Editorial: Having a rural voice
OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.
Many of RCNZ's members are also farmers and vice versa, he says.
In a report presented at Federated Farmers' National Conference, being held in Wellington this week, Levet says it makes sense for two of the country's most important and influential rural sector lobbies to continue to develop and foster a strong relationship.
"We are both interested in co-operating to achieve the best outcome for New Zealand's all-important agricultural and farming sector."
Levet says an example of this cooperation is around the recent introduction of new regulations for agricultural vehicles that came into force this year. He says RCNZ worked collaboratively with Federated Farmers – as well as the Ministry of Transport, NZTA and NZ Police – to help develop these new rules.
"The new regulations – although not perfect – recognise the unique operating characteristics and environment that agricultural vehicles require to travel on the road and will reduce compliance costs for both rural contractors and farmers."
Levet says another issue of concern to both Rural Contractors New Zealand and Federated Farmers is how to encourage more young New Zealanders to take up careers in the agricultural sector. He says despite relatively high unemployment nationally, both rural contractors and farmers find it difficult to recruit skilled and motivated staff.
"Both our organisations would like to see schools and other educational institutions more actively encouraging young people to look at the agricultural sector for career opportunities," Levet added.
"We want to see the agriculture sector actively and positively promoted to young people – not as a second-class career option; where only the less academic students are encouraged to take on agricultural subjects at school."
Levet thanked Fed Farmers for its support of RCNZ's call for more sensible rules and policies surrounding employing temporary, overseas workers. He says an on-going lack of skilled, local workers and the seasonal nature of the industry – as well as the complexity of visa systems – make it extremely difficult for contractors to get appropriately experienced staff when they were needed.
"Despite our industry's desperate and clear need for temporary workers, current immigration and employment laws are causing unnecessary headaches and expensive hold ups.
"There seems to be a major disconnect from reality within both Immigration NZ and WINZ on this issue. We know there are similar problems in the dairy sector – in particular – and this is an area that both Feds and RCNZ can lobby Government and the bureaucrats on."
Levet says he looks forward to continue working with Federated Farmers and further strengthening RCNZ's relationship with the organisation that has been developed over many years.
