Green but not much grass!
Dairy farmers in the lower North Island are working on protecting next season, according to Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre, who farms just north of the Horowhenua township of Levin.
It is time to end reliance on the current property-value based rating system says Federated Farmers.
Speaking recently regarding a Local Government New Zealand discussion paper, Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Katie Milne says continuing to set rates based on the value of a property is a crude and simplistic tool which is unsustainable.
"Farmers find themselves paying for services they don't or can't use. In effect, the current rating system means farmers are subsidising people who live in towns," Milne says.
"Local government in many cases is suffering a decline in its population from which to draw rates. This problem then gets passed onto farmers who find rates becoming an increasingly spiralling proportion of their farm costs."
But Milne says the discussion paper is timely in its pointing to more equitable and efficient rating systems.
"We like the attention given to expanding the existing revenue system, such as in user charges. This is clearly a fairer and more flexible way of at least part funding local government activities."
"There should also be a look at institutions which are rates exempt, yet which use council services."
"Local bodies need to get a more robust way of deciding both their rating and spending. The Long Term Plan process for councils helps, but is not the full answer," she adds.
Milne argues that there needs to be a close look at how central government imposes new rate burdens on local government.
"It's the easiest thing in the world for a government to keep taxes down by shoving the cost down the chain to local councils. But if they are going to do that then they need to help by paying for it out of income tax and GST income."
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.