A farmer hailed as "expert in championing farmers' issues" is the winner of the 2017 Federated Farmers Outstanding Contribution Award.
Whanganui sheep and beef farmer Tim Matthews, who has been on the federation's local branch executive for 28 years and its meat and fibre chairman or vice-president for nearly aslong, was presented with the award at the conference.
Acknowledged as an expert in championing farmers' issues at district and regional council level, one of his nominators, Ruapehu president Lyn Neeson, said Tim had an "unequalled knowledge of local body rates and a drive to make sure they are fairly charged".
"He often has more understanding of the rating system of a particular council and local government than many of the councillors he speaks to."
Wanganui Federated Farmers dairy chairman Brian Doughty said in the last 15 to 20 years Tim had appeared at dozens of council hearings and other forums in Wanganui, South Taranaki, Ruapehu and Rangitikei.
"It is here Tim can be seen at his best, bringing an air of reasonableness to an area that normally smacks of a them-and-us confrontation," Brian said.
