Events and training
Federated Farmers understands the importance and benefits of training as an integral part of furthering the development and growth of agriculture in New Zealand. By providing a range of training opportunities for members the Federation aims to help businesses and staff to become more productive.
Training
Leadership courses
The Federated Farmers leadership programme offers two levels of training for members.
- Level one, Getting Your Feet Wet - Members are introduced to the Federation's structure and resources. Through presentations by industry experts and politicians participants learn about agricultural politics, advocacy and lobbying.
- Level two, Advanced Leadership Skills - The course focuses on public speaking, managing meetings, dealing with media and practical aspects of agricultural leadership in the provinces.
Both courses are held in Wellington and run over a two-day period. The programme is highly interactive. Information is delivered workshop style to suit hands-on types. To register contact your provincial president or call Federated Farmers on 0800 327 646 or email: receptionwgton@fedfarm.org.nz.
Employment seminars
Federated Farmers in conjunction with employment law experts provides informative question-an-answer style seminars. Using real examples participants receive a practical set of guidelines for dealing with a range of employee and workplace issues. Seminar topics include:
- Hiring staff
- Employment agreements
- Dealing with misconduct and serious misconduct
- Managing poor performers
- Redundancy and restructuring
- Incapacity, illness and dealing with ACC
- Accommodation issues
- Four weeks holiday, holiday pay, sick leave, bereavement leave, parental leave
- KiwiSaver
Be better informed and more confident about employing staff.
New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme
The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme helps develop emerging agribusiness leaders so as to shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs.
Through residential workshops, seminars and personal study over an 11-month period, twenty-four men and women who live and work in rural New Zealand meet to:
- develop solid leadership skills;
- learn how political, cultural, social, economic and physical forces impact on New Zealand agribusiness; and,
- establish networks with leaders from New Zealand and beyond.
Find out more about the New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme here.
Farm safety
Agriculture is a dangerous occupation. On average one farmer is killed every two weeks and 11 farmers are seriously injured everyday. Federated Farmers in conjunction with ACC, Agriculture ITO and Telford Polytechnic bring you FarmSafe. FarmSafe offers a series programmes specifically tailored to rural industry.
For more information call 0800 545 747 or visit FarmSafe.
Agriculture ITO Courses
Agriculture ITO offers all Federated Farmers' members the opportunity to claim a $40 rebate on their joining or renewal fees.
Agriculture ITO industry training is designed to equip people of all levels of experience who are employed in the dairy, sheep, beef, agrichemical supply, fencing, pest control, pork, poultry, rural servicing and wool harvesting sectors with the knowledge and skills they need to enhance productivity and profitability. It is also designed to improve health and safety in the workplace and increase employee job satisfaction and staff retention.
For a full list courses visit Agriculture ITO.
To receive the rebate you will need to notify Federated Farmers after you have enrolled on a course. Federated Farmers will provide your rebate once Agriculture ITO has confirmed your enrolment.
Exchange programmes
AgriVenture
Federated Farmers and AgriVenture offer opportunities for young people aged between 18 and 30 to travel and work in 12 different countries. The practical aspects of the trip such as tickets, work permits and insurance are taken care of. You will stay with host families who are carefully selected and approved.
Host families provide accommodation, help with training and a standard allowance. AgriVenture schemes are based on a variety of flexible, proven programmes.
