New Zealand farmers take to streets on tractors protesting government regulations

Farmers in New Zealand drove their tractors into major cities on Friday in protests demanding the government loosen its environmental policies and climate change regulations which they say are hurting their businesses.

The nationwide demonstrations called "Howl Of A Protest" saw protesters flood busy motorways with tractors, pickup trucks known locally as "utes" and other farm vehicles, causing traffic jams in major cities, including Auckland.

Many residents showed solidarity with the farmers by holding placards as the vehicles drove past on the streets.

Protesters have asked the government to loosen new regulations on managing waterways, and ease some COVID-19 border controls to allow more seasonal overseas workers into the country as the industry faces acute labor shortages.

They are also demanding the scrapping of what has been dubbed the "Ute tax" - a new government package subsidizing cleaner electric cars while increasing fees on large petrol and diesel vehicles widely used by farmers and tradespeople.

(Source: Reuters) 
 


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku