Delight at Federation members being named Landcare Ambassadors

Federated Farmers is delighted the environmental work of its Golden Bay provincial Dairy chairperson, Sue Brown, has been recognised in the inaugural NZ Landcare Trust Awards. Ms Brown has worked to unite Golden Bay's dairy farmers and numerous industry and environmental groups in a province-wide approach to improving water quality.

"The NZ Landcare Trust has called our Golden Bay Dairy chairperson Sue Brown "pioneering" in her province wide approach to environmental change and we agree," says Federated Farmers President Bruce Wills.

"Sue's work has seen some outstanding water quality improvements in Golden Bay, proving dairying and environmental protection go hand in hand.

"Golden Bay farmers should also take Sue's award as a pat on the back and well deserved recognition for their efforts. Sue's work relies on their community wide efforts for success.

"We are all proud of Sue and of the Golden Bay farming community's achievements.

"Another of the Federation's Waikato members, Andrew Hayes, was also recognised as a Landcare Ambassador for his work restoring two important peat lakes bordering his property.

"Andrew and his family are now experts on restoring these rare wetland habitats and regularly share their knowledge with others in the community.

"There are many farmers around New Zealand who work hard to improve the environment. They do not do it to garner awards, but to leave their land and their regions in a better state for their children and other New Zealanders. However, I believe having these awards is a very important way to recognise their ongoing efforts," concluded Mr Wills.