Politicians make promises at Fieldays, but what do farmers actually want
Politicians Make Promises at Fieldays, But What Do Farmers Actually Want?
The annual pilgrimage to Mystery Creek for Fieldays is more than just a showcase of the latest tractor technology or a competition for the best gumboots; it is the political barometer of New Zealand’s primary sector. As thousands of farmers descend upon the Waikato, they are met with a sea of suits, high-vis vests, and a barrage of political promises. From promises to "cut red tape" to pledges of "increased innovation funding," the air at Fieldays is often thick with rhetoric. However, beneath the polished speeches and the staged photo ops with livestock, there is a growing disconnect. While politicians focus on the three-year election cycle, farmers are looking at generations. This article delves deep into the heart of the rural-urban divide, exploring what the corridors of power are promising and contrasting it with the gritty, day-to-day reality of what New Zealand’s food producers actually need to survive and thrive.
The Fieldays Phenomenon: A Platform for Political Posturing
Fieldays has historically served as the ultimate testing ground for any politician wishing to court the rural vote. It is a place where policies are road-tested and where the "common man" persona is carefully curated. In recent years, we have seen a recurring theme: the promise of deregulation. Every major party acknowledges that the "regulatory burden" on farmers has reached a breaking point. They promise to streamline the Resource Management Act (RMA), simplify freshwater regulations, and reconsider the implementation of emissions pricing.
Yet, for the average dairy, sheep, or beef farmer, these promises often feel like "deja vu." The skepticism in the sheds is palpable. Politicians speak in broad strokes about "supporting the backbone of the economy," but farmers deal in specifics—the cost of a bag of fertilizer, the interest rate on their seasonal finance, and the hours spent behind a computer screen filling out compliance forms instead of being out in the paddock. The disconnect lies in the difference between political visibility and practical viability.
What Farmers Actually Want: Stability Over Soundbites
If you move away from the main stages and talk to the farmers near the cattle pens, the message is consistent: they want stability. The agricultural sector is inherently volatile, subject to the whims of global commodity prices, fluctuating exchange rates, and the unpredictability of the weather. When you add a layer of rapidly shifting government policy to this mix, it creates a climate of uncertainty that stifles investment.
Farmers aren't necessarily looking for handouts; they are looking for a clear, long-term roadmap. They want to know that the investments they make today in environmental mitigation or new infrastructure won't be rendered obsolete by a change in government or a sudden pivot in environmental standards three years down the line. True support, in the eyes of a farmer, looks like bipartisan agreement on the "big issues"—climate change, water quality, and biosecurity—so that the rules of the game don't change every time the Treasury benches are swapped.
| Focus Area | What Politicians Promise | What Farmers Actually Want |
|---|---|---|
| Regulations | Repealing and replacing the RMA; cutting "red tape." | Practical, outcome-based rules that are easy to implement on-farm. |
| Climate Change | World-leading emissions pricing and carbon sequestration. | Fair recognition for on-farm sequestration and realistic timelines. |
| Infrastructure | Broadband rollouts and major highway "roads of significance." | Maintenance of local rural roads and reliable mobile connectivity. |
| Mental Health | High-level funding for mental health initiatives. | Grassroots support and reducing the stress caused by policy churn. |
| Labor | Visas for skilled migrants and training schemes. | A reliable, long-term workforce and simplified visa processes. |
The Regulatory Burden: More Than Just Paperwork
One of the loudest complaints at Fieldays centers on the "compliance tsunami." While politicians promise to "slash the tape," the reality is that New Zealand's reputation as a producer of premium, sustainable food relies on a certain level of regulation. However, the current system is often criticized for being prescriptive rather than descriptive. Instead of being told what outcome to achieve (e.g., cleaner water), farmers are often told exactly how to farm, which ignores the unique topography and micro-climates of individual properties.
What farmers want is a return to trust. They want regulators to recognize their roles as stewards of the land. Most farmers are multi-generational landowners who have a vested interest in the health of their soil and water. They want regulations that are based on robust science, not political ideology, and they want those regulations to be applied with common sense. The "one-size-fits-all" approach coming out of Wellington often fails when it hits the reality of a muddy farm track in Southland or a dry hillside in Northland.
The Cost of Compliance
It’s not just the time spent on paperwork; it’s the financial cost. Hiring consultants to navigate complex resource consent processes or to develop Farm Environment Plans (FEPs) adds thousands of dollars to the bottom line. In a year where farm-gate milk prices or meat returns are low, these costs can be the difference between a profit and a loss. Farmers want a streamlined system where they can demonstrate their environmental credentials without needing a law degree or a massive consulting budget.
Climate Change and the Emissions Dilemma
Agriculture is at the forefront of the climate change debate in New Zealand. As the primary source of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, the sector is under immense pressure to reduce its footprint. Politicians at Fieldays often talk about New Zealand being a "world leader" in this space. While farmers take pride in being the most emissions-efficient producers of animal protein in the world, they fear being led over a financial cliff.
What do farmers want regarding climate policy? Firstly, they want a "level playing field." They are wary of emissions pricing that drives production offshore to countries with higher footprints—a phenomenon known as carbon leakage. Secondly, they want full recognition for the carbon being sequestered on their farms. Many farms have significant areas of native bush, shelterbelts, and soil carbon that are currently excluded from official calculations. To a farmer, it feels inherently unfair to be taxed for their outputs while their inputs (sequestration) are ignored.
Innovation vs. Taxation
The preference among the rural community is for "innovation over taxation." Instead of a blunt carbon tax, they want the government to partner with the industry to fast-track technologies like methane inhibitors, low-emission feeds, and genetic breakthroughs. They want Fieldays to be a place where they see the solutions to climate change, not just the penalties for it.
The Forgotten Crisis: Rural Infrastructure and Services
While the flashy displays of electric utes and high-tech drones grab the headlines, the state of rural infrastructure is a constant source of frustration. For many farmers, "digital transformation" is a pipe dream when they can't even get a stable cell signal in their back paddock to check a weather report or place an order. The urban-rural digital divide is widening, and it has real-world consequences for safety and efficiency.
Beyond digital, the physical infrastructure is crumbling. Following major weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle, the vulnerability of rural roading networks was laid bare. Farmers don't just need "grand projects"; they need the culverts cleared, the potholes filled, and the bridges reinforced so they can get their product to market. Furthermore, the erosion of rural services—healthcare, banking, and education—is a major concern. What farmers want is the assurance that their families have access to the same level of basic services as those living in the cities. A politician promising a new highway in Auckland means very little to a farmer whose local GP clinic has just closed down.
Rural Mental Health: Moving Beyond Awareness
In recent years, the conversation around mental health in the farming community has gained significant traction. Politicians are quick to mention funding for rural support trusts and awareness campaigns. However, farmers are quick to point out that the primary driver of rural stress isn't a lack of "awareness"—it's the cumulative weight of financial pressure, regulatory uncertainty, and social isolation.
What farmers want is a reduction in the causes of stress. They want a government that understands that every new regulation or tax isn't just a line item; it's an added layer of anxiety for a business owner who is often working 80 hours a week alone. They want a narrative that values their contribution to the country, rather than one that treats them as environmental villains. Genuine support for rural mental health involves creating an economic and social environment where farming is seen as a viable, respected, and sustainable career path for the next generation.
Conclusion: From Promises to Partnership
Fieldays will always be a highlight of the New Zealand calendar, a vibrant celebration of our primary industries. But as the tents are packed away and the politicians return to the "Beehive" in Wellington, the real work begins. The message from the farm gate is clear: promises are no longer enough. Farmers are tired of being a political football, kicked between parties every election cycle.
What the rural community is calling for is a genuine partnership—a relationship based on mutual respect, practical solutions, and long-term vision. They want a government that listens as much as it speaks, and one that understands that the success of the New Zealand economy is inextricably linked to the success of its farmers. If politicians want to truly win the hearts and minds of the primary sector, they need to look past the muddy boots of Fieldays and start addressing the deep-seated challenges that persist long after the crowds have gone home. Only then will the promises made at Mystery Creek translate into a prosperous future for all New Zealanders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is Fieldays so important for New Zealand politicians?
A: Fieldays is the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere. It provides politicians with a concentrated audience of the primary sector, which is the backbone of the NZ economy. It's an essential venue for announcing rural policies and gauging the mood of the agricultural community.
Q2: What are the main complaints farmers have about current regulations?
A: The primary complaints revolve around the sheer volume of compliance, the complexity of the Resource Management Act (RMA), and freshwater regulations that many feel are impractical for diverse farming environments. They often describe this as "death by a thousand cuts."
Q3: What does "carbon leakage" mean in a farming context?
A: Carbon leakage occurs when strict environmental regulations or taxes in one country (like NZ) drive production to move to other countries with less stringent rules. This results in the same (or more) global emissions while damaging the local economy.
Q4: Is rural mental health improving with government funding?
A: While funding has increased awareness and provided some support services, many farmers feel the underlying causes—such as regulatory stress and financial pressure—remain unaddressed, meaning the mental health crisis in rural areas continues to be a major concern.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the current trends and discussions within the New Zealand agricultural and political landscape as of the 2024 Fieldays event. For specific policy updates, please refer to official government and industry body communications.
Politicians make promises at Fieldays, but what do farmers actually want?
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