Election 2023: Federated Farmers’ 12 policy changes for NZ’s next government

Federated Farmers says farmer confidence is at record lows. File photo / Sandra Gibbs

Federated Farmers has released its policy platform for the 2023 election, setting out a rural roadmap with 12 key policy changes for New Zealand’s next government.

“Kiwi farmers have a great story to tell when it comes to our economic contribution, the jobs we create and the work we do to improve environmental outcomes - yet farmer confidence is at record lows,” Federated Farmers President Wayne Langford said in a statement.

For the last five years, farmers had been living through a period of unprecedented regulatory change, Langford said.

New requirements for improving water quality, biodiversity and the climate had taken a toll on the wellbeing of rural communities as well, he said.

“The intent of these regulations may have been good, but the reality of the execution and implementation has been nothing short of disastrous for our farmers.

“The end result is a long list of highly prescriptive and unworkable rules that tie us up in red tape and heap on unnecessary costs.”

Federated Farmers was determined to turn that around, Langford said.

“So we’re rolling up our sleeves and bringing some real solutions to the table.”

This election, Federated Farmers was very clear about what needed to be done to restore farmer confidence, support thriving rural communities, improve environmental outcomes and unlock the potential of New Zealand’s primary sector, Langford said.

Listen to Jamie Mackay interview Wayne Langford on The Country below:

“The best thing about our policy priorities is that they won’t cost the taxpayer a dollar.

“We’re just asking for the government to get the settings right so farmers have the confidence to invest, grow, and get on with what they do best - farming.”

Federated Farmers’ 12 policy priorities for the next government

1. Support better use of technologies

2. Unlock potential through water storage

3. Allow young farmers to access their KiwiSaver

4. Urgently review methane targets

5. Rethink the ETS Forestry Rules and net-zero target

6. Scrap the “ute tax” and fix New Zealand’s infrastructure

7. Give back control to local communities

8. Fix unworkable freshwater rules

9. Get RMA reform right

10. Simplify Significant Natural Areas

11. Build the farmer workforce

12. Show fiscal and monetary discipline

Read the full document here.