Rural Mobile Coverage Worse After 3G Shutdown, Survey Finds
Mobile phone coverage and reliability are deteriorating in rural areas, and farming families are bearing the cost, according to a Federated Farmers survey.
"There’s so much work still to do, particularly in this period of legislative reform,” says Faulkner.
"The new RMA and local government legislation will inform how our children will farm, and that can’t be understated."
Faulkner says she’s proud of the way Federated Farmers has built relationships with decision-makers around New Zealand.
"Right now, there are national and regional leaders considering if they should pick up the phone or flick a message to the provincial Feds president.
"They know the response will be well-informed, considered from multiple points of view, deeply practical - and probably more affordable."
Faulkner has been on the Federated Farmers national board for four years, with the local government, adverse events, health and rural communities’ portfolios.
She farms with husband Rob at Wairakaia, near Gisborne, where they run a diverse operation including sheep, beef, cropping, citrus, farm forestry and contracting.
She also serves on the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and is a trustee for the Campaign for Wool, along with holding other charitable directorships.
Meanwhile, Southland’s Chris Dillon joins the board as arable chair, taking over from David Birkett.
South Canterbury’s Greg Anderson has been voted in as an at-large board member, and Mark Hooper has held his spot as the other at-large member.
Richard Dawkins (meat and wool chair) and Karl Dean (dairy chair) have retained their positions.
