While the Ministry for the Environment Our Land 2021 report identifies some challenges in front of us, it also includes plenty of positives, Federated Farmers says. “The fact that 49% of New Zealand remains native land cover is something to be proud of, especially as we get ready for the release of the National Policy […]
Mounting concerns as dry conditions start to bite across Canterbury
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in collaboration with a number of agricultural industry groups are closely monitoring dry conditions across Canterbury. While North Canterbury (Clarence River to the Rakaia River) is covered by the current large-scale drought classification, there is also significant existing support available for all farmers and growers across wider Canterbury who […]
Planning to open your business over the Easter or ANZAC holidays?
Regardless of Covid-19 Alert levels, there are some essential rules that apply over the Easter or ANZAC holidays that affect employers’ obligations to their employees and the ability of shops to trade. When do Easter and ANZAC public holidays fall this year? In 2021 the public holidays fall on these dates, (all in April): Good Friday […]
Flexi-wage: what employers, job-seekers and self-employed should know
Interested in hiring someone? The Ministry of Social Development may be able to help through its recently expanded Flexi-wage employment programme. MSD is New Zealand’s largest employment service, with a nationwide network connecting job seekers and businesses. The Flexi-wage programme is just one of the ways MSD helps job seekers get a job, by working with employers […]
Get your entries in for the Wheat Awards 2021
How do your wheat crops look this year? Average, good, great? United Wheatgrowers, Federated Farmers and New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association now invite entries from growers in the annual wheat awards. Crops harvested in 2021 are eligible for entry in the following classes: Premium milling wheat, milling wheat, gristing wheat, feed wheat, and […]
Rural rates – going up faster than ciggies and booze
New Zealand’s 78 district, city, and regional councils have started consultations on Long Term Plans setting out proposed rates increases for the coming year and beyond. Expect cries of pain, says Federated Farmers manager of general policy, Nick Clark. “The high cost of council rates on farmland has always been a problem and it is […]
Ewe’ll love this milk
Sheep milk … is it really a thing? More than 250 people turned out at the first Sheep Milk New Zealand open day last week, to see for themselves what sheep milk might mean for the future of New Zealand’s primary industries. The open day was held at Tuscany Downs, Kirwee, 40 minutes west of […]
Glyphosate – a tool that requires care
Colin Hurst, Federated Farmers Arable Industry Group Chairperson The news that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) requires all honey exports to Japan to undergo glyphosate testing, has again generated media comment about the safety of its ongoing use. Those in the primary sector are glyphosate’s primary users, but it is also commonly used […]
Waitangi Day – top seven employment tips you need to know
This year, Waitangi Day falls on Saturday 6 February and is observed on that day or Monday 8 February. Here are seven items you need to know about rights for employees and obligations for employers. Mondayisation for Waitangi Day As Waitangi Day falls on a Saturday this year it means that that this holiday is […]
Gisborne Wairoa rates showdown
By Toby Williams President, Gisborne Wairoa Federated Farmers It’s frustrating and very disappointing that Federated Farmers’ submissions on Gisborne District Council and Wairoa District Council rates issues have largely fallen on deaf ears. We certainly highlighted the unfairness and inconsistency of some of their proposals, both in comprehensive written submissions and in person when I […]