Likewise, we supported the comments around providing for the wise use of our natural resources as well as the people of the region.
Our members are at the forefront of the environmental agenda, and we agree maintaining our natural resources is critical in providing for the ongoing viability of our farming sector.
That said, we need regulatory support to ensure that our members can continue to operate viable businesses. This is key to ensuring that rural New Zealand, and our communities, is supported inter-generationally.
We also made a few comments with regard to the financials outlined in the draft plan. This included highlighting that while the average total rate increase is consulted at 4.95 per cent, there were notable variations proposed to those in the rural zone.
Generally we see those in the rural zone bearing the rating burden when there is a greater reliance on the general rate to cost-recover.
We therefore recommended that the council continues to seek ways in which other rating mechanisms can be used to ensure less reliance on the general rate, therefore more fairly allocating rates across the zones.
Our Wairoa branch members also used the submission process to raise concerns regarding the Napier-Gisborne rail corridor.
Roading provides vital connections for those living in rural communities and is an integral component of New Zealand's economic productivity. Yet the Napier to Wairoa link, while only being 116km, takes close to two hours to travel.
The route is unreliable, despite it being a lifeline for residents who live in the Northern Hawke's Bay, with no alternative options.
Our submission therefore requests that the council consider two sections of the Napier-Gisborne rail corridor be developed into a multi-use corridor supporting railway, state highway traffic and a cycle way.
Finally, Federated Farmers has also submitted on the targeted animal pest rate. Many members have raised concerns as it specifically requires landowners in some areas to pay for pest control twice.
Effectively, they are paying for their own pest control and also the council's.
We have recommended the council provides an itemised breakdown showing the services that each landowner receives for this activity. We believe this will provide transparency and certainty to those who are paying these rates.
Federated Farmers will be speaking to our submission points in early June. It will be a great opportunity for our members, passionate about our submission, to again provide their thoughts to the council.
- Coralee Matena is Federated Farmers' senior policy adviser
