Federated Farmers of New Zealand

 

Bay of Plenty

Introduction

Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty has 590 members in a region which extends from Katikati in the North to Galatea inland and Opotiki in the east. The province encompasses one regional council, one city council and three district councils.

There are five active branches: Tauranga/Katikati, Te Puke, Manawahe, Whakatane/Galatea and Opotiki.

Bay of Plenty aims to lead in adverse events, and other local issues that could affect farming economically and in terms of sustainability. Farming faces challenging times and it is imperative that Federated Farmers has a strong membership to enable the province to be a leading advocate for rural people.

Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty works closely with Environment Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Whakatane District Council and the Opotiki District Council

Main Issues

Western Bay of Plenty - Federated Farmers lodged a submission to Plan Changes 1-27 to the Western Bay of Plenty District Plan in December 2011. Hot topics included rural contractor depots run as a supplementary business on farm and orchards, and Transmission Buffer Zones. Transpower has initiated a buffer zone at 32 metres either side of a transmission line and seeking to constrain earthworks, building and subdivision through the District Plan. Federated Farmers strongly opposed Transmission Buffer Zones and highlighted a grave concern that they seem to be replacing individual easement agreements and will constrain farming activities that pose no threat to lines.

Long Term Plans - Regional and district councils will each release their long term plan (LTP) for consultation early in 2012. The Long Term Plan sets rates and expenditure for 2012-13, the rating policy, and planned expenditure and debt to a ten year horizon.

Whakatane District Council (WDC) - In the Bay of Plenty the WDC is proposing a major revision of rating policy in its Long Term Plan, which would result in big increases for farms and an overall reduction in urban rates if adopted. In particular farmers would pay substantially more for the aquatic centre and libraries, and would in future contribute to the costs of urban storm water through general rates. Federated Farmers has taken on this issue firstly by alerting farmers to it - something council has failed to do directly, and meeting with the Mayor and officials. A big effort is planned to knock this proposal back over the next few months, and we need the support of all farmers.

Meetings

The province holds one regional meeting in November at Te Puke and the AGM/conference in May at Edgecumbe. The management committee meets every two months.

The sub-sections (Dairy, Meat and Fibre, Sharemilkers, Sharemilker Employers and Grain and Seed) meet when needed. Branches also meet when needed but usually bi-monthly.

For a copy of the September executive meeting's minutes click on the PDF below.

Events

2012 Farm Day - Farm Day is a great opportunity to further the relationship between town and country. It provides an opportunity for urban people, particularly families with children, to visit the country and experience what happens on a farm. We look forward to demonstrating modern farm practices and to build stronger relationships with people who wouldn't normally venture onto a farm.

When: March 18, 10am-3pm

Where: Bay of Plenty Farm Day will be hosted by Andrew & Robyn McLeod and Noel & Marilyn McLeod at 1189 Welcome Bay Road, Papamoa

 For information click on the poster below or click here.

Provincial news

To download a copy of the latest provincial media release, newsletter and column, please click here.

Scholarships

Bay of Plenty Farmers Education Trust works to assist students from the province to progress their agricultural, agricultural science or veterinary studies by way of grants or scholarships.

To apply for a scholarship you must be from the Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty province and must have completed at least one year study of an agriculture-based course at a registered tertiary institution within New Zealand.

Scholarships/grants are awarded yearly and will be made at the discretion of the trustees and applications will open on 1 September and close on 30 November each year.

For more information and for an application form, please contact Kim Cawte, Bay of Plenty Farmers Education Trust, PO Box 13531, Tauranga or phone 07 578 5039.

Contact the Executive

Field Officer

Regional Policy Advisors

Federated Farmers 2011-2012 Directory

To download a copy of Federated Farmers 2011-2012 Directory click on the PDF below.

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