Coming clean on election policies
Released 03 Sep 2010
Federated Farmers Northland is doing their bit for democracy, by sending every local government election candidate within Northland, a simple one page questionnaire.
"Federated Farmers has many members that are keen to exercise their right to vote, so we thought we'd help them find out exactly what their candidates stand for," says Matt Long, Federated Farmers Northland provincial president.
"We needed a quick way to establish a candidate's position on key areas, such as rates, spending priorities and their attitude towards growth.
"Federated Farmers works hard to focus on policy and we want to ensure that all candidates understand the concerns and needs of Northland's farming community.
"Agriculture is a significant provider of economic, social and environmental well-being across the Northland region, contributing just under a third of Northland's entire GDP.
"Farmers are one of the councils main financial contributors, through the high rates we pay.
"The questionnaire is also a good heads up on the issues that candidates are likely to face at political meetings over the next two months," Mr Long concluded.
For further information, please contact:
Matt Long, Federated Farmers Northland president, 09 434 3370, 027 272 3322
For a copy of the survey, please contact:
Nigel Billings, Federated Farmers senior policy advisor, 0800 327 646 or contact via by clciking here.
