6 December 2005
Hold Off, Dr Bollard
Farmers strongly advise the Reserve Bank to not raise interest rates on Thursday, said Charlie Pedersen, President of
Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).
New Zealand farmers are under a lot of pressure due to falling world commodity prices and the kiwi dollar at a 20-year
high. Weak prices and strong dollar mean lower returns at the farm gate.
"New Zealand already has the highest interest rates in the developed world. Business confidence has crashed, and other
indicators point to a slowing economy. We definitely do not need more pain from even higher interest rates," said Mr
Pedersen.
"The Federation's farmer leaders including myself are receiving many emails and phone calls from members who are
extremely concerned about the economic outlook, and the possibility of more interest rate pain."
Higher interest rates stoke buying of the kiwi dollar in a spiral that is wreaking havoc among exporters, the backbone
of the economy, he said.
"Rural areas are heading for a hard landing. On behalf of farmers and other exporters, I implore the RBNZ to reconsider
the economic situation and hold off increasing interest rates yet again," concluded Mr Pedersen.
ENDS