Time to up sticks to New Zealand?

Last updated 09:20, Friday, 10 October 2008

FRUSTRATED Cumbrian farmers are being targeted by a New Zealand land agency aiming to lure them to the southern hemisphere.

Bayleys will hold roadshows around Britain over the next few weeks, visiting Carlisle next Friday.

The National Bank and law firm Wynn Williams & Co will be on handat the event to advise farmers who are thinking of making the move.

Bayleys visits the UK every year to try and sell New Zealand farm properties.

Richard Graham from the company said a number of economic factors were in favour of UK farmers moving to New Zealand, including its recovering beef and lamb sector. He said: “This comes at a time when UK rural land prices have skyrocketed over the past 18 months, and the regulatory operating environment for British farmers is becoming increasingly difficult and frustrating,”

The seminars will look at diversification opportunities on marginal land holdings, economic forecasts on international demand for New Zealand primary produce and production efficiency trends.

There will also be information on applying for New Zealand residency visas, the country’s tax system, setting up bank accounts and business registration.

Carlisle’s seminar will be held at the Premier Travel Inn off junction 44 of the M6 in Parkhouse Road.

It starts at 6.30pm.