Get involved in local elections

It was a good opportunity to see and hear about good work that is being done with pest control, in catchment groups, and other good stuff happening out in the regions.

But there was also a huge sense of frustration from many about issues with local government, particularly regional councils and their implementation of regional plans.

These issues included heavy handed, and often pedantic, enforcement of rules - the classic example being the farmer who had the police show up with the council, because he had constructed a wetland. Seriously!! That's way over the top.

Other issues were frustration around a push to stop gravel extraction on some of the many gravel beds that are building up beside rivers, creating flooding risk.

Yet, apparently, it's all good to dig a hole on the other side of the river boundary fence and destroy a perfectly good paddock to get that gravel, or truck it in from further afield, adding cost to roadworks. This is hardly smart for the environment, or the wealth of the nation.

Consents were a big issue for many, with a mixture of consent renewal issues. In several cases I heard that renewals were just not being issues for unknown reasons, and for a small group of extensive farmers they were facing the risk of being placed into a highly costly notified consent, just so they could carry on farming. The costs that some of these landowners are being put through is eye watering.

In many of these instances I was able to point out the changes that are coming that will make life so much easier for these farmers. There were issues raised that gave some thoughts as to how we could make things better and ensure that our changes will have the desired effect.

However, there was a challenge - how do we get through to the "promised land" from the swamp we are in now? For some landowners, they are in situations where just putting their heads down and waiting for a year just isn't an option. They may well need to refinance, or they are at that stage where it's the right time to move on.

In that situation, where you are operating without a consent or potentially going through some crazy council process, this creates a major challenge and stress. Is any bank going to be willing to refinance with such uncertainty? Or is any potential buyer willing to purchase, again, with so much uncertainty?

I know that many of you will think - well can't you just tell the council what to do, can't you just change the rules? Well yes, we can and yes, we already are, but we must go through a process and that takes time. We are moving as fast as we can through it, whilst ensuring that we have quality legislation at the end of it that doesn't lead to even more uncertainty.

The importance of local government elections cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, voter turnout is often pretty low, and many people vote based on whose name they recognise, rather than on a candidate's ability to make a difference. It is crucial for people to vote and make their voices heard because the decisions made by councils directly impact our communities. Getting involved in local elections is essential for to you to get a councl that will work for rural communities.

Andrew Hoggard is Associate Minister for Agriculture.