Groundswell NZ is holding a public meeting in Timaru, expanding its Stop the Farming Tax campaign and fight against unworkable regulations out into the regions, says Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie and environmental spokesperson Jamie McFadden.

Following submissions on the Far North and combined West Coast district plans, Groundswell NZ are organizing a public forum in Timaru with a focus on district plan issues, as well as the Government’s agricultural emissions pricing proposal.

The forum will be held at the Phar Lap Raceway, 330 Hilton Drive, Washdyke on 1 December. Starting at 7pm for the Timaru District Plan discussion and 8pm for the session on agricultural emissions pricing.

“One of Groundswell NZ’s principles is that people should receive full and accurate information about policies or regulations that directly affect them,” says Mr McKenzie.

Groundswell NZ environmental spokesperson Jamie McFadden will provide attendees with a no holds barred explanation of the implications of contentious district plan zonings such as Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) and the new Sites and Areas of Significance to Maori (SASMs).

“Thousands of property owners are impacted by complex regulatory zonings, without being aware of the implications. How regulatory zonings impact property owners and the actions property owners can take will be the focus of the first half of the forum,” says Mr McFadden.

In the second half of the forum, Jamie will cover agricultural emissions pricing, providing information that is independent of the Government and farming industry groups.

“Farmers and the public have not been provided accurate information over many aspects of emissions pricing and our forum will address this,” says Mr McFadden.

“The aim of the forum is to provide people with good information, tips on how to participate in planning and submission processes, and actions people can take to support Groundswell NZ’s ongoing campaign against unworkable regulations,” says Mr McKenzie.

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