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OPINION: The Hound notes that the Taxpayers’ Union recently revealed that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) spent more than $125,000 for its presence at this year’s Mystery Creek Fieldays.
Minister for Rural Communities Damien O’Connor says the Government rule-makers will ensure rural communities are at the heart of their decisions.
The Rural Proofing Policy was launched at the opening of the Health Hub at the 50th Fieldays at Mystery Creek today.
“Those living in rural communities can enjoy excellent lifestyles but they face unique challenges that must be reflected in Government policy,” O’Connor said.
“This year alone has seen drought, floods and cyclones. We’ve also seen biosecurity incursions such as Mycoplasma bovis cause huge stress across our rural communities.
“The Rural Proofing Policy will ensure that when policy-makers sit down to design the rules they take into account the unique factors that affect rural communities such as low populations, isolation, and reliance on the primary sector for employment.”
The Ministry for Primary Industries will have an important role in supporting agencies to build their own rural knowledge and capabilities through practical resources, training and getting analysts out to talk to rural communities and businesses.
Three especially relevant areas are: connection infrastructure, access to services, and the ease and cost of doing business and compliance.
The policy and associated guide were developed with the advice and support of rural communities, and I thank all the community groups who have contributed.
“All of us, no matter where we live, should have the ability to live, work and fully contribute to and be part of New Zealand society,” says O’Connor.
“The bottom line is that rural Kiwis should have equitable access to social and economic opportunities, to reach their full potential.”
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
The low unemployment environment is one of the key factors driving on-farm salaries higher over the past 24 months, says Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
A seminar on rural dispute resolution has been organised at Lincoln University, Christchurch this month.
The legacy of Dr Peter Snow continues to inspire as the recipients of the 2023 and 2024 Peter Snow Memorial Awards were announced at the recent National Rural Health Conference.
One of Fonterra’s global customers, Mars is launching an ambitious sustainable dairy plan to work with dairy farmers and cut emissions by 50%.
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