Feds unveil guide to local government excellence

Feds unveil guide to local government excellence

Wednesday June 28, 2016

A best-practice, practical and common-sense approach to governance has been unveiled by Federated Farmers at its national conference in Wellington today.

Federated Farmers’ Local Government spokesperson Katie Milne said this tri-annual guide promotes the latest thinking on how councils should be engaging with and providing services to farmers and other ratepayers.

"Farmers are some of the largest funders of local government and the sector most likely to be impacted by regulation developed and implemented by councils.

"Farmers need level-headed councillors who prioritise real needs over the ‘nice to haves’. They also need to respect the considerable contributions from ratepayers," said Ms Milne.

"Rates are among the largest working expenses for an average farm. Many farmers’ annual rates bills give them rights to the, unenviable and exclusive, 10K or even 20K Rates’ Club.

"Federated Farmers believes in the implementation of an equitable rating system that is affordable for all ratepayers.

"Councils provide infrastructure and services vital to successful primary production and vibrant rural communities, with roading the most important of these. The farming emphasis might be summed up as ‘fit for purpose, at a fair price.

"Farming is also hugely impacted by local government’s regulation of natural resources - land, water, and air - all of which are critical to food production and New Zealand exports and GDP.

"This guide isn’t just for farmers, it’s a must read for all ratepayers, current and future elected representatives," Ms Milne said.

See the full Federated Farmers Local Government Manifesto - http://fedfarm.org.nz/publications/media-releases/article.asp?id=3838#.V3M3P3T4fIU

ENDS

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