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 local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says there are many issues facing local government this term, but the newly elected councillors need to keep residents’ concerns top of mind.
“Federated Farmers congratulates all successful candidates, and thanks all of those who stood. It takes courage to put your name forward for an election,” says Faulkner.
In 2022, as in previous years, Federated Farmers published a 2022 ‘platform’ of hot button council issues, outlining the farming sector’s concerns and suggested changes on everything from three waters and RMA reforms to rural road maintenance, climate change and environmental regulation.
“Right up the front of that platform was the bald and unpalatable fact that in the decade to 2022, local authority rates and feeds have gone up an average 56%, against a consumer price index rise of 20%,” Faulkner says.
“For farmers, and many other businesses and households too, the rates bill is a major – and climbing cost.”
Federated Farmers wants councillors to remember the difference between ‘must haves’ and ‘nice to haves’, and to ask questions around value for money.
“Core infrastructure should be the priority,” says Faulkner.
During the Annual Plan/budget rounds, there should also be robust debate around the place for targeted rates and uniform charges "which are often a much fairer way than general rates of apportioning costs according to benefit derived," she says.
