Nikki Edwards: Ensure you are heard

Council and resource management processes are a complicated, foreign and uninviting process for many. However, it is critical farmers have their say and bring some reality to the process.

Federated Farmers' Bay of Plenty provincial president Darryl Jensen recently said he admired the passion and dedication of our policy team.

While we appreciate his comment, it is truly a team effort in that we rely on local knowledge from our members.

These RMA processes can be frustrating. Inevitably they involve experts all speaking foreign jargon and there is seldom a quick fix.

It would be easier for Federated Farmers representatives to stay on the farm where the animals are better behaved. But democracy is important and I have seen first-hand that we do make a difference.

I've been impressed with the enthusiasm shown by Federated Farmers representatives that I have worked with to date.

Not only do they get up at the crack of dawn and tend to all of their farming chores, but they also find time to present submissions to councils and attend stakeholder meetings, and Environment Court mediations.

They then return to the farm and think of ways to solve more of the region's problems while shifting cows or feeding out.

Our members may have no formal training for the work they do but they know the land, the district and the region. That is the reality check these processes need. They also work in partnership with the Federated Farmers policy staff.

Sometimes it is scary to think how our regional policy or planning framework could look if our members did not devote their spare time to helping our cause.

We are always on the look out for new members to step up and bring their fresh ideas.

Whether it is standing for council, representing farmers at council meetings or raising issues with the local Federated Farmers' executive - it all helps and ensures your voice is heard.

I challenge you to become involved and see for yourself the passion and dedication that is Federated Farmers.

Our Local Elections Manifesto explains what matters to farmers and provides guidance to aspiring candidates in the upcoming council elections. Read it online fedfarm.org.nz.

Nominations close tomorrow at midday.

- Nikki Edwards is a senior policy adviser for Federated Farmers.