Snail mail
OPINION: About as productive as a politician's taxpayer-funded trip to Hawaii, as cost-effective as an OSPRI IT project, and as smart as the power-company pylon worker, the Hound gives you the NZ Post business strategy:
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says a survey among members has found strong opposition to the decision by banks to stop accepting cheques in 2021.
“The response was the highest we’ve ever had for a survey in three years. So, it’s clearly an issue for rural communities,” says RWNZ policy manager, Angela McLeod.
According to the survey, the main use of cheques was paying monthly bills, purchasing farm supplies, and paying tax.
Over 70% of respondents voiced concerns over the phasing out of cheques.
42.5% of respondents said they still wrote out cheques for purchases and expenses.
Of those who used cheques, 75.2% said they posted them to make their payments.
“The goal is not to create a permanent stay of cheques, however, to create a viable option for those who do not yet have the connectivity options,” says RWNZ board member and social issues portfolio convenor Sharron Davie-Martin.
“Rural communities don’t have the technology or access to consistent technology to carry out their banking transactions - they have to use cheques.
“Cheques will get rid of themselves eventually, however, we want places to be able to accept cheques until technology is at a point where farming and rural communities can safely use the internet for their banking transactions,” says Davie-Martin.
She adds that while banks say they will help their customers learn to use online banking, that option wouldn’t help those who don’t have reliable internet connections.
“All we want is for banks and other institutions to just keep accepting cheques until technology is at a point where every rural household has good, reliable internet – that’s it.”
A Chinese business leader says Chinese investors are unfairly viewed as potential security risks in New Zealand.
In the first of two articles focusing on electrification in New Zealand, Leo Argent talks with Mike Casey, operator of the 100% electric-operated Electric Cherries orchard and founder of advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa.
A Foundation for Arable Research initiative which took a closer look at the efficiency of a key piece of machinery for arable farmers - their combine harvesters - has been recognised at the Primary Industry NZ Awards.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reiterated New Zealand’s ‘China And’ policy, adding that it wasn’t about choosing one market over another but creating more options for exporters.
A long running trade dispute between New Zealand and Canada over dairy access has been resolved.
New Zealand Police is urging rural property owners to remain vigilant and ensure their property is secure.
OPINION: Spare a thought for the arable farmer, squeezed on one side by soft global prices and on the other…
OPINION: Labour leader Chris 'Chippy' Hipkins is carrying on the world-class gaslighting of the nation that he and his cohorts…