Simon Upton urges cross-party consensus on New Zealand environmental goals
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Simon Upton is calling for cross-party consensus on the country's overarching environmental goals.
50 Shades of Green says it is not anti trees, but believes the right trees should be in the right places.
The protest group ‘50 Shades of Green’ is organising a march on Parliament this week to try and stop good farmland being covered in pine trees.
Asked why we they are marching, organisers say the answer is simple.
“Farmers love the land. Many farms have been nurtured for generations to feed not only New Zealand but 40 million people internationally as well.
“We’re now seeing that land gone forever, often to overseas based aristocrats and carbon investors.”
The organisers say 50 Shades of Green is not anti trees, acknowledging the amenity and economic value of trees, but they believe it is about the right tree in the right place.
“What is happening now is that good farmland, sold offshore, is being blanket planted in pine trees. That means it is forever lost to New Zealand.”
“Large tracts of good farmland are being planted in trees. You can’t eat wood.”
Details:
March for the Future of Provincial New Zealand
Meet Civic Square Wellington, 11am Thursday 14th of November
Walk to Parliament arrive 1pm
Dress Rural Green to support the march
https://www.50shadesofgreen.co.nz/save-our-farms-protest-walk/
For those that can't make it. Dress rural green on the 14th, take a pic, upload to social and tag 50 Shades of Green: https://www.facebook.com/50shadesofgreen.nz
In a significant shift for employers, wage theft is no longer only a civil matter but now also a criminal one.
In partnership with Growing Future Farmers (GFF), Fonterra says it is increasing support for young people entering the dairy industry with a new two-year programme.
OPINION: The Government needs to act now to address consenting issues faced by farmers throughout the country.
NZ First leader Winston Peters has continued his criticism of Fonterra to sell its brand business to the French company Lactalis, saying the move is "utter madness".
When it comes to international trade, politicians from all sides of the aisle are united, says Labour's trade spokesman Damien O'Connor.
New Zealand Young Farmers (NZYF) has launched a new initiative designed to make it easier for employers to support their young team members by covering their NZYF membership.