New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Association chief executive Nikki Johnson hopes the Government will spend more on biosecurity to protect the industry from any threats. Photo / Jamie Troughton, Dscribe Media Services
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Association chief executive Nikki Johnson hopes the Government will spend more on biosecurity to protect the industry from any threats. Photo / Jamie Troughton, Dscribe Media Services
Bay dairy farmers are not expecting any support from the Government when it announces its Budget tomorrow, while those involved in the kiwifruit industry want more spent on biosecurity.
Some dairy farmers told the Bay of Plenty Times the Budget was the least of their worries and it was not on their radar.
Te Puke dairy farmer Richard Weld said he had come to the conclusion "it's not going to help us".
Due to the falling dairy pay-out, tax paid by farmers would be down and he hoped the Government would exercise caution in its spending.
"There won't be as much income tax from dairy farmers, it will be down ... so I'd hope there would be cuts in their Budget but honestly I don't know what will be in it."
Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty dairy chairman Steve Bailey agreed but said low interest rates had been "a salvation to a lot in the rural sector".
However, farmers were also aware of housing issues as "it's becoming very real", and while there was a focus on tourism beggars were living in the streets, he said.
Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty dairy chairman Steve Bailey. Photo / Andrew Warner
"I had some friends over from Holland and they were appalled to see the number of homeless people living on the streets in New Zealand, and that is not a good look."
New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc chief executive Nikki Johnson said continued investment in biosecurity at the border was important to manage risks, and an increase in expenditure on research and development for biosecurity was necessary.
"We need to be able to access new innovations to detect and manage biosecurity threats. Investment in new technologies will reduce the impact of biosecurity risks on the contribution the kiwifruit does and will increasingly make to New Zealand."
Continued long-term support of innovation efforts was critical and there were many challenges faced by growers that government support could address, she said.
"A particularly relevant issue right now is government support in helping the industry ensure that school leavers enter the horticultural workforce, providing the future managers and leaders for our industry."
Bay kiwifruit grower Neil Treblico said he would like to see consistent fiscal policies from the Government.
He hoped that interest rates remained consistent.
The industry was in a good position and but one of the keys to success was investing in research and development, he said.
Welcome Bay kiwifruit grower Mike Smith said the biggest challenge involved policy - not the Budget - getting more people working in the industry.
"We need people to grow the crop and harvest the crop, and we need seasonal labour over a short period of time," he said.
Street View: What would you like to see come out of this year's Budget?
"More money spent on police and hospitals. Services where your life may depend on it." Rockie Branch, 40s, Tauranga Central.
"More medical assistance for the elderly. Especially for major operations like hip replacements." Johan Hamer, 57, Taupo.
"More money for operations and funding for hospitals. I'm getting older and it's important to look after your health." Shirley Fellow, 73, Ohauiti.
"I'd like to see a rise in the pension as it's getting harder to survive. We've worked hard all our lives and that would be very nice." Mike Faulkner, 71, Gate Pa.
"Social housing, there needs to be more funding put into that. I know of quite a few people that are having trouble finding a place to live." Brian Redman, 53, Gate Pa.
