Traffic was disrupted around the country today, with convoys of tractors and utes with dogs on board arriving in dozens of centres around New Zealand, as farmers protested against government regulations.
Groundswell NZ organised the 'Howl of a Protest' in more than 40 towns and cities over recent environmental regulations, the 'ute tax' and a seasonal worker shortage.
Co-founder Laurie Paterson said the "ute tax" was the issue people pointed the finger at, but farmers were also unhappy with the bureaucratic approach to the national policy statement for fresh water management.
From July this year, people buying new electric vehicles (EVs) could get as much as $8625 back from the government. The scheme will be funded through levies on high-emissions vehicles from 1 January 2022.