Monday, 04 July 2022 11:20

Feds and NZ Thoroughbred Breeders saddle up for new partnership

Written by  Staff Reporters
Justine Sclater, chief executive of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeding Association. Justine Sclater, chief executive of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeding Association.

A new partnership between Federated Farmers and the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (NZTBA) underlines the commitment of both organisations to helping their members be front-runners in caring for their animal and land.

“Farmers who join the Federation have long recognised we’re stronger together,” says Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland.

“With thoroughbred breeders also joining the fold, we have a bigger pool of resources and greater strength to our voice in our advocacy to politicians, decision-makers and government departments.”

As landowners, there are NZTBA members who already belong to Federated Farmers and the two organisations say partnership agreement will strengthen and develop those ties.

“We have a lot in common,” Copeland says, “Whether you’re a breeder of champion horses, a dairy or sheep farmer, you’re vitally interested in the welfare of your animals and being a good steward of your land. We’re all interested in ensuring government policies that affect our industries are sensible, practical and affordable.”

Terry Copeland FBTW

Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland.

NZTBA chief executive Justine Sclater says believes the alliance adds value for the members of both organisations and to New Zealand.

“Thoroughbred breeding is a primary industry and many of the issues around environment, employment, and immigration legislation that Federated Farmers have been tackling are also faced by breeders. So it makes sense to join forces as a collective,” she says.

“The NZTBA is investing in conducting research into the environmental impacts of equine farming to ensure when we are representing our industry and we have scientific evidence to back our claims. We believe this is just one area where the partnership will be mutually beneficial.

“The New Zealand thoroughbred is a world-renowned product and we are a significant contributor to our local communities and the New Zealand economy.”

There are more than 4,000 thoroughbred breeders in New Zealand, directly employing a similar number of staff.

Their work underpins the racing industry, which directly employs another 45,000 New Zealanders.

“As a whole, the breeding and racing industry generates around $1.7 billion for the New Zealand economy,” Sclater says.

More like this

NZ Pest Crisis Costs Farmers $466M a Year — Survey

New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.

Federated Farmers Welcomes Pause on Waikato PC1 Rules

The Government has announced it will pause key parts of Waikato Plan Change 1 (PC1) in a decision that is set to give Waikato farmers a reprieve from new consenting and farm-planning requirements while the wider resource management system is overhauled.

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities Party, labelled by some as the 'LinkedIn Greens' for their corporate spin on Green-esque 'tax the rich' policies.

Featured

NZ Pest Crisis Costs Farmers $466M a Year — Survey

New Zealand's pest problem has reached crisis point, according to Federated Farmers' second National Pests Survey, which shows farmers are spending more money and effort on control — yet pest numbers keep climbing faster than they were two years ago.

Third H5 Bird Flu Case Found in NZ Wild Bird

Testing confirms H5 bird flu in a single northern giant petrel, found dead on a remote Cape Palliser beach in the Wairarapa, says Dr Mary van Andel, the Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI) Chief Veterinary Officer.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter