Introducing your new chair
 Simon Williamson from Glenbrook Station, Omarama, was elected Chairman of the High Country Industry Group’s AGM in May. Simon takes over from Chas Todhunter who stood down after completing a three year term in the position. Simon had been the groups vice-chairman and North Otago representative on the committee during those three years. Just to prove that his election was not an accident, Simon was elected president of the North Otago province less than one week later. Ian Anderson of Ben Ledi Station has taken over from Simon as the North Otago high country representative.
In this issue
Chair's thoughts
|
|
Simon Williamson
Chairperson
Federated Farmers High Country
There are plenty of issues to consider as I sit down to write my first contribution to Tussock Talk as Chairman. In some instances which have major relevance in the high country the group is representing the wider organisation. In others we are working alongside Federated Farmers regional or national policy teams to ensure the high country perspective is covered.
|
2016 High Country Conference
Over 70 members and guests enjoyed some good weather and thought-provoking speakers at this year’s High Country Conference. The conference was based at the Brydone Hotel, in Oamaru, and began with a talk from Conservation Minister, Maggie Barry.
Back to top
Conference presentations
A summary of some of the presentations made at conference follows. In some cases we are able to provide a bit more news on what has happened since the presentations were made. The full script are available by linking the links Chas Todhunter’s Chairman’s address and the Committee Report .
Back to top
|
Delegates on the High Country Conference field trip take a break on Dome Hills Station to enjoy a panoramic view of the North Otago coastline and discuss access issues.
|
Wilding conifer management
Hamish Roxburgh, Chairman NZ Wilding Conifer Management Group, explained the origins and development of the group. Originally a few people discussing the wilding problem after the 2005 High Country Fielday on Molesworth Station has developed into a group of some 70 people – government departments, regional councils, community groups and research organisations. The group is just completing its third SFF-funded project and at its last AGM identified the need to review its structure and purpose. A meeting is likely to be called in the spring for this purpose.
Back to top
Farm safety:
D’Arcy Palmer, Farmers for Farm Safety, spoke about the new health and safety law and its affect on farmers. From the purely legal perspective, little had changed as far as landholder liability was concerned. There is additional responsibility on employees for their own safety. However, WorksafeNZ will be looking more closely at how farmers and other persons conducting a business or undertaking affect this responsibility.
Documentation will be needed in readiness to answer Worksafe questions. It is important that employers are aware of the medical history of their employees. There are fish hooks in the system and he advised all affected persons to talk with their insurance company to ensure they are fully covered – and clarify what they are covered for. It is also prudent to seek the services of safety specialists.
Back to top
Rabbit control
 Dr Janine Duckworth from Landcare Research updated delegates on the ongoing research into the efficacy of RHD in New Zealand. Some areas were experiencing increasing levels of a benign virus. The Rabbit Co-ordination Group, though, was hopeful that a new Korean strain would be approved for release in New Zealand. It could increase the kill rate by up to 40 percent. It had recently been approved for release in Australia and application has been made to release it here.
Back to top
Gene driver eradication of pest mammals
Prof John Knight (University of Otago) presented this “Strategy Fit for the 21st Century".
Back to top
Current Issues
Federated Farmers Policy Managers Nick Clark and Kim Reilly together with Sherman Smith, Senior Advisor (Long-Term Incursion Management) with MPI summarised some of the issues with relevance to high country land managers with which their respective teams are currently involved.
Back to top
The Mackenzie Agreement
Mike Neilson, Chairman of the Mackenzie Agreement Working Group explained the background, development and intended implementation of this innovative agreement.
Back to top
The price of fame
It didn’t take newly elected high country vice-chairman Rob Stokes very long to discover that elevation to high office means that there is no limit to the issues on which your opinion may be sought. Just a few weeks after his election the following appeared in the New Zealand Herald:
New Zealand doesn't have a strong indoor shoe culture. ‘Canvas’ rang Rob Stokes, the Federated Farmers high-country vice-chairman for the North Canterbury and the Chatham Islands, and asked him what he wore inside when he took his gumboots off: - "Socks."
(NZ Herald 25/6/16)
Back to top
Any comments or questions please contact:
Bob Douglas
Regional Policy Advisor
Federated Farmers High Country
Phone: 03 688 4096
Mobile: 021 622 822
Email: bdouglas@fedfarm.org.nz
|