Listen to The Country online: Federated Farmers on RMA reform and ‘freshwater tax’ risk

Today on The Country, Federated Farmers’ RMA reform spokesman Mark Hooper spoke to Jamie Mackay about concerns over a "freshwater tax".

Today on The Country radio show, host Jamie Mackay catches up with Federated Farmers’ RMA reform spokesman Mark Hooper.

Federated Farmers is concerned that resource management changes may lead to a “freshwater tax”.

On with the show:

Mark Hooper:

Federated Farmers’ RMA reform spokesman says while it supports the intent of the Government’s resource management overhaul, a deep dive into the draft legislation has revealed some serious concerns.

Most concerning are provisions allowing freshwater rights to be auctioned, tendered, or levied - effectively enabling freshwater to be taxed.

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Don Morrison:

High-profile Southland sheep and beef farmer, cannabis grower, and former Alliance Board director.

He is also one of the alumni behind the Lincoln University “Backing LU Sport” dinner in Wānaka on Thursday, March 12, on the eve of the Wānaka Show.

Mark de Lautour:

The chief executive of Open Country Dairy talks about the Gulf Food Trade Show in the Middle East, why Trump is good for business, and the prospects for tonight’s third GDT for 2026.

Rick Ladd:

The director of sales for Brandt looks at a 10% annual rise in tractor sales here in New Zealand, albeit off a low base, in comparison with the slump in the UK, where registrations fell to their lowest level on record and the lowest since before World War II.

Listen below: