Federated Farmers vows to hold banks accountable after complaint dismissed
Federated Farmers is vowing to keep the big banks accountable for their actions and to continue pushing for meaningful change in the rural lending sector.
Federated Farmers is happy with the Government's 30 Year Infrastructure Plan announced yesterday.
Anders Crofoot, Federated Farmers infrastructure spokesperson, says the Government and Feds seem to be on the same page on the issue.
"Rural infrastructure will need to be a priority in looking at addressing the inefficiencies in infrastructure investment and planning."
Federated Farmers supports the intent to better understand where the critical demands are and to make better decisions from that knowledge, but remain wary of what that strategy means for rural communities.
"To date rural roading infrastructure has been suffering from a significant funding squeeze and it's unclear if this plan is going to address that. If it doesn't, then better planning won't be enough to offset the opportunity costs we're likely to face."
Rural infrastructure, such as water, roads, fibre and broadband are vital to our rural communities and the broader economy.
"It's vital to keep our rural communities connected especially rural businesses to their customers. Fibre and broadband will be the next generation's transport, so the government's continuation of the Rural Broadband Initiative is welcome news."
Chris Allen, Federated Farmers water spokesperson added "For thriving rural communities to meet the New Zealand Government's aspirations, they have patiently been awaiting new investment in water infrastructure."
"There's a real positive in recognising that investing in reliable water supply will maximise the value of water, ensuring social and economic community gain from that resource while protecting the environment."
"There are many promising elements to this Plan and the rural community is keen to see some long awaited investment come their way," Crofoot added.
People affected by the recent two severe flood events in the Tasman district are weary and exhausted trying to deal with the devastation on their farms and orchards, according to the head of the Rural Support Trust (RST) in the region.
New Zealand milk production is off to a strong start, with the first month of the 2025/26 dairy season recording a whopping 17.8% jump in milk production, compared to the previous season.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Keep up with innovation and e-commerce in China or risk losing market share. That was the message delivered at the China Business Summit in Auckland this month.
Meat Industry Association (MIA) independent chair Nathan Guy says getting meat processors involved has been a shot in the arm for the sector's key marketing initiative into China, Taste Pure Nature.
Listed carpet manufacturer, Bremworth is undertaking a $6 million expansion at its Napier plant more than two years after the site was heavily damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle.
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