What is Rural Proofing and why is it important?
Rural Proofing is a best practice guide for government policy advisers.
Rural Proofing is a process for taking into account the circumstances and needs of the rural community (rural people and rural businesses) when developing and implementing policy.
Rural Proofing recognises that the rural community is an important part of the New Zealand community and that the New Zealand economy is highly dependent on rural-based businesses:
- Industries based on the agricultural and forestry sectors generate about 70 percent of our merchandise exports.
- Rural-based tourism makes a significant contribution to the rural economy.
Rural Proofing is designed to assist central government agencies to identify, consider and take into account the needs and circumstances of the rural community (rural people and rural businesses) when developing and implementing policy and when undertaking consultation.
Rural Proofing is a process that government agencies can incorporate into their own policy development processes.
Rural Proofing builds on current good practice undertaken by government agencies - particularly those that have an active working relationship with the rural community.
Rural Proofing focuses on matters that are uniquely or essentially rural.
Rural Proofing is pre-emptive - it recognises that in an increasingly urbanised society there is a potential risk that the challenges faced by the rural community will neither be recognised nor taken into account by central government policymakers and, as a consequence, the rural community will not reach its full potential.
Rural Proofing recognises that:
- there are significant economic, social and cultural benefits of concentrating people, businesses and service in cities and towns so that they can take advantage of competing multiple suppliers, common infrastructure, reduced transport costs, and the division and specialisation of labour;
- the New Zealand economy is highly dependent on primary production that requires the relatively extensive use of land and therefore results in relatively low population densities and large distances from services and markets; and
- achieving the Government's three key priorities for the next decade (Economic Transformation; Families - young and old; and National Identity) requires government policymaking taking into account the needs and characteristics of both urban and rural New Zealand.
Underlying assumptions of Rural Proofing
- All people, no matter where they live, should have a reasonable ability to live, work, and run businesses; and contribute to, and be part of, New Zealand society.
- Government policy making and implementation should take into account the potential implications for people living and working in rural areas.
- Māori have a unique relationship to rural tribal land, marae and wāhi tapu. Collectively owned Māori land operates under a special legislative framework.
Further Information:
Agriculture and Forestry: - www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/statistics-and-forecasts/sonzaf/2007/tables-for-web-index.htm
The Government recognises that the primary industries are "the powerhouses of our economy and the drivers of much of our prosperity" - (refer www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/truly+sustainable+primary+sector+new+zealand)
Contact for EnquiriesRural Affairs Coordinator |
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