witness to this kind of tragedy on our shores again."
Federated Farmers will contribute to the Select Committee process outlined by the Prime Minister this afternoon.
The 2025 game bird season is underway with Hawke’s Bay and Southland reporting the ideal weather conditions for hunters – rain and wind.
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1.6 million for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit.
New Zealand’s top cheeses for 2025 have been announced and family-owned, Oamaru-based Whitestone Cheese is the big winner.
Waikato farmer, and Owl Farm demonstration manager, Jo Sheridan is the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
New Zealand’s special agricultural trade envoy Hamish Marr believes the outlook for the dairy sector remains strong.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe (NZVA) awards.
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