Repeating mistakes of the past?
OPINION: In 1984, the last time farming was declared a sunset industry, the newly elected Labour government began the deregulation of what had been a highly regulated pastoral economy.
Convoys of tractors, utes and trucks converged at four locations in the region: Cambridge, Hamilton, Morrinsville and Te Awamutu.
A convoy of up to 50 tractors, utes and trucks, set off from the southern end of the city, heading through the city centre and northwards along Te Rapa, to finish up at The Base shopping complex on the northern edge of the city.
The convoy moved at a slow pace, blocking both lanes: tailbacks of around 5km quickly built up, while the convoy itself became very disjointed as it passed through numerous sets of traffic lights.
Interestingly, the convoy received thumbs up and positive horn tooting from other motorists and few bystanders lining the route.
As was to be expected, vehicles carried a range of signs and banners, calling out the government on issues like Three Waters, the so-called fart tax and the lack of recognition for the carbon sequestration that was taking place by the tress already planted on farm.
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The convoy blocked both lanes, but became disjointed as it passed through traffic lights. |
There were also the expected ‘you can’t eat trees” and “no farmers -no food” signs drawing attention to the likelihood of major production cuts and farm sales happening as He Waka Eke Noa/emissions trading scheme (ETS) process evolved.
A quick straw poll saw protesters coming from a wide geographical area, including as far south as Taihape, east to Thames, west to Raglan and as far north as Karioitahi on the west coast. The protester ranged from farmers and farm workers from the dairy beef and sheep sectors, alongside a smattering of rural professionals, driving company vehicles and tractors.
