Waikato
Introduction
Federated Farmers Waikato has 4199 members over an area that encompasses Raglan, Te Kauwhata, Te Aroha, Tokoroa and Awakino. Its western coastal boundary is between Taranaki and Auckland provinces, with the Kaimai Range being the natural eastern boundary.
Federated Farmers Waikato converses with six district councils, the regional council Environment Waikato as well as various rural industry organisations. The province questions and lobbies all aspects relating to what affects its farming communities. Rural Women and Young Farmers delegates regularly attend regional executive meetings.
Waikato branches serve the areas of Cambridge, Hamilton, Matamata, Morrinsville, North Waikato, Otorohanga, Te Aroha, Te Awamutu, Tokoroa and Waitomo.
Main Issues
Water allocation Variation 6, Transpower, Tainui Waikato River Claim, seven annual council plans and the weak position of rural New Zealand to influence political decisions.
Submissions
District Councils are increasingly taking on an environmental role. Waipa District Council introduced an Environment Strategy and Federated Farmers submitted on the issue of duplication of roles. To download the submission, click here.
Federated Farmers is involved and submits to Environment Waikato changes to the Regional Plan. To download the latest submission, please click here.
Meetings
- Executive meetings are held in Federated Farmers' boardrooms, London Street, Hamilton every month.
- The Dairy section meets monthly except for July and August.
- The Meat and Fibre section meets every second month.
Please contact the regional office on 07 858 0820 for the exact dates if you would like to attend.
Provincial newsletters
To download a copy of the latest provincial newsletter, please click here.
Farm Day
Farm Day is part of the Federations national initiative to extend a welcoming hand to non farmers. During Farm Day farmers explain how they produce great food and care for their animals, removing some of the mystery from farming.
Farm Day 2010 is to be held on Sunday, 28 March. Click here for local details.
Contact the Executive
James Houghton
Dairy chairperson
T: 07 882 8244
F: 07 882 8204
M: 027 437 7632
E: jchoughton@xtra.co.nz
Tony Wilding
Sharemilker Employers' Section chairperson
T: 07 883 4802
F: 07 883 4622
M: 027 490 0538
E: thewildthings@xtra.co.nz
John Mills
Meat & Fibre chairperson
T: 07 871 0706
Gaylene Bamford
Provincial Administration Support
T: 07 858 0820
F: 07 858 0848
E: gbamford@fedfarm.org.nz
Provincial Policy Advisors
Dr Paul Le Miere
North Island Team Leader for Local Policy
T: 0800 327 646
E: plemiere@fedfarm.org.nz
Qualifications: PhD in Crop Physiology, BSc (Hons)
I have been with the Federation: September 2008
My background: Director of Agriculture and Rural Economy, government of Jersey, Channel Islands.
Rhea Dasent
Policy Advisor
T: 0800327 646
E: rdasent@fedfarm.org.nz
Qualifications: BSc in Physcial Geography, BA
I have been with the Federation: Since April 2009
You will know me because: I keep a close eye on the councils in Waikato, Hauraki-Coromandel and Taupo.
Clare Rosser
Policy Administration Support
T: 0800 327 646
E: crosser@fedfarm.org.nz
Qualifications: Diploma in Management
I have been with the Federation: October 2001
You will know me because: I can usually find any member of the Local Policy Team, even if they are 'missing in action'.
