Rural contractors will gather in Masterton in June for their conference – and once again it will be free for them to attend. RCNZ CEO Andrew Olsen says his Board has recently confirmed that the organisation will again provide free registration to members. The Wairarapa conference from 18-20 June will also again feature a revised programme similar to that introduced at last year’s very successful conference in Invercargill.

“We’re excited about the changed content and being able to again offer conference free to full members. The Board and I took a good look at the feedback from the Invercargill event and we’ve accommodated more offsite workshops and activities to balance sponsored and business components.

“We are looking forward to welcoming first-time conference attendees and welcoming back our conference faithful.  My message to members and industry is don’t miss this opportunity to join us, catch up with old mates, learn some stuff and make new connections.” The event will take place at Copthorne Solway Park Hotel, kicking off at lunchtime on  Tuesday June 18.

“Minister Todd McClay has been booked to open conference. Todd has attended our last two conferences and now he’s Agriculture & Trade Minister it will be great to have his insights.”

There’ll be field day workshops off-site that afternoon for both the agrichemical and cultivation streams of rural contracting as well as a Good Yarn mental health workshop before the opening night dinner. The format will be similar on Wednesday June 19 before the industry’s awards dinner. A final morning on Thursday June 20 will include speakers on health & safety, ACC, immigration and employment issues, before a lunchtime wrap-up.

You can find out all the details and how to register on our home page at www.ruralcontractors.org.nz   Free registration for up to four people is available to RCNZ members and life members.