Feds Making a Difference for Hastings Farmers

As 2016 draws to a close Federated Farmers has made some substantial ground towards helping Hastings district farmers tackle the burden of increasing compliance obligations.
The Federation’s Hawke’s Bay policy team have successfully appealed on the Hastings District Plan after convincing councillors that their proposals were obscure and too restrictive.
Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay President Will Foley said the outcome was significant and appreciated, “Policies now acknowledge that farming has a positive attribute for significant amenity landscapes, rather than the misguided perception it is degrading the landscape. 
“It means essentially farmers can now carry out tree planting for soil conservation in Outstanding Natural Landscapes, when previously they needed resource consent because the council feared it would affect the landscape,” Mr Foley said. 
Under the Resource Management Act, councils throughout the country are required to protect land which has been identified as outstanding or significant in terms of amenity value.
This process has not always run smoothly resulting in inconsistent management, which has led to inefficiencies causing confusion and disruption to farmers.
“There’s been double-ups between regional and district councils. Thankfully they’ve been removed getting rid of unnecessary duplication, particularly around water quality,” said Mr Foley.
An increase in earthworks limits for farms categorised with Outstanding Natural Landscapes was another pleasing aspect which Federated Farmers had called for and achieved. 
As a result, farmers were permitted an extra 500m3 to maintain tracks, while also granted 200m2 for new earthworks.
Federated Farmers meanwhile succeeded in the abolishment of an antiquated ruling of almost 50 years, which classified deer as a noxious animal and deer farms as a danger to the environment.
“It’s fantastic news. I wasn’t aware this was going to happen. The deer industry is a valuable part of the Hawke’s Bay primary sector and wider New Zealand agriculture,” said deer farmer Tim Aitken.