Federated Farmers urge government to honour KiwiSaver promise
Federated Farmers is calling on the Government to deliver on its pre-election promise to change the KiwiSaver rules to help young farmers get their foot on the farming ladder.
Farmers have welcomed the Provincial Growth Fund’s decision to put $7.11 million into creating a sustainable water supply for Wairarapa.
Federated Farmers says it is outstanding news for the region, and a welcome signal of intent for the rest of New Zealand.
The funding will go towards a $7 million investment in Wairarapa Water Ltd for pre-construction development of water storage and distribution infrastructure at Wakamoekau.
$110,000 will also go towards the development of a Wairarapa water resilience strategy.
"This is about water security and growth enhancement for the entire community, not just agriculture and horticulture," says Wairarapa Federated Farmers president William Beetham.
"It’s sprung from a realisation that if we don’t have improved water supply, some of our biggest companies and employers are under threat going forward.
"Water storage and security is also crucial as back-up when domestic supply in our towns is under strain during dry seasons. It’s also important for our environment - with good storage we can lessen the need to take water from our rivers in the summer low flow periods."
Beetham, who is on the governance group for the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy, says all sectors of the region had put any differences aside and worked together on the project, including rural water users, the regional council and three local authorities, businesses and all local MPs.
"There is no rural/urban divide in this case. And credit to the government for listening to the science and the strong business case."
The Good Carbon Farm has partnered with Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust to deliver its first project in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
The Government says it is sharpening its focus and support for the food and fibre industry in Budget 2025.
A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.
A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.
Healthcare appears to be the big winner in this year's budget as agriculture and environment miss out.
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