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RURAL ORGANISATIONS are taking steps to ensure their voices are heard at council tables nationwide after polling closes in local body elections on October 12.
Federated Farmers has put out a manifesto and Horticulture NZ wants to hear from any grower candidates so they can raise their profile.
And a record number of Rural Women NZ members are standing, motivated by the need for better understanding by councils and district health boards of rural community challenges.
At least 14 Rural Women NZ members are seeking election in various regions; three are already certain of their seats, being unopposed.
Rural rates are a hot issue, particularly the disproportionate share of rates being shouldered by farmers, says Rural Women.
Federated Farmers chief executive Conor English says farmers’ practical perspective is needed on councils. “If you get this practical perspective you can get some good constructive outcomes,” he told Rural News. Councils can have some “fantastic staff” but some don’t understand the realities of farming.
A manifesto is useful for putting on the record what you want – and offering solutions to some challenges. It will be sent to the new crop of elected members nationwide.
This year’s Fieldays will feature a Rural Advocacy Hub - bringing together various rural organisations who are advocating for farmers and championing their interests as one team, under one roof, for the first time.
Farmers have been airing their concerns to the Government over changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme.
Southland farmers are welcoming moves by the Government to repeal intensive winter grazing rules.
A new report shows farm employers across the dairy, sheep and beef, and arable sectors have continued to invest strongly in one of their greatest assets – their staff.
Federated Farmers says changes announced to the Resource Management Act today mark the end of the war on farming.
Living labs that bring together expertise at locations around New Zealand are among potential solutions identified by researchers to help the country move towards a more climate resilient future.
The New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) has started issuing annual reports, a new initiative to share information on consumer-level recalls with the public.
The chair of the Dairy Environment Leaders, the president of the North Otago Federated Farmers, and a herd health veterinarian are among those nominated for the Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award this year.
Winners of DairyNZ’s Sustainability and Stewardship awards in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards have their eyes firmly fixed on progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy.
Troubled milk processor Synlait’s co-founder John Penno has stepped down from the board.
Dairy Women's Network has announced the finalists for its Regional Leader of the Year award.
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