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Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Katie Milne.
Federated Farmers want the government to give immediate attention to the Local Government '10 point plan' for rates reform.
Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Katie Milne says the disastrous dairy payout prices in particular mean farmers want urgent action on local body rates inequities.
"We farmers can't control international prices. Neither can the government. But the government can legislate rates reform. It all helps, and the sooner the better," Milne says.
Federated Farmers in particular want the rates base to be broadened.
"There needs to be a good hard look at landowners who are currently exempt from paying rates. Local bodies need to get more into user pays for services."
However, Milne has reservations about some of the LGNZ plan.
"The idea of 'value uplift' to increase rates in line with increased local government investment is interesting. We would need to see the fine print, but we would have a concern that local government investment in such things as roads may not benefit anyone but the people passing through to somewhere else."
Milne also endorsed the Local Government Minister, Paula Bennett's push for councils to be more efficient and effective and to demonstrate the value of their spending before asking for more money.
"I agree that any changes to funding arrangements should not be a license to grow spending. To me, the key is about what are the most appropriate ways to fund modern local government and how funding of local government should be sending the right messages to central government, councils, and communities. Currently, over-reliance on property value rates fails this test dismally."
"Overall however, LGNZ has produced a refined version of mostly what has been on the table and well considered for some time. It is now up to central government to get on with doing something about it," she says.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to highlight the most troublesome farm pests – a serious issue that needs some urgent attention from the Beehive.
Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
The Government has announced it will immediately roll over all resource consents for two years, with legislation expected to pass under urgency as early as this week.
Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping "The Twelve Days of Christmas" for "The Twelve Pests of Christmas" in an effort to highlight the most troublesome farm pests.
According to Ravensdown's most recent Market Outlook report, a combination of geopolitical movements and volatile market responses are impacting the global fertiliser landscape.
Environment Canterbury, alongside industry partners and a group of farmers, is encouraging farmers to consider composting as an environmentally friendly alternative to offal pits.
A New Zealand dairy industry leader believes the free trade deal announced with India delivers wins for the sector.
The Coalition Government will need the support of at least one opposition party to ratify the free trade deal with India.
Primary sector leaders have welcomed the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand.
At Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test.
OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…
