Farmers bring ATV Guidelines to Parliament for Approval

The launch of the "Safe Use of ATVs on New Zealand Farms" Agricultural Guideline is a major step forward for on-farm safety, says Charlie Pedersen Federated Farmers National Vice President and spokesperson for the Agricultural Industry Focus Group that produced the Guidelines.

"The Safe Use of ATVs on New Zealand Farms demonstrates the value of industry developing its own best practice document and seeking Government support, said Mr Pedersen.

"This is preferable to Government Departments imposing impractical and unworkable requirements that are likely to be ignored.

"The Guideline is the result of extensive and thorough consultation involving farmers, rural women, young farmers, farm foresters, unions, agricultural trainers and government agencies (1). The Guideline settles once and for all, a number of contentious issues, such as age of drivers and passengers that have prevented the rural sector from tackling the important task of saving lives and preventing injuries."

Roger Barton, Federated Farmers and Andrew Schlup, Central Amalgamated Workers Union will present the Guideline to Minister of Agriculture, Hon Jim Sutton, Minister of Labour Hon Margaret Wilson and Minister for ACC Hon Ruth Dyson at a beehive function at 4:30pm today seeking their support.

"The Guideline aims to provide practical guidance for the safe use of farm ATVs on New Zealand farms and reduce ATV death and injury rates.

"We are confident that farmers and rural people will support the Guideline and ensure that their visitors, families and employees, as well as themselves, comply with its recommendations when riding farm ATVs."

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