increase font size
Farmers are offering their conditional support to the fourth report of the Land & Water Forum.
Farmers are offering their conditional support to the fourth report of the Land & Water Forum.
Federated Farmers today added its name to the signatories of the report after receiving the conditional support of its national council.
"Federated Farmers has been deeply involved in and committed to the Land & Water Forum since its formation in 2009, playing an active role in the development of this and the previous three forum reports," says Federated Farmers water spokesperson Chris Allen.
"We have worked tirelessly to represent the interests of New Zealand's farmers and collaborated strongly with stakeholders from all quarters. Unlike others we are not prepared to turn our back on the forum. Instead we sign the report as a reflection of our commitment to its work and with pride in our efforts, however the decision of our National Council was only do so on the condition that we continue to discuss the report and consider our options."
The key concerns of the Federation's national council were the clauses relating to iwi rights and interests – not that they were included but how they might be interpreted by local councils. The draft report suggests potential options around this but should not be interpreted as giving specific direction to government.
"We are concerned that some local Governments may pre-empt negotiations between iwi and central government by unreasonably locking up water creating a gridlock on its management," says Allen.
"We argued strongly that the government has the opportunity to create more headroom through support of, and contribution to, water storage and other infrastructure projects. This would create a potential win for iwi, other users and the environment."
"This decision by our National Council has paved the way for us to add our name to the Land & Water Forum Report while reserving the right to continue to consider its implications and take any additional steps we determine might be necessary to shape its final outcome," says Allen.
The report, released today, will now be reviewed by Cabinet and then be open to public consultation.
Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the viability of farming businesses, and our wider rural communities, says Federated Farmers national vice president Colin Hurst.
A survey of contract milkers in the dairy sector has revealed some shocking statistics - 43% of respondents reported abusive behaviour from a farm owner and a whopping 72% suffered a mental and/or financial setback in the role.
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.
There's been a positive response to the Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable.
Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.
Business Advisors and Accountants (BFA) and Craigs Investment Partners will be hosting an event later this month where they will take a deeper look at the practical and emotional side of succession planning.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) says the Government needs to close loopholes in the guidance around limits on carbon forestry as news of further whole-farm sales emerges.
Sales of premium brand Envy apples are booming in Taiwan.
Sheep milk powder and products exporter Maui Milk is partnering with one of China’s biggest dairy players to boost its market presence.
Ngai Tahu's legal action seeking self-determination (rangatiratanga) over fresh water could have huge implications for the future of farming, the viability of farming businesses, and our wider rural communities, says Federated Farmers national vice president Colin Hurst.
A Māori-owned agribusiness helping to turn a long-standing animal welfare and waste issue into a high-value protein stream for the dairy and red meat sectors wants more industry support.
