North Otago
Introduction
Federated Farmers North Otago represents local farmers' views at a regional level.
Main Issues
We pride ourselves on being responsive and open to our North Otago members' needs. We are quick off the mark and have a good member network to call on. We have been very successful working on Otago Regional Council resource consent (water take charges) which resulted in many members receiving an unexpected pre Christmas cheque from Council. The province is currently working on Waitaki District Plan and is due to give evidence soon.
Drinking water standards Rural Water Schemes - Councils are required to meet drinking water standards under legislation. However, in many rural schemes the costs of upgrading the water supply is onerous, especially where the majority of water is being used for stock. These standards are currently under review, and the date by which Councils have to meet the standards have been pushed out, depending on the size of the scheme, to 2015. Clean drinking water is important, but Federated Farmers wants councils to defer significant investment in upgrades until there is either certainty around the legislative requirements to be met, or a demonstrated demand from the communities that will be paying for the schemes. To have your say, contact David Cooper at dcooper@fedfarm.org.nz
Stock Crossings - Waitaki District Council put together a Code of Practice for Stock Crossings, a process that supports controls already in place via the Roading Bylaw 2005. It isn't intended to replace what's in the Bylaw but to add clarity. We had concerns with a resulting increase in the need for underpasses and lodged a submission accordingly. North Otago President Richard Strowger presented our submission to Waitaki District Council on 20 September and we are awaiting a decision from Council. To have your say, contact Kim Reilly at kreilly@fedfarm.org.nz
Meetings
All members are welcome to attend our meetings. We hold three provincial executive meetings a year as well as an annual general meeting. Our aim is to do the business in about two hours, and then have a drink and catch up on local issues.
Provincial newsletters
To download a copy of the latest provincial media release, newsletter and column, please click here.
North Otago Pods
Earlier this year we established a range of member-only chat rooms (which work on both dial up and broad band) for dealing with local and national policy issues. These are a great way for farmers to contribute ideas into our provincial policy debates without having to leave home. If you have 10 minutes to spare you can log in, give feedback, share information and check things out.
Contact the Executive
Simon Williamson
High Country Chairperson
T: 03 438 9580
F: 03 438 9581
M: 021 285 9303
E: glenbrookstation@farmside.co.nz
Field Officer
Regional Policy Advisors
David Cooper
Regional Policy Advisor
T: 0800 327 646
F: 03 479 0470
E: dcooper@fedfarm.org.nz
Qualifications: BCom in Economics, BA in Political Studies (Hons 1)
I have been with the Federation: Since January 2009
You will know me because: I have adapted to the challenge of working on behalf of the farming community.
Matt Harcombe
South Island Local Policy Team Leader
T: 0800 327 646
F: 03 479 0470
M: 0274 305 037
E: mharcombe@fedfarm.org.nz
Qualifications: BAgSc, Graduate diploma in PR
I have been with the Federation: Eight years
You will know me because: Reform Resource Management Act is now top of the new Government's agenda and we have more rural responsive 111 communications centre not to mention a whole host of plan changes and rates reductions in Otago.
Federated Farmers 2011-2012 Directory
To download a copy of Federated Farmers 2011-2012 Directory click on the PDF below.
