27th October 2020
GSI Insurance Partners become gold sponsors of the Next Generation Farmers Trust for 2020.
The Waimakariri Next Generation Farmers (NGF) Trust is a collective of farmers working to unite the rural community in their goal of protecting the environment for future generations. Established in late 2018, the NGF’s key objective is to collaborate with industry and local authorities to advocate for practical, farmer-driven solutions, while supporting farmers to apply new regulations.With 170 members (and growing) in the Waimakariri farming, agri-business and primary sectors, the Trust has also established itself as a reputable body and is now recognised throughout the sector as an important voice in the development of environmental policy.
GSI Insurance Partners saw partnering with NGF Trust as an important step in supporting the Waimakariri rural community. As insurance brokers specialising in rural cover, GSI know all too well the day-to-day challenges faced by rural professionals, and this was a way of showing support and helping to mitigate future hurdles that may arise. We are proud to be associated with such a forward-thinking and proactive committee.
Key achievements of the NGF Trust over the last 12 months include:
Being invited to present alongside the country’s leading freshwater scientists, academics, activists, lawyers and researchers at the 2020 National Fresh Water Conference in Wellington. This opportunity is in recognition of NGF’s collaborative, industry-wide approach to improving water quality
Lodging submissions with Environment Canterbury (ECan) on its proposed Plan Change 7 to the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan
Appointing renowned natural resources lawyer Mark Christensen and environmental planning expert Sue Rushton to provide support with NGF’s Plan Change 7 submission, and subsequent hearing process in 2020
Assisting many Waimakariri farmers (via NGF’s lawyer Grant Edmonson) to make individual submissions on Plan Change 7. This bolstered the region’s response and contributed to ECan receiving a record number of submissions
Forming an industry working group to discuss issues related to Plan Change 7 and ensure objectives are aligned – with all key industry players engaged
Running sessions with Waimakariri farmers and rural business owners to support them in writing their own submissions on Plan Change 7
Holding farmer information meetings with industry organisations – for example Waimakariri Irrigation Limited, Ravensdown, Ballance, Fonterra, Dairy NZ, Horticulture NZ, Dairy Holdings and Ngai Tahu Farming.
Read more about the NGF Trust here: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the...
With many future plans in the works, the Trust shows no signs of slowing down. If you would like to know more about the NGF Trust and how you can get involved, please contact
Sam Spencer-Bower - samsb@xtra.co.nz