Podcasts about groundswell nz

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Fiona and Thomas Langford about winning the Share Farmers of the Year Award at the NZ Dairy Industry Awards over the weekend, their corporate backgrounds and their initiatives to drive positive staff culture... He talks with Matt Gibson, GM of venison at First Light Farms, about the venison market, tariffs and the GE debate... And he talks with Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie about a new initiative in its campaign to see NZ exit the Paris Accord, the continuing conversion of farmland into forestry and a new survey which reveals farmers some farmers are rejecting NZ's current ruminant methane strategy. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie about a new initiative in its campaign to see NZ exit the Paris Accord, the continuing conversion of farmland into forestry and a new survey which reveals farmers some farmers are rejecting NZ's current ruminant methane strategy. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Jay Changlani from one of the country’s largest independent accounting firms, Orb360, about how can NZ can go about securing an elusive FTA with India, whether it's likely in the current parliamentary term and how Australia managed to get its FTA across the line... He talks with award-winning Waikato dairy farmer Ben Purua, who's just been named a finalist for the 2025 Young New Zealander of the Year... He talks with Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie about the government's plan for a Farming Tax by 2030 and why he thinks it's fundamentally flawed... And he talks with Meatstock Festival Director Jay Beaumont about the February event at Mystery Creek. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

Dom talks with Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie about why he's unhappy with the National government

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with Marie Fitzpatrick, Rural Women NZ CEO, about a proposal to cut post services, why it could disproportionately impact rural NZ and the efforts being made to curtail the proposed cuts... He talks with Mick Withers, organiser of the NZ Young Auctioneers Competition, about the format for this year's event (Tues, Nov 5), the difference between Kiwi and Aussie auctioneers and the skills needed to succeed... He talks with Andy Wards from Wilson Hellaby about his life in livestock, planned upgrades to the Auckland plant and his Kellogg Rural Leadership study in 2021... And he catches up with Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie about new legislation regarding amendments to the RMA, the boycott of Southland Fish & Game and its campaign to protect property rights in Gore. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

On today's podcast, Dom talks with the 2024 FMG Young Farmer of the Year George Dodson about winning the title while not 100% fit, the road to the final and what he plans to do next... He talks with Bryce McKenzie from Groundswell NZ about Team Ag meeting with Opposition MPs and its issue with Rabobank... He talks with 2024 Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year Anna Kelland about her recent win and her role in the viticulture world... And he talks with West Coaster Nick Secker about securing one of two roles as a brand ambassador for the award-winning Reefton Distilling Co. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryce McKenzie is co-founder of Groundswell NZ - he discusses the coalition government's first 100 days in office, the European farmer protests and national Lamb Day. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's podcast, Dom talks to Queenstown farmer Jack Cocks about his life-threatening brain injury and his research into farmer resilience, and he talks with Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie about the coalition government's first 100 days in office. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're joined in the studio by a UK Nuffield Scholar who's in New Zealand on her study tour looking at rural storytelling. She grew up on a small beef farm on the West Coast of Scotland and has worked for the BBC and Scottish Farmer for over a decade. Today on-air she talks about meeting with Groundswell NZ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Southland Times editor Che Baker joins Kathryn to talk about the latest in the Gore District Council saga, which has seen the resignation of long-serving CEO Stephen Parry. Parry says he leaves with no regrets and mayor Ben Bell - with whom he had a high-profile spat - has "wished him well". Southland's Charity Hospital has reached a milestone and the latest Groundswell NZ protest tour leaves Invercargill on Friday bound for Auckland.

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Jaime McFadden is a farmer in North Canterbury who has become well known for speaking about policies and regulations that affect farming and he is the Environmental Policy Spokesperson for Groundswell.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a healthy exchange of information, Bryce McKenzie, the Co-Founder of Groundswell NZ debriefs Dom on his recent meeting with the PM and some Ministers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lately, a subset of farmers have been refusing to fill in the Agricultural Census, despite it being a legal requirement.  Groundswell is a driving force behind these farmers, as they're united in wanting to protest the Government's emissions tax. Co-founder of Groundswell, Bryce McKenzie, says that he's noticed this protest is having some effect on the Government, as they've extended the Census collection deadline. "We're not saying we don't want to do this, because there's a lot of good that can come from doing a Census as well. But what we're saying is- let's change the metric so that we're actually getting fair value for what we're doing." LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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We caught up with Bryce McKenzie to debrief on Groundswell NZ's tractor protests this week and get his reaction to the Minister of Agriculture comments calling them "embarrassing."   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several West Coast mayors are backing the protests against the proposed farm-level emissions pricing scheme. Tractor convoys, organised by Groundswell NZ, rolled into cities and town centres across the country yesterday, although the turnout wasn't as good as they might have hoped. The farming lobby group wants out of all taxes on their greenhouse gas emissions - including the just drafted He Waka Eke Noa partnership. Westland District Mayor Helen Lash says the plan is unworkable and will lead to higher food prices. She spoke to Corin Dann.

Farmers will be out in force on city streets again - this time to protest the Government's proposed emissions pricing plan. Groundswell NZ is holding a nationwide protest at midday - Groundswell co-founder Bryce McKenzie joins me now to tell us more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Groundswell NZ Co-Founders Bryce McKenzie & Laurie Paterson met Dom in Dunedin during Thursday's tractor protests for an on-the-ground interview as the protest happened.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jamie Mackay referees a debate between the Groundswell NZ co-founder and the Minister of Agriculture. McKenzie questions whether O'Connor stands up for Kiwi farmers after the Government's farm emissions pricing scheme. He also talks about Groundswell NZ's planned protest against the scheme and warns that "this is just the beginning".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Groundswell NZ Co-Founder Bryce McKenzie joins Dom after the fallout from the Governments announcement surrounding Farmers paying for emissions by 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Groundswell kicked off their "Say No" noncompliance campaign with a protest across Auckland's Harbour Bridge today, to find out more Dom George caught up with Bryce McKenzie to find out what the campaigns all about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Groundswell's co-founder comments on Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor's response to the thousands of emails Groundswell NZ supporters sent him through the Enough is Enough website. But he's still waiting by the phone to hear back from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the show today;  we catch up with the Rock's legendary Breakfast Host Roger Farrelly ahead of his sheep shearing attempt…  We see what's making headlines in British farming with our UK correspondent Steve Collins…  And we look at the proposals on the table for farmers to consider put forward by the farming conglomerate, He Waka Eka Noa - first with Beef & lamb Chair Andrew Morrison, then with Groundswell NZ spokesman Steve Cranston.  Also, our usual features, including the View From the Top Paddock with Nathan Guy.  You can also listen to Rural Exchange right here on Magic Talk Saturdays & Sundays 6 - 8am. Find out more at Magic.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CHRIS BAILLIE to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety: Will the Government further progress Fair Pay Agreements; if so, why, given it was not the preferred option of his own officials? NICOLA WILLIS to the Minister of Housing: Does she stand by the then Minister of Housing's statement in December 2017 that “home ownership will become more affordable for New Zealand families”, and why hasn't the Government delivered on this commitment? IBRAHIM OMER to the Minister of Education: What new action is the Government taking to support schools to provide learning environments for their students that are “warm, dry and fit for purpose'? Hon SIMON BRIDGES to the Minister of Finance: Does he stand by all of his statements and actions on inflation? SHANAN HALBERT to the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations: What progress has been made on historical Treaty of Waitangi settlements in 2021? TEANAU TUIONO to the Associate Minister of Housing (Public Housing): Does she stand by her statement that the Government is “monitoring what happens with rent rises and will take action if necessary”; if so, does she think action is necessary now? HELEN WHITE to the Minister for Economic and Regional Development: What decision has the Government recently made about New Zealand securing the Sail Grand Prix competition? CHRIS BISHOP to the Minister for COVID-19 Response: What regions were listed in the preliminary view submitted to the Director-General of Health as being able to enter the COVID-19 Protection Framework at green, and was this preliminary view ever shared with his office? NAISI CHEN to the Minister of Transport: What reports has he seen on coastal shipping? HARETE HIPANGO to the Associate Minister of Health (Māori Health): Has he asked the Director-General of Health to release all the data as requested by the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency yet; if not, why not? SARAH PALLETT to the Associate Minister of Health: How will the Smokefree 2025 Action Plan help achieve the goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa New Zealand? MARK CAMERON to the Prime Minister: Does she stand by her statement that “This government will foster a more open and democratic society. It will strengthen transparency around official information”; if so, is she confident that the Government has fulfilled this commitment in relation to releasing information about Groundswell NZ?

The PM denies she's only met with farmer groups three times in 2021 but says protest group Groundswell is not on her "to do" list. She also denies that she's a "media control freak" and confirms NZ would never impose an Austrian-like national vaccine mandate.

One of New Zealand's leading farming academics ponders the benefits of COP26 and reviews the Mother of all Protests.

Angry farmers took to the streets on Sunday in their utes and tractors, blocking traffic to protest regulations they say are unworkable. In Auckland, some vehicles displayed New Zealand flags and signs bearing slogans such as "No No No to the Three Waters reform" and "F F S - for farmers' sakes". Groundswell NZ leader Laurie Paterson says the protests are not about the left or the right of the political spectrum - but about middle New Zealanders who are working hard to feed the country.

Angry farmers took to the streets on Sunday in their utes and tractors, blocking traffic to protest regulations they say are unworkable. In Auckland, some vehicles displayed New Zealand flags and signs bearing slogans such as "No No No to the Three Waters reform" and "F F S - for farmers' sakes". Groundswell NZ leader Laurie Paterson says the protests are not about the left or the right of the political spectrum - but about middle New Zealanders who are working hard to feed the country.

We catch up with the co-founders of Groundswell NZ for a recap of yesterday's "Mother of all Protests".

We speak to Groundswell NZ's co-founder to find out how the "Mother of all Protests" is shaping up.

Groundswell NZ, the farmer-led group behind July's "Howl of a Protest", is planning another event on November 21 - "The Mother of all Protests". In an interview with The Country's Jamie Mackay, the Minister of Agriculture Damien O'Connor was asked if he would consider meeting with Groundswell NZ. Yesterday on The Country, Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie denied the group was anti-vax, or that it had ties to Bishop Brian Tamaki. This came after one of the group's coordinators was photographed meeting with leaders of Destiny Church. "He contacted us some time ago before the coalition of freedoms and rights people started having these get-togethers," McKenzie told Mackay. "He said that he was meeting with the Tamakis and we said that wasn't a good idea and that if he was doing that he certainly wasn't to be using the Groundswell name because we didn't want them involved." Listen to Jamie Mackay interview Bryce McKenzie on The Country below: McKenzie said it was something the coordinator was "doing personally" and Groundswell NZ didn't want to be "guilty by association". "Whatever individuals get involved in we have no right to stop them. We asked them not to do it. If they do it as an individual - what can we do?" Mackay told O'Connor that McKenzie and his co-founder Laurie Paterson were not anti-vax, although he was concerned "The Mother of all Protests" could be "hijacked by extremists". O'Connor said he thought Groundswell had done good work but risked being "dragged down by the people who may not represent the majority". Jamie MacKay joined Heather du Plessis-Allan and told her that now is not the right time to be protesting.He says you've got to pick your battles. LISTEN ABOVE

Groundswell NZ is appalled with the Government's decision to mandate the appropriation of Councils 3 waters assets into the 4 new mega 3 Waters administrations for peppercorn compensation. They say this is just one more example of the tsunami of unworkable regulations being forced on New Zealanders, and is blatant theft of the assets of Council Ratepayers. But is the “Mother of all Protests” a tone-deaf exercise considering the plight of many urbanites? LISTEN ABOVE  

Catch up with Rural Today for Tuesday 17th August - with Dominic George. On the show today: Bryce McKenzie from Groundswell NZ on the group's next wave of protest action. Patsy Bass, Reefton Distilling Co. CEO, talks about a new collab with Swanndri. Zespri's Carol Ward discusses the new joint venture with Plant and Food Research. And we hear from the 2021 HortNZ President's Cup winner Kylie Faulkner. You can also listen to Rural Today on Magic Talk weekdays from 5am. Find out more at Magic.co.nz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catch up with Rural Today for Tuesday 17th August - with Dominic George. On the show today: Bryce McKenzie from Groundswell NZ on the group's next wave of protest action. Patsy Bass, Reefton Distilling Co. CEO, talks about a new collab with Swanndri. Zespri's Carol Ward discusses the new joint venture with Plant and Food Research. And we hear from the 2021 HortNZ President's Cup winner Kylie Faulkner. You can also listen to Rural Today on Magic Talk weekdays from 5am. Find out more at Magic.co.nz   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk with Byron Clark about the groups involved with last week's “Farmers'” protests organised by Groundswell NZ. Justine, James and I pitch in with our thoughts about media framing and rural v urban narratives and realities.Remember to subscribe, 5 star and share with your friends if you've enjoyed the episode!

Bryce McKenzie, Founder of Groundswell NZ, told Tom Elliott a number of "unworkable" regulations were being introduced by the Ardern Government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's farmers protest drew massive turnouts in 50 towns and cities across the country.Thousands turned out to protest a raft of government regulations they claim are unworkable.Groundswell NZ Co-organiser Bryce McKenzie was part of the Gore demonstration and told Andrew Dickens it was huge."There was between six and 800 tractors, 1200 utes, four helicopters, one plane, 20 horses and hundreds of dogs."McKenzie says the police hadn't seen a crowd in Gore that big ever.Organisers say they'll be taking further action if the government doesn't make significant moves to address their concerns within a month.LISTEN ABOVE

Farmers and their supporters are today joining a nationwide protest organised by Groundswell NZ, planned for more than 50 towns and cities. The action is against what has been described as increasing Government interference, unworkable regulations and unjustified costs. Some local government leaders, including Mayors are supporting the protest. Kathryn talks to one of the Groundswell organisers, Jamie McFadden. He runs an environment restoration business in Cheviot, north Canterbury, and is also chair of the rural advocacy network for the Hurunui district. Also sheep and beef farmer at Rere, in Tairawhiti, and Gisborne district councillor Kerry Warsnop.

Farmers across the country are taking to downtown streets across the nation later today to protest recent environmental regulations, a seasonal worker shortage, and the so-called 'ute tax'. One of the farmer demands is that the government scrap its National Policy Statement on Freshwater, a policy which came into effect last September. The freshwater reform introduced regulation on fencing off waterways, reporting nitrogen use, and changes to winter grazing practices to protect animal welfare. Groundswell NZ says that should be down to individual cachment groups and regional councils. Forest & Bird freshwater advocate Tom Kay spoke to Kim Hill.

Thousands of farmers are expected to demonstrate in over 50 towns and cities across the country at midday today to protest at recent environmental regulations and a seasonal workers' shortage in the horticultural sector. They're calling for the scrapping of the government's clean car package, dubbed the 'ute tax', as well as national policy statements on freshwater management and indigenous biodiversity. National convener of the protests today and Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie spoke to Philippa Tolley.

Thousands of farmers are expected to demonstrate in over 50 towns and cities across the country at midday today to protest at recent environmental regulations and a seasonal workers' shortage in the horticultural sector. They're calling for the scrapping of the government's clean car package, dubbed the 'ute tax', as well as national policy statements on freshwater management and indigenous biodiversity. National convener of the protests today and Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie spoke to Philippa Tolley.

Farmers and their supporters are today joining a nationwide protest organised by Groundswell NZ, planned for more than 50 towns and cities. The action is against what has been described as increasing Government interference, unworkable regulations and unjustified costs. Some local government leaders, including Mayors are supporting the protest. Kathryn talks to one of the Groundswell organisers, Jamie McFadden. He runs an environment restoration business in Cheviot, north Canterbury, and is also chair of the rural advocacy network for the Hurunui district. Also sheep and beef farmer at Rere, in Tairawhiti, and Gisborne district councillor Kerry Warsnop.

Trucks, utes and even dogs will descend on city centres around the country today, as farmers take part in a huge protest.The Howl of a Protest event, organised by Groundswell New Zealand, will see thousands of farm vehicles rumbling through cities in protest against what farmers say is increasing interference from the Government, unworkable regulations and unjustified costs.The protests are taking place in 55 cities starting from Kaitaia to Southland.In Auckland, up to 50 tractors and utes are expected to take part in a convoy starting from Drury, on the Southern Motorway, at 9.20am.The convoy will be escorted by police as farmers head towards the Auckland CBD, where they are set to head down Queen St by the early afternoon.It will leave the motorway at Wellesley St, travel down Queen St before going along Beach Rd and rejoining the motorway heading south from Stanley St.Auckland motorists are told of a large convoy going through the CBD today. (File Photo / Mark Mitchell)A police spokeswoman said authorities were aware of the plans for protest action today."Police recognise and respect the lawful right to protest and our aim is to ensure that both the participants and the community are safe.Police will monitor the activities to ensure the safety of everyone involved."People have been encouraged to bring their tractor, ute and dogs for a bark-up.Groundswell NZ co-founder Bryce McKenzie, from West Otago, is expecting an "enormous" response to the nationwide event.The only major city that had left off the itinerary, and that was intentional, was Wellington.McKenzie was expecting a huge number of tractors in Auckland's Queen St today.The logistics were different in the various areas, with some towns requiring traffic management plans, he said.Bright said a number of vegetable growers would be donating three tonnes of vegetables to the City Mission.'We're fed up'The Herald understands a protest planned for Christchurch has been moved out of Cathedral Square as organisers were expecting a large number of participants.Some protesters have been diverted to other Canterbury towns.Christchurch organiser Aaron Stark told John MacDonald on NewstalkZB their main concerns are around constant changes to regulations and the "moving of goal posts"."We're fed up to be honest. Every farmer I know around here, around Canterbury, we're having the talk that maybe it's time to hang up the boots and find something else to do."It's getting to a point where we can't do it."The Otago Daily Times reports that in Dunedin, organisers have decided it would not be safe for the protest to stop in the city so participants will drive through the Octagon, between about noon and 12.15pm, their dogs barking.Hastings event organiser Chris Miles will be among thousands of people taking part in the Howl of A Protest movement today. (Photo / Warren Buckland)They will then return to Mosgiel where former Invermay head Dr Jock Allison would give a short address and Groundswell NZ's statement on how it sees things would be delivered.Even though protest vehicles would be keeping left and letting other traffic flow as smoothly as possible, there would still be significant disruption to the travelling public around Dunedin and Balclutha and more time should be left to get to destinations.In Levin, tradies and farmers are planning to drive their utes and tractors down Oxford St.The local protest group is planning to meet at Donnelly Park at 11am. The convoy would then leave for a drive through Oxford St at noon.Hundreds of farmers, growers and tradies are expected to take to the streets around Northland.Protests in Whangārei, Dargaville, Kerikeri and Kaitaia are due to start around the country at 11am.Whangārei co-ordinator Tracey Thomasson said she expected up to 200 vehicles.In Dannevirke, the protest kicks off on High St around 12.15pm.The parade of tractors, trucks, vehicles and people walking will start from the old Farmers Tran...

The Government has announced a $2.5 billion sweetener for councils who now have 6-8 weeks to decide whether they want to give up their pipes and reservoirs to join the Government's massive plan to merge 67 councils' water assets into four regional water entities.Concerns are mounting that the Government will force councils into the mergers, known as Three Waters reforms, rather than letting each council pick whether it wants in or out, as had previously been the plan.Three Waters reforms are on shaky ground, with councils and mayors as diverse as Whangarei and Auckland sounding notes of scepticism and outright hostility. Announcing the sweetener, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the Government would spend 6-8 weeks consulting councils and Local Government NZ, before deciding on the way forward.Government policy is still to let councils opt out if they want to - but Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta's line has hardened in recent months as she has refused to rule out forcing councils to give up their water assets for them to be merged into the new water entities.It comes as a convoy of 50 tractors and utes are set to thunder down Auckland's Queen St tomorrow as thousands of farmers around the country gear up for a "howl of a protest" that will see vehicles parade through urban centres across New Zealand.Groundswell NZ has organised the protest in 47 towns and cities on Friday.Pukekohe to Auckland organiser Scott Bright said that 50 tractors would be escorted by police along the Southern Motorway from Drury starting at 9.20am.The convoy would leave the motorway at Wellesley St, travel down Queen St before going along Beach Rd and rejoining the motorway heading south from Stanley St.Listen above as Simon Wilson and Tim Wilson discuss the day's news with Andrew Dickens on The Huddle 

A convoy of 50 tractors and utes are set to thunder down Auckland's Queen St tomorrow as thousands of farmers around the country gear up for a "howl of a protest" that will see vehicles parade through urban centres across New Zealand.Groundswell NZ has organised the protest in 47 towns and cities on Friday.Pukekohe to Auckland organiser Scott Bright said that 50 tractors would be escorted by police along the Southern Motorway from Drury starting at 9.20am.The convoy would leave the motorway at Wellesley St, travel down Queen St before going along Beach Rd and rejoining the motorway heading south from Stanley St.People have been encouraged to bring their tractor, ute and dogs for a bark-up in protest against what has been described as "increasing Government interference, unworkable regulations, and unjustified costs".A "massive" number of tractors are expected on Auckland's Queen St down to Southland.Groundswell co-founder Bryce McKenzie, from West Otago, is expecting an "enormous" response to the nationwide event.The only major city Groundswell had left off the itinerary - and that was intentional - was Wellington.McKenzie was expecting a "massive" number of tractors in Auckland's Queen St. The logistics were different in the various areas, with some towns requiring traffic management plans, he said.Bright said a number of vegetable growers would be donating three tonnes of vegetables to the City Mission.The Herald understands a protest planned for Christchurch has been moved out of Cathedral Square as organisers were expecting a large number of participants.Some protesters have been diverted to other Canterbury towns.Christchurch organiser Aaron Stark told John MacDonald on NewstalkZB their main concerns are around constant changes to regulations and the "moving of goal posts"."We're fed up to be honest. Every farmer I know around here, around Canterbury, we're having the talk that maybe it's time to hang up the boots and find something else to do."It's getting to a point where we can't do it."The Otago Daily Times is reporting in Dunedin, organisers have decided it would not be safe for the protest to stop in the city so participants will drive through the Octagon, between about noon and 12.15pm, their dogs barking.They will then return to Mosgiel where former Invermay head Dr Jock Allison would give a short address and Marshall would deliver Groundswell NZ's statement on how it sees things.Even though protest vehicles would be keeping left and letting other traffic flow as smoothly as possible, there would still be significant disruption to the travelling public around Dunedin and Balclutha and more time should be left to get to destinations.In Levin, tradies and farmers are planning to drive their utes and tractors down Oxford St.The local protest group is planning to meet at Donnelly Park at 11am. The convoy would then leave for a drive through Oxford St at noon.Roy Williams, of Levin Scaffolding Ltd, and Ingo Schleuss, of Kapinua, setting up the protest banner south of Levin yesterday. Photo / SuppliedHundreds of farmers, growers and tradies are expected to take to the streets around Northland.Protests in Whangārei, Dargaville, Kerikeri and Kaitaia are due to start around the country at 11am.Whangārei co-ordinator Tracey Thomasson said she expected up to 200 vehicles.In Dannevirke, the protest kicks off on High St around 12.15pm.The parade of tractors, trucks, vehicles and people walking will start from the old Farmers Transport south of town and the Mangatera Hotel north of town.

Farmers across the country are taking to downtown streets across the nation later today to protest recent environmental regulations, a seasonal worker shortage, and the so-called 'ute tax'. One of the farmer demands is that the government scrap its National Policy Statement on Freshwater, a policy which came into effect last September. The freshwater reform introduced regulation on fencing off waterways, reporting nitrogen use, and changes to winter grazing practices to protect animal welfare. Groundswell NZ says that should be down to individual cachment groups and regional councils. Forest & Bird freshwater advocate Tom Kay spoke to Kim Hill.