Building trust
OPINION: The war of words between Southland farmers and Environment Southland over winter grazing inspections reflects a deep lack of trust among farmers for the regional council.
Federated Farmers today added its name to the signatories of the report after receiving the conditional support of its national council.
"Federated Farmers has been deeply involved in and committed to the Land & Water Forum since its formation in 2009, playing an active role in the development of this and the previous three forum reports," says Federated Farmers water spokesperson Chris Allen.
"We have worked tirelessly to represent the interests of New Zealand's farmers and collaborated strongly with stakeholders from all quarters. Unlike others we are not prepared to turn our back on the forum. Instead we sign the report as a reflection of our commitment to its work and with pride in our efforts, however the decision of our National Council was only do so on the condition that we continue to discuss the report and consider our options."
The key concerns of the Federation's national council were the clauses relating to iwi rights and interests – not that they were included but how they might be interpreted by local councils. The draft report suggests potential options around this but should not be interpreted as giving specific direction to government.
"We are concerned that some local Governments may pre-empt negotiations between iwi and central government by unreasonably locking up water creating a gridlock on its management," says Allen.
"We argued strongly that the government has the opportunity to create more headroom through support of, and contribution to, water storage and other infrastructure projects. This would create a potential win for iwi, other users and the environment."
"This decision by our National Council has paved the way for us to add our name to the Land & Water Forum Report while reserving the right to continue to consider its implications and take any additional steps we determine might be necessary to shape its final outcome," says Allen.
The report, released today, will now be reviewed by Cabinet and then be open to public consultation.
