Ute tell 'em: Hastings feebate protest organiser expects hundreds to turn out for 'bark-up'

Chris Miles is one of hundreds expected to take part in next week's Groundswell 'Howl of a Protest' with his Mitsubishi Triton. Photo / Warren Buckland

Utes, tractors and trucks are expected to make a lap around the Hastings' CBD next week in protest of the Government's feebates scheme, which will levy high-emissions vehicles to subsidise low-emissions vehicles.

The "Howl of a Protest" events are expected to take place all around the country next Friday and have been organised by Groundswell New Zealand, a farmer protest group.

The Clean Car Discount, or "feebate" scheme, was introduced earlier this month and aims to lift the use of electric cars in New Zealand to help in the fight against climate change.

It does this by charging fees on imported petrol cars to subsidise discounts of up to $8625 for people buying EVs, hybrids and other low-pollution cars.

But the move hasn't had unanimous support, with rural organisations and the Opposition labelling it a tax on "farmers and tradies".

Hastings event organiser, Chris Miles, said he was "sick of signing petitions and talking at dinner parties about all the things we're annoyed about".

A friend of one of Groundswell's original Southland farmers, he was asked if he'd help co-ordinate the Hastings protest.

Havelock North's Chris Miles was fed up with moaning and signing petitions, instead offering to help organise the Hastings feebate protest. Photo / Warren Buckland

"I thought here's a chance to do something positive and get out there and make our feelings felt."

He said the movement had come about at an "opportune time" and had gained additional support from those outside the primary sector who were angry about the "ute tax".

"There are lot of people for whom a ute is an essential part of their business," Miles said.

"I honestly don't think the government has thought this through."

Groundswell was calling for this to be withdrawn as they consider there is no alternative electric vehicle and they are essential to farmers and tradies, who are "economic heavy lifters".

Miles said currently available EV-utes weren't practical or well-suited, especially to on-farm activities.

It's not just utes the group is taking aim at either, he said.

"Groundswell is laser focused on standing up for farmers, food producers, contractors, tradies and councils against unworkable rules being thrust on them by central Government."

Protesters are encouraged to bring their dogs along to the event for a 'bark up'. Photo / Warren Buckland

Among recent and proposed legislative changes, the protest is also targeting freshwater and biodiversity legislation, large scale afforestation of hill-country farmland as part of climate change mitigation efforts, and the Crown Pastoral Land Reform bill.

There were also calls for the government to prioritise MIQ spaces for horticulture and dairy industry workers to address labour shortages in those industries.

Miles anticipated there would be several hundred people at the protest next Friday.

Protesters are expected to park behind his own Mitsubishi Triton flat deck ute, which will have a flashing light on top, near Railway Rd about 12pm on Friday, July 16.

The group will ride along the outskirts of Hastings and Havelock North, finishing at the Showgrounds Hawke's Bay Tomoana in Hastings where there will be speeches.

Participants were also encouraged to bring their dogs along with plans for a "bark-up".