All farmers welcome to Federated Farmers Northland AGM

14 April, 2022

Mounting concerns over a plethora of prohibitive and unfair legislation coming the way of farmers has prompted Federated Farmers Northland to open its upcoming AGM to non-members as well.

President Colin Hannah says it is vital rural Northlanders work together to modify mounting restrictions from government policies being lumped on farmers.

“For some time now I have had major concerns around the negative and costly impact government policies are having on profitability and the mental wellbeing of farmers,” says Mr Hannah.

“Farmers are constantly having to deal with adverse climatic events in rain, hail or shine. On top of this we are contending with RMA, He Waka Eke Noa, Three Waters Reform, Significant Natural Areas national policy statements ad nauseum and Local Body reforms.

“The rules being increasingly imposed on farmers are being created by people who have probably only ever worn a red band to a fashion show or a party. They claim these rules are necessary because the market demands it, or the environment is suffering through uncaring farmer attitudes.

“These rules that are being imposed by government and councils have to implement rules that are not complete or haven’t stood the cost benefit analysis required before imposition. The people making these rules are shaking the resilience of farmers.

“I’m a hard working farmer, a reasonable person and I love what I do. I want to leave the farm in better condition than when I took over. Kiwi farmers produce the best food in the world but no one is listening to our reason in contesting all of the unnecessary legislation being thrown at us.

“Green Party Leader James Mr Shaw announced a reduction in environmental pollution during the lockdown when we were working our hardest to care for, and producing the highest quality primary produce for, our fellow New Zealanders, so that to me clearly means that farmers are not causing the problem.

“I am also worried that the largest team of policy analysts – that is Federated Farmers – outside of government is not being listened to adequately. Federated Farmers is New Zealand’s leading independent rural advocacy organisation, with the largest policy team outside of government, focussing on the issues of the day impacting on rural New Zealand.”

Mr Hannah wants local farmers to help provide his Northland executive team with concerns, wishes and ideal expectations as the organisation ramps up efforts to stop the democratic rights of everyday rural Kiwi’s being further eroded.

Federated Farmers Northland – regularly supported by their Auckland counterparts – has long represented local farmers' views within Kaipara, Whangarei and Far North District Councils, along with the Northland Regional Council.

While the councils have traditionally been farmer friendly, he believes the current government-driven issues impacting farmers are likely to continue driving a wedge between councils and rural landowners – a major cause for concern. Nevertheless, Mr Hannah says Federated Farmers Northland is always open to dialogue with anyone.

“It is highly likely with a 30 percent decrease dairy farms operating in Northland from 1135 in 2017 to under 800 today) and the increase in forestry plantations on once productive beef farming land, that Northland is already carbon neutral. And in addition to that, let’s not forget the amount of native blocks farmers have protected and planted over the decades which the government refuses to recognise or give credit to,” he says.

“And that is why we are not afraid to voice the concerns and common sense perspective of Northland farmers and take those messages to Wellington if required,” says Mr Hannah.

“What is currently going on with government direction to local councils is clearly eroding the rights of farmers and restricting our ability to run profitable businesses, so you will see Federated Farmers Northland taking an even stronger leadership role and fighting for the rights of our people.”

Mr Hannah says the 120-year-old organisation consists of 24 provinces and associated branches giving farmers a collective voice at both a national and provincial level. Northland is the eighth largest province in Federated Farmers.

Federated Farmers Northland 2022 AGM will be held on Zoom at 7pm on April 28, with three impressive guest speakers addressing key issues concerning farmers. To request a zoom link email Murray Lynch 007muz@gmail.com

Kiwi farmers produce the best food in the world but no one is listening to their reason in contesting all of the unnecessary legislation being thrown at them, says Federated Farmers Northland president Colin Hannah. PHOTO/SUPPLIED