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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
Last season was a mixed bag for Waikato contractors, with early planted forage maize, planted on the dry soils around Cambridge, doing badly after germination and failing to meet potential, says Jeremy Rothery, Jackson Contracting.
A new partnership to try and help solve the labour shortage gap for rural contractors in both NZ and the UK has recently been established.
A recent round of countrywide roadshows, organised by the Rural Contractors of New Zealand (RCNZ), set out to brief members on the challenges that lie ahead in these volatile times – as well as discuss strategies to deal with these issues.
Rural contractors will gather at five roadshows during August to focus on cost volatility and drivers.
Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) has launched a new reward and recognition programme for trainee contractors.
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Ruralco has donated $10,000 to the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust following a recent fundraising golf tournament.
Nominations are open for three positions on the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board.
Lydia Goodman has been crowned the Central Otago 2025 Young Grower of the Year regional winner.
