Hearing Evidence – Brunner - Federated Farmers
Hearing Evidence – Brunner - Federated Farmers
Hearing Evidence – Brunner - Federated Farmers
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Introduction<br />
1. My name is Katie Milne, I am the President of the West Coast Province of <strong>Federated</strong><br />
<strong>Farmers</strong> of New Zealand. I am also a Rotomanu dairy farmer, and am directly affected<br />
by the decisions of the Council that pertain to farms in the Lake <strong>Brunner</strong> Catchment.<br />
2. With me is Michael Bennett, a <strong>Federated</strong> <strong>Farmers</strong> Policy Advisor. Michael holds a BSc.<br />
degree from the University of Canterbury and an M.Com. (agricultural) degree from<br />
Lincoln University. He previously worked at Environment Southland and has 4 years of<br />
experience as a policy planner. Previous to this he undertook research on farmer<br />
perceptions of sustainability and decision making around cow wintering.<br />
3. With me also is Dave Becker from Ray White Real Estate. Dave is a licensed rural<br />
sales consultant and we have him to join us today because he has insights and<br />
experience relating to the effect of the proposed plan on the marketability and certainty<br />
of value of farms in the <strong>Brunner</strong> Catchment.<br />
Summary of <strong>Federated</strong> <strong>Farmers</strong> position<br />
4. <strong>Federated</strong> Farmer’s position is that the proposed Land and Water Plan, with<br />
amendments sought in our submission, is a good response to the management of land<br />
and water resources on the West Coast, and in particular the minor issues now being<br />
observed in Lake <strong>Brunner</strong>.<br />
5. We see the relief sought in our submission as reasonable and moderate, particularly in<br />
light of the good state of Lake <strong>Brunner</strong>, lack of evidence that farming activities are the<br />
driver of changes, widespread support for voluntary farm plans by farmers, as well as<br />
our support for practical and effective regulatory options such as stock exclusion, use<br />
of culverts and bridges, and improved farm dairy effluent management.<br />
6. Above all we do not want to jump the gun or over-complicate the situation by acting in<br />
haste. As the data set becomes more complete, the picture as to the nature of the<br />
problem and what might be required to address it will become clearer.<br />
7. <strong>Federated</strong> <strong>Farmers</strong> also has every confidence in West Coast Regional Council to<br />
continue to work proactively with farmers to manage water quality in farming<br />
catchments, and appreciates the consultative planning approach taken to minimise<br />
unnecessary confusion, uncertainty, and cost in developing this plan.<br />
Scope of evidence<br />
8. This statement of evidence is intended to support the points raised on our submission.<br />
9. The remainder of our evidence comprises:<br />
1. The issue of water quality in Lake <strong>Brunner</strong>;<br />
2. Economic and social implications for Lake <strong>Brunner</strong> farmers and the wider<br />
region;<br />
3. The proposed policy framework for the Lake <strong>Brunner</strong> catchment;<br />
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