Editorial: Long overdue!
OPINION: The Government's latest move to make freshwater farm plans more practical and affordable is welcome, and long overdue.
With local government spending up 119% in less than 10 years, Federated Farmers has called for local government to be refocused on local government.
"Since local government was given four "well-beings" in 2002, the sector has surged spending by 119%, increased the rates take by 95% and quadrupled its debt," says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers local government spokesperson.
"The four "well-beings" introduced in 2002 have encouraged councils to become involved in activities far removed from their "core business".
"The Listener's Jane Clifton said it best, 'Instead of focusing primarily on roading, rubbish, sports grounds and the like, councils became carried away with the excitement of also being business development agencies, party-throwers and all manner of things in which they had little expertise'.
Federated Farmers is using its submission on the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Bill, to call for change.
"The four well-beings have made it harder for councils to say 'no' to demands for increased spending. It is far too easy for interest groups to advocate for new and expanded council activities and facilities, when they bear little of the cost," says Milne.
The entire economy is being compromised by run-away government spending, both local and central, she says.
"Given Federated Farmers policy staff have submitted on local and regional plans in 68 out of New Zealand's 78 councils, we know local government spending, rates and debt are all forecast to grow over the coming decade.
"A handful of councils are making tough calls and scaling back. That isn't the case overall because local government spending will increase by 49% rates by 57% and debt by 95%.
"Rates will become a serious affordability issue for all New Zealanders.
"It is why Federated Farmers supports proposed changes to focus the purpose of councils, as well as introducing financial prudence requirements."
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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