Wool Growers Seeking Deliverance
Wool-growers in Southern Hawkes Bay are hoping for deliverance from the excesses of the Wool Board following a 'no confidence' vote at its AGM next week, says ACT rural spokesman Owen Jennings.
Mr Jennings is holding public meetings and farm meetings in Dannevirke, Pahiatua, and Masterton today and says sentiment is running high by wool growers against the Wool Board.
"Farmers are sick of the appalling waste of their levy money, and say the Wool Board's recent $11.5 million loss was the last straw. There is clearly widespread support for the no confidence remits," Mr Jennings said.
"If the no confidence motions are not defeated by a substantial majority, the farmers I've spoken to want the Board to honour their pledge and resign."
Mr Jennings and three highly ranked ACT farmer candidates are in the fourth day of their Heartland Tour of farming regions around New Zealand. Travelling through the Heartland in a king cab ute, the four says they have been surprised by the depth of feeling against the Wool Board by wool growers.
"We suggest that following the resignation of the Board, the Board's affairs be put in the hands of a Commissioner charged with bringing order and profitability to the board's affairs," Mr Jennings said.
Mr Jennings says farmers are impressed by ACT's commitment to the rural sector, as shown by the fact that there are 12 full-time and 8 part-time farmers on the ACT list, more than those of National, Labour and the Alliance combined.
Mr Jennings is joined by ACT farmer candidates Penny Webster (ranked 8), Gerry Webster (ranked 9) and Andy Davies (ranked 14).
Following a public meeting in Masterton tonight, the four will continue the Heartland Tour though Manawatu and Horowhenua tomorrow.
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