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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.
Federated Farmers is celebrating following the Government's announcement that young farmers will be able to use their KiwiSaver funds to buy their first home or farm.
OPINION: The euphoria over the Government’s two new bills to replace the broken Resource Management Act is over.
Canterbury arable farmers are down by tens of millions of dollars after a rollercoaster of wild changeable January weather saw harvests delayed and some crops destroyed by violent hailstorms.
OPINION: The past few weeks have been tough on farms across the North Island: floods and storms have caused damage and disruption to families and businesses.
Sheep and beef farmers in Hawke's Bay are being urged to keep a close eye on the wells that supply water to their stock.
Donald Trump's latest tariff tantrum has again thrown the world of trade into a new round of turmoil and uncertainty, and NZ is caught up in it.
The third edition of the NZ Dairy Expo, held in mid-February in Matamata, has shown that the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid) was getting a positive response from exhibitors and visitors alike.
Twenty years ago, South African dairy farm manager Louis Vandenberg was sent to a farm in Waikato to provide training on Afimilk technology.
Strong farmgate milk price is helping boost investment on farms, says PGG Wrightson chief executive Stephen Guerin.
Fonterra's 460 milk suppliers in Australia, who will switch to Lactalis end of this month, are unfazed with the impending change.
The 5+ A Day Charitable Trust has launched a collection of affordable recipes designed to turn everyday vegetables into seasonal stars.
