Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Federated Farmers signs Land & Water Forum Report

27 November 2015


Federated Farmers signs Land & Water Forum Report but with conditions attached

Federated Farmers has today added its name to the signatories of the fourth report of the Land & Water Forum after receiving the conditional support of its National Council.

The National Council, meeting in Wellington over 26 and 27 November, comprises the presidents of Federated Farmers’ 24 provinces, its National Board and representatives of its seven industry groups.

“Federated Farmers has been deeply involved in and committed to the Land & Water Forum since its formation in 2009, playing an active role in the development of this and the previous three forum reports,” says Federated Farmers Water spokesperson Chris Allen.

“We have worked tirelessly to represent the interests of New Zealand’s farmers and collaborated strongly with stakeholders from all quarters. Unlike others we are not prepared to turn our back on the forum. Instead we sign the report as a reflection of our commitment to its work and with pride in our efforts, however the decision of our National Council was only do so on the condition that we continue to discuss the report and consider our options.”

The key concerns of the Federation’s National Council were the clauses relating to iwi rights and interests – not that they were included but how they might be interpreted by local councils. The draft report suggests potential options around this but should not be interpreted as giving specific direction to government.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“We are concerned that some local Governments may pre-empt negotiations between iwi and central government by unreasonably locking up water creating a gridlock on its management,” says Mr Allen.

“We argued strongly that the government has the opportunity to create more headroom through support of, and contribution to, water storage and other infrastructure projects. This would create a potential win for iwi, other users and the environment.”

“This decision by our National Council has paved the way for us to add our name to the Land & Water Forum Report while reserving the right to continue to consider its implications and take any additional steps we determine might be necessary to shape its final outcome,” says Mr Allen.

The report, released today, will now be reviewed by Cabinet and then be open to public consultation.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.