NZ Local Government Reform: Regional councils axed, CTBs proposed
The biggest reform of local government in more than 35 years is underway.
Reports are coming in of some South Island farmers being offered loans with interest rates of 5.7% and 5.8%. Just for context, most farmers are on interest rates over 8%.
Whether the banks are feeling the heat or it's just a public relations exercise remains to be seen.
Federated Farmers says the banks have a long way to go before they earn back the trust of farmers.
A Federated Farmers survey shows that farmers' satisfaction with their banks has dropped to its lowest levels since their surveys began in May 2015. Six years ago, around 80% of farmers were satisfied with their bank, but that number has since plummeted to just 51%.
