Labour will review and fix the Sharemilking Agreements Act if it forms the next government.

Jo Luxton, Labour Party Spokesperson for Agriculture, Biosecurity and Customs, says the Act dates from the 1930s. Contract milkers sit outside it and are paid a negotiated rate rather than a share of the returns.

She says a survey found many contract milkers had faced what they said was abuse or bullying and says contract milkers would get the same protections.

“I also think it protects the farm owners because the last thing they want to do is fall foul of the law,” she says.

The sector will be heard through a full process.

“We won’t rush anything.”

CountryWide CONNECT with Andy Thompson & Sarah Perriam-Lampp is our daily rural show livestreamed from 11am-1pm. Visit country-wide.co.nz on how to watch/listen or download the CountryWide CONNECT mobile app, available on Apple iOS and Android.

AI-Assisted Content