January 30, 2020
Tikanga option in farm debt scheme
Farmers can opt to use tikanga Māori protocols when they take part in a new Farm Debt Mediation Scheme.
Karen Adair, the Ministry for Primary Industries' deputy director-general agriculture and investment services, says this could help get better engagement and outcomes.
The need to provide for mediation according to tikanga was highlighted by the Family Justice Review report in May 2019.
The new scheme will start on July 1, and MPI is considering applications from mediation organisations with farm businesses and rural sector knowledge who want to take part.
Ms Adair says the scheme aims to provide a way forward when a farm business comes under financial stress.
It's designed to address any power imbalance between stressed farm businesses and their creditors. Creditors will be required to offer mediation to farmers before they can take action on a debt default.
Copyright © 2020, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com