Winston Peters targets bank’s ESG rules in major policy shake-up, Federated Farmers demands council funding overhaul, and teen farmer stuns in regional Young Farmer victory.

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Winston Peters targets bank’s ESG rules in major policy shake-up

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters is introducing legislation to prevent banks from refusing services to businesses based on environmental or social criteria, as the government intensifies pressure on financial institutions over their lending practices.

The Financial Markets Amendment Bill would require banks to base lending decisions purely on commercial and legal grounds, blocking them from using Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks to restrict services. Peters says the move aims to stop unelected climate radicals from imposing costly restrictions on New Zealand's productive sector.

This legislative push comes as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon condemns banks for withdrawing services from rural petrol stations and other businesses. Luxon called the banks' actions utterly unacceptable, particularly highlighting concerns about rural fuel access where electric vehicle adoption remains low at just 2-3 percent.

BNZ has recently told some customers it will reduce banking services as part of its climate change commitments, including plans to exit all coal mining lending by 2030. Finance Minister Nicola Willis plans to summon bank chiefs before Parliament's banking inquiry to address these concerns.

The government maintains this stance doesn't conflict with its Paris Climate Agreement commitments, with Luxon arguing withdrawal would harm farmers and risk New Zealand's export markets.

 

Federated Farmers demands council funding overhaul

Federated Farmers is calling for seven major changes to local government funding, as rural communities struggle with soaring rates increases averaging 15% last year.

The organization's local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says immediate reform is needed, proposing that government's share of local road maintenance funding should increase from 53% to 90%. She says the current system unfairly burdens local ratepayers for roads serving wider regional and national purposes.

Other key proposals include making Crown land rateable, which in Auckland alone could save ratepayers $500 per household annually. The farmers' organization wants councils restricted to core infrastructure and services, removing the controversial 'four well-beings' mandate that they say leads to mission creep.

Faulkner is also calling for public referendums on any commercial ventures costing more than $500 per resident, citing concerns about risky investments in convention centers and sports stadiums. She says many rural roads are deteriorating as councils cut back on maintenance due to funding pressures.

The proposals come ahead of October's local body elections, with Faulkner saying New Zealand must choose between continuing to underfund key infrastructure or finding new ways to resource local government.

 

Court to examine EPA stance on glyphosate

A dispute over New Zealand's most widely used weedkiller heads to the High Court in June, as environmental advocates challenge the EPA's decision not to reassess glyphosate-based products including Roundup.

The Environmental Law Initiative argues the EPA has never conducted a full risk assessment of glyphosate in New Zealand, despite the herbicide being used here for over 50 years. The group points to recent ACC data showing 359 successful injury claims involving Roundup since 1990.

EPA Hazardous Substances General Manager Dr Chris Hill maintains current rules are sufficient to manage risks, noting that no major jurisdiction has completely banned the product. Manufacturer Bayer says the herbicide has been rigorously tested and proven safe when used as directed.

While some countries including Vietnam and Fiji have banned glyphosate, and others like France and Germany have partial bans, the EU Commission recently re-approved its use for another 10 years.

The High Court review is scheduled for June 16-17.

 

Robot night patrols target vineyard disease

A pioneering trial using robots equipped with UV light panels is underway in Marlborough's vineyards, offering growers a potential alternative to traditional fungicides.

The two-year trial, led by Bragato Research Institute, uses automated machines that patrol vineyard rows at night, treating sauvignon blanc vines with UV-C light to combat powdery mildew. Research specialist Dr Paul Epee says the night-time application is crucial, as it prevents fungi from repairing damaged DNA.

The technology could bring multiple benefits, including reduced chemical residues, better soil health, and lower labor costs through autonomous operation. Technical viticultural specialist Chris Ireland says they're running parallel trials to test treatment frequency and explore combining UV with reduced fungicide programs.

A similar project is already showing promise in Central Otago, where the technology is being tested on cherry orchards to control brown rot and bacterial canker. The trial demonstrates potential broader applications across New Zealand's horticultural sector.

 

Teen farmer stuns in regional Young Farmer victory.

Nineteen-year-old Massey University student Jock Bourke has made history as the youngest competitor to win the Taranaki Manawatu FMG Young Farmer of the Year regional final.

Bourke outperformed experienced farmers at the Stratford A&P Showgrounds competition, scoring 274.75 points to edge out Opiki Young Farmers' Sheldon Mayo, with Central Taranaki's Ethan Muir taking third place.

The prestigious competition, now in its 57th year, tested contestants across practical skills, technical knowledge, and pressure situations. Bourke particularly excelled in the Farmlet challenge and demonstrated innovation in constructing a chicken coop from recycled materials.

Feilding schools dominated the junior competitions, with Feilding Intermediate winning the AgriKidsNZ event and Feilding High School students Haylee Baker and Kate Hopkins claiming the Junior Young Farmer title.

Bourke will now prepare for the Grand Final in Invercargill this July, where he plans to strengthen his agribusiness knowledge and sponsor expertise.

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