NZ Local Government Reform: Regional councils axed, CTBs proposed
The biggest reform of local government in more than 35 years is underway.
OPINION: The Hound hears the supposed new collegial working arrangement between Fed Farmers, Beef+Lamb NZ and DairyNZ is off to a rather rocky start.
With the ink barely dry on a recent announcement lauding how the three groups were now taking a closer approach to how they 'work together' on issues affecting farming - there is already major tension.
Apparently, the so-called 'entente cordiale' (as it was so eloquently described by a mate of yours truly) between Feds, B+L and DairyNZ is under threat due to B+L's response to the Greater Wellington Regional Council Plan.
Feds and DairyNZ's submissions said there should be no farming limits, however the submission by their good mates at B+L took the same lines as Forest and Bird, Fish and Game and DoC saying there should be limits, which will mean no more dairying in the region.
Gee - with friends like that who needs enemies!
The Government is set to announce two new acts to replace the contentious Resource Management Act (RMA) with the Prime Minister hinting that consents required by farmers could reduce by 46%.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change would be “a really dumb move”.
The University of Waikato has broken ground on its new medical school building.
Undoubtedly the doyen of rural culture, always with a wry smile, our favourite ginger ninja, Te Radar, in conjunction with his wife Ruth Spencer, has recently released an enchanting, yet educational read centred around rural New Zealand in one hundred objects.
Farmers are being urged to keep on top of measures to control Cysticerus ovis - or sheep measles - following a spike in infection rates.
The avocado industry is facing an extremely challenging season with all parts of the supply chain, especially growers, being warned to prepare for any eventuality.

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