Wednesday, 29 October 2014 11:20

Locals learn about co-op’s water quality work

Written by 

FONTERRA IS inviting people near four key catchment sites to hear about a new plan to improve water quality.

 

Field days were held last week to mark a 10-year ‘living water programme’ at Hikurangi catchment, Kaipara Harbour and Lake Ellesmere, Christchurch. Fonterra and DoC organised the field days.

At Jordan Valley Farm, Northland, visitors heard about work in the Hikurangi catchment by Fonterra and DoCto improve water quality and increase the numbers and variety of native species.

The Hikurangi catchment covers about 55,000ha feeding the Wairua River that flows into the Kaipara Harbour. Within the catchment is a 13,140ha floodplain of which 5670ha is included in a swamp drainage scheme.   

The work is being done with local dairy farmers Nga Kaitiaki O Nga Wai Maori and other stakeholders, including the Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group, Whangarei District Council and Northland Regional Council.

The day included activities run by The Whitebait Connection and NgaKaitiaki O Nga Wai Maori. Local primary school children took part.

Fonterra living water project manager Tim Brandenburg says it has spent the first year bringing together organisations and people to focus on the right projects and build on work already underway in the catchment. 

DoC commercial partnerships director Geoff Ensor says the open day allowed people to learn about the work and share ideas for how they can get involved.

Living Water

The Living Water scheme involves organisations and communities at four catchment sites in the main dairying regions.

The other catchments are Pakorokoro / Miranda at Takapa Moana / Firth of Thames; three Waikato Peat Lakes - Areare, Ruatuna and Rotomanuka; and Awarua-Waituna in Southland.

More like this

Fonterra's in good shape

Fonterra released its interim results last month, showing a continuation of the strong earnings performance delivered by the co-op through the 2023 financial year. Here’s what Fonterra chair Peter McBride and chief executive Miles Hurrell said about the results…

China trade

OPINION: Last week's revelation that data relating to New Zealand MPs was stolen amid Chinese state-sponsored cyber espionage targeting two arms of the country’s Parliament could test the long-standing trade relations between the two countries.

Featured

Feds back Fast-Track Approval Bill

Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.

Machinery builder in liquidation

In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.

Two hemispheres tied together through cows

One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.

National

Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut…

Machinery & Products

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with…

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Plant-based bubble bursts

OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter