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January 2018
WAIRARAPA FARMING LIFESTYLES
Tax relief for drought affected
The Wairarapa Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned New Zealand company. Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 • Fax: 09 439 6930 Email: info@nsmm.co.nz Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: Lifestyler House, 107 River Road, Dargaville General Manager: Deb Wright | 021 639 9633 Editorial: Paul Campbell Ann Morgan Advertising: Monique McKenzie Betty Willetts
Revenue Minister Stuart Nash has confirmed tax relief measures will be extended to farmers in drought areas.
Graphic Design: Jessica Wright Callum McDonald Dylan Hansen Production: Vivian Webb Teela Korau
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Stuart Nash, Revenue Minister
In late December and early January the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Communities Damien O’Connor classified the drought as a medium-scale adverse event across Taranaki, parts of Manawatu-Whanganui and Wellington, and the Grey and Buller districts of the South Island’s West Coast. Local authorities affected by the drought classification are: Stratford, New Plymouth, South Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Palmerston North, Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast, Upper Hutt, Porirua, Wellington, Lower Hutt, Grey and Buller. Mr Nash says the declaration of an adverse event allows government agencies to step up with additional support for farmers and growers in affected areas. “We know the rural community is having a tough time. Many farmers will have more urgent issues on their minds than tax compliance. Inland Revenue has confirmed there will be greater flexibility and assistance for those affected. I am pleased that IR is able
to respond in a more accommodating way. “I strongly encourage any farmers who are struggling to meet their tax obligations, because of the adverse conditions, to talk to their accountant and engage with Inland Revenue. We acknowledge the scale of the challenges faced by farmers in exceptionally dry conditions. “If any farmer has concerns, please talk to the experts who can help.” Inland Revenue will allow farmers in drought areas to make late income equalisation deposits for the 2016– 2017 income tax year. They will also be able to apply for early refunds. This allows farmers to smooth out fluctuations in their income from year to year. “Farmers can now better plan their financial response to the drought conditions. Tax rules are able to take account of extraordinary events like droughts, floods or earthquakes. It is important to acknowledge the reality of the situation that farmers face,” Mr Nash says.
Over the cattle stop feature What’s happening over the cattle stop? As any farmer knows, the answer is — ‘everything!’ — as you can see in our light-hearted front page cartoon. This January the Wairarapa Farming Lifestyles is a little different, as we’ve matched all of the
top agricultural support businesses between our covers with a bustling rural scene on page one. The aim of the game is to match the numbers next to each little image of Kiwi farm life to the businesses who exemplify them.
Over the cattle stop map key All Vehicles and Repairs/ Maintenance 2 Building and Property Maintenance 3 Dairying & Effluent 4 Education 5 Farm Buildings 6 Fashion, Health & Beauty 1
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Fishing, Hunting, Outdoors Forestry Horticultural & Orchardists Leisure, Travel & Accomodation Livestock Pasture Management Professional Services Real Estate