Damien O’Connor Criticises Budget 2026 as ‘Miserable’ for Rural New Zealand
A miserable budget that didn’t deliver much for anyone.
An extra $600,000 in funding to support driver licensing and education programmes in rural communities across NZ has been committed by the Government.
Rural Communities Minister Damien O'Connor says the funding, provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), will be spread over three years to boost the Waka Kotahi Community Road Safety Fund.
Waka Kotahi will use the funding to partner with community providers to deliver rural-focused driver licensing and education, which will include free driving lessons. The aim is to help people to get jobs in the food and fibre sector and learn how to drive safely.
O'Connor says it builds on previous work funded by MPI earlier this year to help migrants in Mid-Canterbury to get their driver's licence and supports the Government's goal of boosting jobs in the food and fibre sector.
ACC says that this week's Fieldays is a great chance for farmers to pause and reflect on their processes and ensure that their life is in balance.
Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)will expand its First Farm support with a new funding boost designed to help more farmers and growers take their next step into farm ownership.
Westmorland Estate Ltd, a Waikato company running three dairy farms, runs on the philosophy that 'you are only as good as your team'.
AgriZeroNZ is ramping up efforts to accelerate the uptake of emissions reduction tools on farm with a new initiative to help more farmers put proven tools into practice.
With the general election just molnths away, farmers have launched a five-point plan for the next government.
The Government is investing in a range of initiatives designed to strengthen the resilience of rural communities and improve preparedness for future adverse events.

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