Friday, 21 October 2022 14:09

Groundswell happy with turnout

Written by  Jessica Marshall
One of the signs from yesterday's protest. Photo Credit: Catherine Turnbull. One of the signs from yesterday's protest. Photo Credit: Catherine Turnbull.

Groundswell co-founder Bryce McKenzie says turnout at yesterday’s nationwide protest was really good, despite comments from the Agriculture Minister to the contrary.

Farmers took to towns and cities yesterday across the country in tractors and utes to protest the Government’s recently announced emissions pricing plan.

“We’re really happy with the turnout,” McKenzie told Rural News.

He says there was really good turnout for towns like Dunedin, Invercargill and Gisborne and even Auckland had a good showing.

However, McKenzie says the turnout in Wellington was light, and he believes this is what politicians refer to when they talk about the small turnout.

Yesterday, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor told media the turnout was ‘embarrassing’ for Groundswell, saying he believed some of the protesters were “completely wrong”.

It’s a comment McKenzie describes as “ignorant” and “insensitive”.

“Damien O’Connor should know, as Agriculture Minister, that it’s peak time on farm at the moment,” he says.

McKenzie says protesters were pleased to be out and there was a good reaction from the general public, with some tooting their horns at the protesters in a show of support.

There has also been claims on social media that Groundswell has been linked with conspiracy theorists, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s former senior policy and communications strategist Clint Smith claiming the lobby group has become “dominated” by conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers.

Bryce McKenzie FBTW

Bryce McKenzie

That hasn’t been a concern, says McKenzie.

“We have a good message and people stayed on that message yesterday,” he says.

Groundswell advised protesters ahead of time of appropriate signage, offering up potential options for protesters to use on their website, with signs saying “We’re not going to take it” and “No emissions tax on food production” available for download and print.

“Some of our members are part of other groups so there’s always crossover,” McKenzie says, adding that he hopes that crossover will bring new members.

McKenzie says there will be further action if the Government continues with its emissions pricing plan, however, he couldn’t say what that action was.

More like this

Farmers want out of climate deal

Get out of the Paris Agreement on climate change – that’s the message from the farmer lobby group Groundswell to the Minister for Climate Change, Simon Watts.

Feds support live animal exports

Federated Farmers have reiterated their support for the coalition Government to abolish the present ban on the live export of animals.

Live exports battle

As the coalition Government mulls new regulations to reinstate the export of live animals, debate is heating up between supporters and opponents.

Crazy

OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.

Featured

ANZCO Foods' net profit plunges

Meat processor ANZCO Foods’ net profit has plunged on the back of lower market returns which squeezed margins and impacted business performance.

Editorial: Forest for the trees?

OPINION: Most people will be aware of the Government's plans to boost coal, oil and gas production to meet energy requirements.

Protest planned outside dairy awards venue

As the dairy industry prepares to celebrate its top achievers at an awards night this Saturday, attendees are being warned to be aware of protests planned outside the venue – Baypark Arena, Mount Mauganaui.

National

Machinery & Products

Iconic TPW Woolpress turns 50!

The company behind the iconic TPW Woolpress, which fundamentally changed the way wool is baled in Australia and New Zealand,…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Keep it up

OPINION: The good fight against "banking wokery" continues with a draft bill to scrap the red tape forcing banks and…

We're OK!

OPINION: Despite the volatility created by the shoot-from-the-hip trade tariff 'stratefy' being deployed by the new state tenants in the…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter