Groundswell NZ yet to hear from Jacinda Ardern

Sunday, 15 August 2021

Groundswell NZ has yet to hear from the Prime Minister in response to its national protests held in July.

The farming organisation gave Jacinda Ardern until Monday to respond, to what they say are unworkable regulations being proposed on the agriculture industry.

Co-founder Laurence Paterson said there had been no direct contact from the Prime Minister’s office since the nationwide Howl of a Protest was held in 50 towns on July 16, and that was disappointing.

**READ MORE:

* What's next for Groundswell NZ?

* The tractor wheels of rural democracy spin into town for Howl of a Protest

* PM won't comment on farmer protests as Groundswell NZ gridlocks Gore

**

Paterson was in Wellington on August 12 to present a petition, calling for a calling for a review of some regulations, to the Environment select committee.

The petition originally began to call for a review of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, which the group says applies a “one-size-fits-all” approach on sowing dates, winter grazing and best catchment practises.

While he was in Wellington he asked through Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds​ if there could have been an opportunity to see the PM.

“But she had a full diary, not surprising because she is the Prime Minister,” he said.

Groundswell NZ had given the Government a month to respond, but had already made plans for its next course of action, Paterson said.

“Yes, there is [plans], but we’re not saying anything about it until we get through the 16th of August because that wouldn’t be fair.”

However, based on past comments made from Environment Minister David Parker and Climate Change Minister James Shaw, the group was not “particularly” hopeful about Monday, Paterson said.

Greens Party co-leader and the Minister for Climate Change James Shaw had said “a group of pākehā farmers down south” were spreading misinformation about the National Policy Statement for National Biodiversity. He later clarified he was referring to Groundswell NZ, based in Southland.

Minister for Environment David Shaw had said no one was above the law and had encouraged the group in taking part in ongoing constructive conversations.

“So, no we’re not waiting with bated breathe put it that way, but we’ll just see what happens,” Paterson said.

Groundswell NZ expectes to make an announcement on its next course of action about 5pm on Monday.

Its first major event was to organise the Howl of a Protest which resulted in thousands of farmers nationwide driving tractors through towns in a show of support.

The group says it is not against climate change but is protesting against regulations, including compulsory sowing dates, winter grazing rules and the 'ute tax'.