Farmers Seek Stronger Voice on Key Rural Issues at Fieldays

Waikato farmers want stronger representation on major issues affecting rural communities, according to Federated Farmers’ North Waikato branch’s Vice President Susan Woolerton.

Speaking at the Rural Advocacy Hub at Fieldays, Woolerton said one of the organisation’s biggest priorities was ensuring rural communities were included in decisions affecting local government, environmental policy, and the future of the Waikato River.

“We want to ensure that our rural stakeholders are represented and have a voice,” she said.

According to Woolerton, several issues are currently attracting attention across the rural sector. These include the Simplifying Local Government programme, the Lake Waikare and Whangamarino Wetland Catchment Management Plan, and Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change 1.

A concern for farmers is ensuring new regulations are practical while still meeting environmental goals.

“We want solutions that are fair and workable for our farming communities,” she said.

Federated Farmers is a membership-based organisation that advocates on behalf of farmers across New Zealand. It represents more than 13,000 members nationally and more than 2,000 across Waikato.

Woolerton said that rather than farmers having to navigate complex regulations and make submissions independently, Federated Farmers works on their behalf through its policy and provincial teams.

“We advocate on behalf of our members,” she said. “If there are issues affecting farmers, we can take those concerns through proper channels and work with government and other stakeholders.”

Farmers also contact the organisation for support on practical issues including employment matters, contracts, and understanding new regulations. Federated Farmers can provide guidance and connect members with specialist support when needed.

These local concerns align with Federated Farmers’ recently released national election priorities. The organisation’s “Backing Kiwi Farmers” platform outlines five key focus areas for the next government: reducing farming costs, enabling technology and infrastructure, supporting community conservation, helping young farmers, and reforming local government.

Federated Farmers says the policies are designed to improve farm productivity while strengthening rural communities and the wider economy.

At Fieldays, these conversations continue to be a major focus as industry leaders, farmers, and organisations gather to discuss the future of New Zealand agriculture.

Woolerton said Federated Farmers also gathers feedback directly from members through its branch, regional, and national networks to help shape its advocacy work.

While Federated Farmers is often associated with farming issues, Woolerton believes the organisation’s work benefits the wider community as well.

She said there can sometimes be a “them and us” perception that rural and urban communities have different interests, but she sees them as closely connected.

“We’re all part of the same economy,” she said. “What happens in rural communities feeds into urban communities too. It’s not about division. It’s about working together for the greater good of all.”