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.
A newly elected National government would offer special work visas for primary sector workers, instantly deport visitors breeching biosecurity laws and set up mobile health clinics for remote rural regions.
Read: Farmers find useful policy ideas in opposition’s discussion document.
These ideas are all part of National’s new primary sector discussion document launched at Fieldays last week.
National leader Simon Bridges says his party understands that farmers and growers are concerned about mounting workforce shortages, employment law reforms, climate change and environmental regulations and increasing taxes.
“National’s team of experienced rural MPs have come up with a series of ideas and proposals that we think can address these issues and we are excited to hear any feedback.”
Bridges says the document highlights are a primary sector visa to address workforce shortages, increased penalties for biosecurity offences and mobile rural health clinics.
“We also address important areas neglected by the coalition Government, such as water storage, biotechnology and food safety.”
Bridges claims the document is part of the biggest policy development process by a parliamentary opposition in over a decade.
“National holds every rural seat in Parliament except one and we’re proud to represent rural New Zealand. We’re working hard to ensure we’re ready to govern in 2020, should we have the opportunity.”
National is proposing a primary sector visa to help provide workforce certainty for employers, says immigration spokesman Michael Woodhouse.
He says it would be an avenue for skilled and experienced migrants seeking residence and a future in NZ.
“It would work alongside other National initiatives such as supporting vocational education and agricultural training, extending the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme and promoting the sector as an attractive career prospect for young people.”
The proposed mobile rural health clinics would provide ‘WoF’ type health check-ups in remote areas to ensure rural people have easy access to quality healthcare, says rural communities spokesman Matt King.
“National wants to pilot mobile rural health clinics serviced by health practitioners which will regularly travel to remote rural communities where they can provide general health check-ups and mental health support for locals.”
Meanwhile, National is also proposing to increase the penalties for breaching biosecurity rules at the border to protect against incursions of pests and diseases, says biosecurity spokesman Nathan Guy.
“We want to toughen up on people bringing in items which could put our biosecurity at risk. This would mean increasing fines from the current $400 to $1000 for people found to have risk materials, and giving Ministry for Primary Industry officials the power to immediately deport people found to be knowingly concealing risk items.”
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
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