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Federated Farmers president Katie Milne.
Federated Farmers president Katie Milne says the two-week extension for submitting on the freshwater discussion document is a start.
But Milne says the Government should show “a sign of good faith” by granting a bigger extension.
“It would be a good sign of good faith if it was substantially lengthened – six months would be optimal, but three months would at least be more reasonable,” she told Rural News online.
Milne says there’s been “a loud response” from farmers calling for more time. Milne wrote to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern this week calling for an extension.
Late on Friday, Environment Minister David Parker issued a statement saying submissions will be accepted up to two weeks after the official October 17 deadline.
“In response to requests, I confirm that the Government will accept submissions up to 5pm on October 31,” Parker said.
DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle welcomed the announcement - but is also calling on Parker to go further.
“A two-week extension is a step in the right direction, but our concerns remain the same. Farmers still need more time to consider the Government’s proposal and to carefully weigh up the impact it may have on their farms, families, and communities,” Mackle said.
“It’s great that the Minister has listened to farming representatives like DairyNZ and Federated Farmers, but we are calling on the Government to go further and extend consultation out to 12 weeks.”
OPINION: Recent media commentary from Southland Federated Farmers has raised concerns among our rural communities, particularly around Environment Southland’s approach to winter grazing inspections and nitrogen reporting. But let’s be clear, much of what’s been said simply doesn’t reflect reality.
OPINION: Environment Canterbury's (ECan) decision recently to declare a so-called “nitrate emergency” is laughable.
A shameless political stunt is how Federated Farmers is describing the Canterbury Regional Council decision to declare “a nitrate emergency” on the back of its latest annual groundwater quality survey.
Federated Farmers say Environment Canterbury's decision to declare a 'nitrate emergency' is a shameless political stunt that won't help anyone.
Farmers want the Government to scrap controversial freshwater rules that "put river spirits and ideology ahead of practical water use", says Federated Farmers board member Mark Hooper.
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
A day after the ouster of PGG Wrightson’s chair and his deputy, the listed rural trader’s board has appointed John Nichol as the new independent chair.
Tributes are pouring in from across the political divide for former Prime Minister Jim Bolger who passed away, aged 90.
The iconic services building at National Fieldays' Mystery Creek site will be demolished to make way for a "contemporary replacement that better serves the needs of both the community and event organisers," says board chair Jenni Vernon.
Agri advisor Perrin Ag says its graduate recruitment programme continues to bring new talent into the agricultural sector.
Entries are open for the 2026 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards (NZDIA).
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