'Rural proofing lens' to be discussed at Mystery Creek Fieldays

Damien O'Connor

A ''rural proofing lens'' for new government policies is to be discussed by the Rural Communities minister Damien O'Connor at Fieldays, in Mystery Creek, Hamilton, next Wednesday.

That would mean proposed new government policies and laws across all portfolios would have to be analysed to determine any impacts on rural communities.

Mr O'Connor said the Rural Proofing Policy would ensure all Government policymakers looked at their work through a rural lens and considered ''connection infrastructure, access to services and ease and cost of compliance''.

''MPI has done a targeted consultation with government agencies to test their current approach to rural proofing and to see where they need more help,'' Mr O'Connor said.

''All New Zealanders, no matter where they live, should have a reasonable ability to live, work and run businesses and to contribute to and be part of New Zealand society.

''A Rural Proofing Lens focuses on key issues of low population density, isolation and probable reliance on the primary sector for employment.

''Rural communities are an essential part of New Zealand's economy and culture; not just our largest export producer, but also important to the tourism sector and as stewards of New Zealand's landscapes.''

A Ministry of Primary Industries spokeswoman said the first phase of targeted consultation with government agencies to identify approaches to rural proofing, and where more detailed guidance was needed, had been completed and was

''shaping the policy guide and implementation planning''.

Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean said, on the face of it, the rural proofing policy had potential, but she also had her doubts.

''Any policy which acknowledges the rural sector and the people who live and work there is positive and I support it,'' Mrs Dean said.

''However ... I question whether the Government won't simply ... use it as a crutch to push through legislation which has no real benefits for the farming sector.