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.
Federated Farmers says it is gearing up to assist members and farmers as local authorities start revealing their long term plans and budgets.
Feds says over the next two months it will make 68 submissions nationwide. It has prepared a policy guide to help its 24 provinces navigate council plans, with particular focus on rates.
“Our members and farmers pay a lot of money in rates, which can be among their highest overheads,” says Feds president Katie Milne.
She says this year is especially significant as local government faces big challenges on funding infrastructure in response to high population growth, but in some cases decline.
“Farmers are already paying big rates for essential items like local road networks, and are wondering what councils will come up with this time round,” Milne says.
“We want to make sure any new projects are both justified and funded appropriately.”
Milne says Feds has noticed a “disturbing trend” in council long term plans now out for consultation.
“While it’s early days, with a dozen or so long term plans out for consultation, we’re seeing significant rate increases for farmers, such as the 23.5% increase on rural communities proposed by Manawatu District Council and an overall rate increase of 12% for Bay of Plenty Regional Council ratepayers.”
She says Feds is also worried about the cost to local authorities of their activities other than core services, such as tourism promotion and economic development.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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