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Federated Farmers has paid tribute to David Shearer, who this afternoon resigned as the Labour leader.
Feds president Bruce Wills says it is saddened to hear about Shearer's departure.
The Feds enjoyed a very good working relationship with Shearer, he says.
"The first external board David Shearer met with, on becoming Labour leader, was Federated Farmers," he says.
Shearer was also the after-dinner speaker at Federated Farmers National Awards in Auckland last year. Several weeks ago, Wills launched the Feds' 2013 Local Government Manifesto with him on the steps of Parliament.
"Being an apolitical body, Federated Farmers will work constructively with whoever is elected as the new Labour leader. A leadership change presents Labour with an opportunity to review its current policies.
"We hope the new leader will share Federated Farmers outlook that building off our primary industries is a huge opportunity for New Zealand; domestically and internationally.
"Federated Farmers will work positively with the new Labour leader on policies that advance New Zealand as a dynamic, progressive and outwards facing nation," says Wills.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
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Farmers are welcoming the announcement of two new bills to replace the under-fire Resource Management Act.
The Government has announced it will immediately roll over all resource consents for two years, with legislation expected to pass under urgency as early as this week.
Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping "The Twelve Days of Christmas" for "The Twelve Pests of Christmas" in an effort to highlight the most troublesome farm pests.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.
OPINION: The release of the Natural Environment Bill and Planning Bill to replace the Resource Management Act is a red-letter day…
OPINION: Federated Farmers has launched a new campaign, swapping ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ for ‘The Twelve Pests of Christmas’ to…
