Federated Farmers backs Parliamentary Commissioner on the High Country

Federated Farmers has welcomed the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report, Change in the high country: Environmental stewardship and tenure review.

“Federated Farmers is more than pleased that farmers are being seen as part of the solution,” said Donald Aubrey, Federated Farmers High Country chairman.

“While the Federation is still examining the report in full, especially the report attachments, I’m happy the Commissioner has recognised modern High Country farming is based on sustainable land management.

“Since the 1950s, the number of sheep being farmed in the High Country has imploded as farmers moved to less intensive systems. High Country farmers have taken a big lead on the control of noxious pests and weeds benefiting the wider environment.

“It’s great the Commissioner recommends removing a preference in legislation for land to revert to the Crown. She also nailed the fact that the stated intention of creating 22 High Country parks reeked of an agenda.

“The simple fact is that the Government doesn’t have to own the High Country to control it. She correctly deduces there is a third way, which is positive for the environment, positive for farmers and positive for all New Zealanders.

“That’s why we are keen to take a leadership role if the proposed High Country Commission comes to fruition.

“My members would be honoured to take a lead on the proposed Commission in partnership with other bodies. Federated Farmers wishes to be inclusive with other farmers, with Iwi, with walkers, with the Department of Conservation and with the Crown.

“We feel that if parties bring goodwill and leave ideology at the door, then a revised tenure review can be concluded to the satisfaction of all and the environment,” Mr Aubrey concluded.