Emissions plan protest

Farmers from around the district are expected to gather today for Groundswell NZ’s nationwide tractor protest in response to the Government’s new agriculture emissions plan. The world-first scheme — which would have farmers paying for agricultural emissions in some form by 2025 — has drawn strong criticism from farming lobby groups, who believe it would push emissions offshore, while environmental groups say it does not go far enough. Concerned residents have been invited to Te Ahu Centre at noon, with signs, tractors and farming vehicles encouraged.