THERE are some similarities in the election wish lists being promoted by land-based industry bodies.
Horticulture New Zealand and Federated Farmers broadly seek similar policies, led by biosecurity, while Rural Women NZ prioritises greater recognition of how government policies affect rural communities along with seeking improved services such as broadband and electricity security.
Biosecurity ranked second on Federated Farmer’s wish list which was topped by a desire for a targeted, catchment approach to tackling water quality issues followed by Resource Management Act reform, free trade and science investment.
The pre-election announcement by the Labour Party of a tax on irrigation water used by growers and farmers was a late addition to those lists, with Federated Farmers water spokesman Chris Allen saying it was inequitable because it applied only to irrigators and water bottlers.
"What do you do for the Waikato people, do you force them to pay for the use of their water but allow the electricity companies and Auckland to get it for free?
"Some 95% of the Waikato’s water is locked up for electricity generation and is only available for other uses at the bottom end of the river," Allan said.
HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman said biosecurity was crucial to the sector’s wellbeing.
“If the brown marmorated stink bug gets in here, we’re in real trouble.”
The risk of a biosecurity incursion was growing as international trade and travel increased and he was concerned some tourists did not acknowledge the importance of adhering to quarantine laws relating to imported food.
Food security was second on HortNZ’s list followed by work force capability, country of origin labelling and healthy eating education.
Chapman said urban creep was threatening food security by blanketing some high-quality soils with tar seal and concrete.
“We have got to save our good soils.
“If we don’t we will need to import vegetables when we have got marvellous country in which to grow the stuff.”
His organisation was monitoring 50 district and regional plans and would like a national environmental standard to protect the top quality soil and preserve the industry’s ability to operate.
Chapman said it was an issue that had failed to resonate with the public because the fundamentals were not understood.
“They assume the land down the road can be used.
“They don’t realise Pukekohe has the perfect mix of high class soils, an ideal climate and access to Auckland.”
It was not just the loss of soils but the impact of housing on aquifers and dealing with urban waste water.
“We just want them to be a bit smarter where they put their houses.”
Other priority issues were continuing with the recognised seasonal employer scheme, country of origin labelling and teaching healthy eating and how to prepare nutritious meals to school children.
Federated Farmers wanted water quality policies that allowed sustainable economic growth alongside environmental goals.
It sought catchment partnerships that co-ordinated community, councils and science, especially targeted at water quality hot spots.
Reform of the RMA was a matter of national importance because it affected property rights, rural protection and economic returns.
Other issues on the wish list were advocating free trade, science investment, a pragmatic approach to climate change, addressing skill shortages, improving education opportunities including increased boarding bursaries, better telecommunications and policing, fairer investment in tourism-related infrastructure and tougher deterrents for livestock theft.
Meanwhile, Rural Women NZ’s manifesto requested government policy take account of the diversity of rural communities and the impact of any new policies.
Education was another priority, with Rural Women seeking greater access for adult learning in rural areas, more young people taking subjects that led to agricultural careers and extending early childhood education to those under three.
An Auckland University study found rural women were more likely to experience family violence than urban women and Rural Women said other studies had shown victims were reluctant to leave an abusive relationship because of obligations to pets or animals.
It wanted laws to provide greater protection for pets and animals in cases of domestic violence and also as a result of rural crime.
Other issues it wanted advanced were safer rural roads, better aged care and mental health services, voluntary bonding for nurses in rural areas, extending mammograms to women aged over 69 and improved biosecurity.
