Election 2026: Rural Lobby Groups Challenge Parties on Agriculture Policy
Three farmer lobby groups are applying the blowtorch to political parties on key issues facing the primary sector ahead of the general elections.
The rural lobby is organising gatherings throughout the country to oppose overregulation of the rural sector by the Government.
Organisers are urging participants to refrain from brandishing offensive signs, keep an eye out for trouble makers and stick to regional Covid Alert Level rules.
Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie says New Zealanders are coming together to say “enough is enough”.
He claims politicians in Wellington are over-regulating and not standing up for rural communities.
"New Zealand farmers have so much to be proud of. Sunday's protest event is a chance for Kiwis to come and support farmers and the economic and social benefits brought by our rural communities.
"Whether it's overregulation, SNAs, Three Waters, or the Ute Tax, we're encouraging Kiwis to stand with us.”
McKenzie had a message for anyone who was planning to use the protest to promote their own agenda.
"Groundswell NZ is about positivity and respect. We will be rejecting those who try to hijack this day for their own causes,” he says.
"Being a literal grassroots movement, it can be hard to co-ordinate tens of thousands.”
He says a website – www.motherofallprotests.nz – has been launched to coordinate with participants and stay in touch.
People are being urged to travel into town centres in their utes, tractors, cars and trucks. On the website, Groundswell has also published a list of approved slogans for the protest and a Code of Conduct that excludes “offensive placards or signs”.
Groundswell leaders will deliver a statement to all participants on Sunday at 1.35pm
McKenzie also announced that a major protest is being planned for Parliament in February next year.
