Submission

Hastings District Plan - Federated Farmers involvement 

The Hastings District Council opened its District Plan for submissions in 2014, and Federated Farmers has been heavily involved improving regulations for farmers. We spoke at multiple hearings and lodged an appeal to the Environment Court.  Gains for farmers include:

 

  • Federated Farmers achieved an increase for earthworks limits for farms in Outstanding Natural Landscapes, now allowing an extra 500m3 to maintain tracks, as well as the original 200m2 for new earthworks. 
  • Farming is now acknowledged as a positive attribute for Significant Amenity Landscapes, rather than degrading the landscape.  
  • Farmers can now carry out tree planting for soil conservation in Outstanding Natural Landscapes, when previously they needed resource consent because Council thought it would degrade the landscape.  
  • An out of date deer fencing rule from 1969 has been completely deleted, which had an obsolete perspective that deer were a noxious animal and deer farms were a danger to the environment.
  • Double-ups between regional and district council functions have been removed getting rid of unnecessary duplication, particularly around water quality.