increase font size
RURAL ORGANISATIONS are taking steps to ensure their voices are heard at council tables nationwide after polling closes in local body elections on October 12.
Federated Farmers has put out a manifesto and Horticulture NZ wants to hear from any grower candidates so they can raise their profile.
And a record number of Rural Women NZ members are standing, motivated by the need for better understanding by councils and district health boards of rural community challenges.
At least 14 Rural Women NZ members are seeking election in various regions; three are already certain of their seats, being unopposed.
Rural rates are a hot issue, particularly the disproportionate share of rates being shouldered by farmers, says Rural Women.
Federated Farmers chief executive Conor English says farmers’ practical perspective is needed on councils. “If you get this practical perspective you can get some good constructive outcomes,” he told Rural News. Councils can have some “fantastic staff” but some don’t understand the realities of farming.
A manifesto is useful for putting on the record what you want – and offering solutions to some challenges. It will be sent to the new crop of elected members nationwide.
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.
|
A landmark moment for New Zealand. That's how Prime Minister Christopher Luxon describes the conclusion of negotiations for an India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. 
Beef Progeny Test 2025: Genetic insights for NZ beef industryAt Pāmu’s Kepler Farm in Manapouri, mating has wrapped up at the across-breed Beef Progeny Test. HortNZ celebrates 20 YearsMore than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ). Biosecurity NZ urges vigilance for yellow-legged hornetsBiosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season. Mental Health and Fitness Unite: The Push-Up Challenge comes to New ZealandThe Push-Up Challenge, an event which combines mental health and fitness, is set to launch in New Zealand in 2026. Agritechnica 2025: Claas, Fendt and Valtra claim 2026 Tractor of the Year AwardsLast month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany. National
Alliance commissions major heat pump system at Mataura, cutting coal use and emissionsAlliance Group has commissioned a new heat pump system at its Mataura processing plant in Southland.
NZ meat industry seeks removal of US 15% lamb tariffMeat processors are hopeful that the additional 15% tariff on lamb exports to the US will also come off.Early drought fears ease in Hawke’s Bay, but caution remainsFears of a serious early drought in Hawke’s Bay have been allayed – for the moment at least.Consent Rollovers and $13b Savings: What the new RMA bills could meanThere was much theatre in the Beehive before the Government's new Resource Management Act (RMA) reform bills were introduced into…Rural bias?OPINION: After years of ever-worsening results from our education system, the startling results from a maths acceleration programme stood out like…Machinery & Products
AgriSpread AS3000 Bulk Spreader: Precision spreading up to 52mManufactured in Ireland, tested and launched at Agritechnica in Germany, AgriSpread’s new AS3000 bulk spreader takes much of the technology…
Agritechnica 2025: Claas, Fendt and Valtra claim 2026 Tractor of the Year AwardsLast month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year…New Case IH Puma series debuts with improved design & precision techCase IH used Agritechnica to reveal its new Puma series tractor, featuring what it claims is an entirely new vehicle…New Holland unveils “Il Trattore” concept at AgritechnicaCreating a great deal of enthusiasm at Agritechnica, the T5.120 ‘Il Trattore’ styling concept tractor was celebrating the legacy of…Deutz-Fahr unveils all-new 8 series tractor range at AgritechnicaAgritechnica was the launchpad for several “new” tractors, most reworks of existing models, but Deutz Fahr ‘s new 8 Series was… |
