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MORE THAN 100 agricultural contractors from all over the country met in New Plymouth, last week, for Rural Contractors New Zealand's (RCNZ) annual conference.
Rural Contractors New Zealand is the only national association for rural contractors in New Zealand.
Last week's conference saw Wellsford-based Steve Levet re-elected as president of RCNZ, with Southland's David Kean re-elected vice-president.
Levet says the conference was a great success and discussed a number of issues that are impacting on rural contractors at present including health and safety; employment; immigration and attracting people to work in the sector.
"RCNZ plays an important role as the leading advocate and strong representative of rural contractors engaged in a wide range of activities across the agricultural sector throughout the country.
"Our association has some 450 member companies and represents around 2500-3000 workers in the sector we need – and intend – to be a powerful and influential advocate for our members."
Levet says if rural contractors want a united, strong voice talking about and tackling the issues that affect their businesses then they should be a member of RCNZ.
"With an election less than three months, we will be reminding politicians of the issues important to rural contractors and how we are a vital component in keeping the agriculture sector – the powerhouse of New Zealand's economy – running."
Levet says any rural contractors interesting in joining RCNZ can find out more information on the association's website: http://www.ruralcontractors.org.nz/ or free phone: 0800 424 266
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