The primary sector is of unparalleled importance here in the mighty Waikato.
In North Waikato and other communities within the electorate, there are multitudes of farms and associated supporting businesses. Our farmers are undeniably hardworking, resilient, dedicated. They care for their stock, crops, and the land on which they live and work. At this time of year, local dairy farmers are busy with calving throughout the day and night. Growers are planting crops including brassicas, salad greens, and onions. Berries are being cultivated so they’re ready for the high demand season.
Working in the food and fibre sector, one develops the skill to pivot any time a challenge presents itself, adapting to variables including the weather, staffing issues, market demand, and in response to biosecurity threats. Overseas impacts of H5N1 bird flu and the potential risk it presents locally are taken seriously here. Waikato is home to small and large-scale poultry operations, reliant on the health and welfare of their flocks for their fiscal viability and the livelihoods of their employees. Prudence is paramount to protect our primary sector from biosecurity threats; our National-led Government is setting regulations in place to help Waikato poultry farmers manage H5N1 bird flu, and to ensure our supply of this favoured Kiwi foodstuff is secured. Poultry farmers with more than 100 birds will need to set planning in place outlining prevention and management of avian disease in their flock. The MPI On Farm Support team will assist small operators to develop and implement their plans and give guidance on being prepared and responding to this infection risk. Prevention measures, such as registers, disinfection, and cleaning, along with response measures, such as humane culling and disposal, will be essential to minimising further spread – no easy feat considering wild birds are also susceptible but don’t respond to guidelines and regulation. Whether you’re a townie or in the country this matters. Backing our poultry farmers with appropriate measures to manage this risk to their industry is essential to their businesses and to everyone who loves a crispy drumstick with their fries.
Our practical changes in the rural sector extends to modernising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme. Our plans to introduce changes from early 2027 will simplify and clarify the process, prioritising opportunities for Kiwi workers and maintaining protections for staff from overseas. The scheme is vital to the horticulture and viticulture industries, sectors which are reliant on the 17,000 workers from the Pacific who meet the peak season labour demands which aren’t met from our domestic workforce. Removing the unnecessary complications in the current system and improving the opportunity for RSE workers to move between RSE employers is essential to ensuring the scheme continues to be successful for our primary sector. Sensible changes bring the sector more certainty, adds safeguards for workers, and fosters the ongoing growth our primary industries need to succeed.
Tim van de Molen – MP for Waikato.
