Farmers allowed to work on Waitangi Day

Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) has successfully obtained an exemption for its financial members to operate large agricultural machinery on the road over the Waitangi Day holiday period.

"Farmers and agricultural contractors wanting to operate large agricultural vehicles from 4pm Wednesday 5 February until midnight 6 February must contact Federated Farmers on PH 0800 327 646 to obtain a copy of the exemption," says Federated Farmer's National Board Member Hugh Ritchie.

Under current Land Transport Safety Authority rules Category 2, 3 or 4 vehicles are not allowed to operate on the roads during public holiday periods. Federated Farmers successfully negotiated an exemption for overdimension vehicles over the Christmas/New Year holiday period and this has been extended to cover Waitangi Day.

"It is vital that farmers and agricultural contractors who want to operate large vehicles, generally those over 3.7 metres in width, over the Waitangi holiday period obtain a copy of the exemption," said Mr Ritchie. "Otherwise they risk a fine or being put off the road until Friday.

"The Federation is currently working through the practicalities of providing a permanent exemption under the LTSA Vehicle Dimension and Mass Rule as a free or low cost service to its members."

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