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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

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...

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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....

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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...

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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...

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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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A win/win with Ireland

By David Kean, RCNZ President As rural contractors we are often reliant on imported skilled operators for the machinery we run, so it was great to hear recently that RCNZ has gained approval to bring in 149 operators for the 2019/0 season. Our CEO Roger Parton spends...

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No luck for Irish contractors

Ireland – often the source of skilled farm machinery operators for rural contractors in New Zealand – is facing even worse shortages. FCI Ireland which represents farm and forestry contractors, has recently written to the Irish Government saying some of its members...

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Part of the family approach brings benefits

Richard Woodhead is a Wanaka-based board member of Rural Contractors NZ. Recently three of our overseas machinery operators, two Irish, one English lad, headed home. They are all talking of returning to spend another season with us. We normally do have repeats and...

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