Government's New Planning System, PC1 'Won't Mesh Together Well'
Waikato farmers have been told that the Government’s new planning system legislation and the region’s Plan Change 1 (PC1) “won’t mesh together very well”.
On the eve of his departure from Federated Farmers board, Richard McIntyre is thanking farmers for their support and words of encouragement during his stint as a farmer advocate.
McIntyre served as a board member and national dairy section chair for the past three years. He steps down at Feds’ annual meeting in Christchurch next week.
“What’s made it special is the people. I’ve had the chance to work with passionate farmers, hardworking staff and dedicated industry leaders – all focused on improving outcomes for individual farmers, the sector, and our rural communities.
“I really want to say a huge thank you to all of you, our loyal members, who’ve supported me over the years, whether with an encouraging word at Fieldays, a phone call during a tough time, or a message out of the blue.”
He also thanked farmers for getting in touch to raise the issues keeping them awake at night and to give feedback on the work Federated Farmers is doing.
“It’s only because you’ve shared your personal stories and told me what matters to you that I’ve been able to do my role,” he wrote in Feds’ newsletter to farmers today.
He notes there have been plenty of challenges, and more than a few difficult conversations with decision-makers down in Wellington.
He also touched on successes achieved by Feds during his term.
“Two of the biggest wins that stand out are the select committee inquiry into rural banking, which is now underway, and the immigration changes that have given much-needed certainty and opportunity to our farm employers, migrant workers and their families.
“These changes weren’t easy to get across the line but they show what’s possible when farmers stand together and use their voice.
“That’s what gives Federated Farmers its strength — the backing of committed farmers like you. Thank you for your support and for allowing us to advocate on your behalf.”
McIntyre’s work in the dairy sector continues with his other role as DairyNZ director.
“There’s plenty more to be done to ensure a fair and successful future for our sector – and I’ll keep pushing for that wherever I can.”
Two Feds executives – North Canterbury province president Karl Dean and Waikato provincial president Phil Sherwood – are contesting the dairy chairmanship.
New Zealand dairy farmers are set to be the first in the world to receive access to a new digital physical milk pricing tool that enables them to fix the price for their physical milk.
State farmer Pāmu is opening its farm gates this summer in an effort to give the rural sector the opportunity to see how large-scale, multi-system farming is delivering productivity and profitability across New Zealand.
A five-year study has found that the cost of reducing emissions without technology may be significant and unsustainable for Northland dairy farmers.
DairyNZ says Waikato farmers need certainty on Plan Change 1, but they say that certainty must be matched with practical, workable rules and a clear transition that doesn't get ahead of the new resource management system currently under review.
While the Government has moved quickly to make commercial hauliers' lot easier during the current fuel crisis, they appear to be stuck in the creep box when it comes to the agricultural industry.
Waikato farmers have been told that the Government’s new planning system legislation and the region’s Plan Change 1 (PC1) “won’t mesh together very well”.

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