Southland Water and Land Plan

Submissions

We believe that farmers standing up and speaking on proposed changes is the most powerful way to impact change, so we have developed workshops and tools that give you the skills and confidence to speak up for your sector.

Since this is your opportunity to influence the rules and regulations you will farm under, it’s critical that you take the time to write a submission to say what you like and don't like about the plan and suggest better alternatives.

B+LNZ's submission

As well as encouraging farmers to speak up directly, we also lodged a comprehensive submission on behalf of our levy-paying farmers.

Based on farmer feedback and using our in-house environmental policy expertise, this 39-page document details aspects of the proposed plan that impact on sheep and beef farmers and suggests amended wording to improve the plan’s workability.

Why should you make a submission?

Making a submission is your opportunity to influence the rules and regulations. It’s critical that you say what you like about the plan and what you don’t like – and suggest alternatives that will work better for you.

Submission workshops

During the submission period, B+LNZ ran several two-hour workshops across Southland, attracting more than 300 farmers.

These workshops kicked off with an overview of the key policy issues, before participants were asked what they "like, wish and wonder" about the proposed policy. There were tips on how to communicate in language that would resonate with policy makers – increasing the likelihood of farmers affecting change.

The second half of the workshop involved farmers drafting submissions, with our environment team on hand to help.

What's next?

It’s important when making a submission that you tick the box to say you wish to present at the hearing. Even if you change your mind later, ticking the box means you still have that option open to you. If you don’t tick the box, then you can’t speak at the hearing.

While the hearing is several months away, take 10 minutes now to think about evidence you may want on hand at the public hearing. This could be on-farm photos you may want to take or documents you need copies of.

Jump ahead to the 'preparing for hearing' section on the timeline above to understand more about what you can do to prepare.