News & Events
Rural Contractors News
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Rural Contractors NZ is the voice for the $1.5b rural contracting industry accounting for 0.8% of GDP and 0.9% of national employment. Source: Infometrics 2018 report available here
RCNZ media releases and comments below – or contact our Communications advisor Brendon Burns (0274 305501)
Media Comments
Increased local contracting jobs still need imported top-up
Rural contractors attending two expos last week to promote their sector have been blown away by the turnout and begun recruiting locally to fill vacancies. However, Rural Contractors NZ says it will still need to bring in some skilled machinery operators from overseas...
Rural contractors get in behind training initiatives
Rural contractors in the deep south are lending machinery and support to three training initiatives designed to attract and interest those who’ve lost jobs so they can move into available work in the farming and contracting sector. Southern Institute of Technology SIT...
What Does COVID-19 Lockdown Mean for Rural Contractors?
RCNZ CEO spoke to broadcaster Sarah Perriam on what the COVID-19 lockdown was meaning for rural contractors. Listen to the podcast here. Or watch the video below
Rural contractors ‘essential’ work continues
Rural Contractors NZ has postponed its annual June conference and cancelled 7 Agrichemical workshops planned for May but welcomes confirmation that agricultural contracting is regarded as an essential service through the COVID-19 shutdown. RCNZ president David Kean...
Rural Contractors CEO on Sarah’s Country
Roger on Sarah's Country
5 Minutes – Farmlander March 2020
David Kean, President, Rural Contractors NZ Rural contractors are a vital aspect of the primary sector – a $1.5b industry. How does your organisation fit into the picture? Rural Contractors NZ is the national body and we have more than 500 members spread from...
Having a good yarn essential
Southland Times October 2019 It used to be that a day’s haymaking was followed by a beer or two, sometimes at the local pub. But the gradual loss of country pubs is part of increasing isolation for farmers is being seen – and now addressed – by rural contractors....
Contractors managing the catchup in Southland
Farmers Weekly 5 December 2019 After ‘atrocious’ spring weather in Southland, rural contractors in Southland are seeing some improvements and catching up on delayed work. Rural Contractors NZ president David Kean who is based near Winton says October and much of...
Maintaining equipment a key to better health and safety
Southland Times A recent court case in Southland provides a stark reminder of how important it is for rural contractors and farmers to ensure machinery is properly maintained and serviced as part of our commitment to improving health and safety on farms. A lack of...
RCNZ conference benefits St John and Nelson Marlborough rescue helicopter
Lifting cushions for Nelson ambulances and immersion suits for rescue helicopter staff are among the benefits to emerge from donations made by rural contractors from around the country. At their annual conference in Nelson in June, Rural Contractors NZ held a...
Handling chemicals – Southern Rural Life column October 2019
David Kean, President, RCNZ It might seem a bit odd for the head of an organisation that makes much of its living spraying chemicals to say this but I have long stated: all chemicals are dangerous if not handled appropriately. In that vein, our Rural Contractors NZ...
RCNZ report to Federated Farmers National Council 2019
A recent report commissioned by RCNZ from the Infometrics economic consultancy found that rural contracting is now a $1.5b industry, accounting for nearly 1 percent of New Zealand’s employment. Our sector has enjoyed sustained growth – 5.8% per annum since 2010 - with...
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