Events
Rural Contractors News
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
Contractors must do their bit
Agricultural contractors around the country must play their part in helping to prevent the spread of the invasive weed velvetleaf, says Rural Contractors NZ (RCNZ) president Steve Levet. Mr Levet is reminding contractors about the importance of biosecurity and...
English on the money
Rural Contractors NZ (RCNZ) president Steve Levet says comments made by Deputy Prime Minister Bill English in relation to the suitability and work ethic of some young New Zealanders is, unfortunately, correct. Mr Levet was commenting on Mr English’s recent remarks to...
Rural contractors back current temporary worker immigration rules
Agricultural contractors around New Zealand support the Government’s current immigration rules on allowing temporary workers into the country. This comes following recent criticism by opposition political parties that these regulations are cutting New Zealanders out...
Not a good example
Rural Contractors NZ (RCNZ) is concerned about Fonterra’s moves to extend the time it takes to pay contractors as part of an efficiency drive. The organisation, which represents NZ’s agricultural contractors, concerns come in the wake of reports that Fonterra has...
What about us?
Rural Contractors New Zealand is questioning why the Government has made recent changes to immigration rules to help Queenstown employers recruit much needed staff, but continues to ignore similar requests from the rural contracting sector. RCNZ President,...
Contractors can help farmers out
Farmers facing financial stress and mounting pressure on-farm and exacerbated by the increasingly dry weather, should reach out for help as should agricultural contractors, advises Rural Contractors New Zealand. RCNZ President, Steve Levet says with the on-going dry...
Southern contractors struggling
The dreadfully wet season being experienced in the southern part of the country is leaving many rural contractors and farmers under huge pressure and stress, claims Rural Contractors NZ. RCNZ vice president and Southland-based contractor David Kean says there...
AGRICHEMICAL OPERATORS REMINDED ABOUT CERTIFICATION
Agrichemical operators reminded about certification Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) has endorsed the warnings made recently by Waikato Regional Council (WRC) that agrichemical contractors operating without certification are breaching regulations. Chief...
Rural Contractors question machinery and parts costs
Rural Contractors New Zealand is questioning the high cost of machinery and parts that contractors and farmers are currently paying. RCNZ President, Steve Levet says with the falling forecast milk price for the coming season dairy farmers are going to be careful when...
Rural contractors want action from new Government
Rural Contractors New Zealand has congratulated Prime Minister John Key and the National Party for its success in this year's general election. RCNZ President Steve Levet says a clear-cut result is good for both the country and our economy, but the rural contracting...