NZ Parties to Face Off on Farming Policy at Rural Issues Debate

The major parties in New Zealand will debate their farming policies at an event ahead of the general election on November 7. The Rural Issues Debate, organized by Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ, and Federated Farmers, will take place at Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton on September 30.

The panel will feature representatives from National, Labour, ACT, New Zealand First, and the Green Party. Organizers say this is one of the few opportunities for rural voters to hear directly from all major parties about their vision and plans for rural New Zealand.

B+LNZ chair Kate Acland emphasized the need for predictability and certainty in farming policies, rather than policy swings. She noted that B+LNZ was pleased with progress on reforming the Resource Management Act and climate change policy, but wants the next government to focus on safeguarding market access and managing supply chain disruptions.

Federated Farmers national president Colin Hurst stated that farmers need certainty about what the next government will do, rather than more promises. DairyNZ chair Tracy Brown highlighted the importance of confidence in investing for the future, citing the sector's significant contribution to the economy and rural communities.