Water quality results reinforce need for action
Hundreds of water samples taken from Ōtūwharekai Ashburton Lakes and streams over the past year confirm that water quality remains a concern, according to Environment Canterbury.
A project intended to protect the Waikato and Waipa rivers has gained a time extension.
The Healthy Rivers Wai Ora committee says it has endorsed a regional plan change for the rivers going to the council early next year – with public notification soon after – instead of the first suggested date of November this year.
The extension is designed to help the group running the scheme – Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change/Wai Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai – to get the information it needs to make it all work.
The committee heard that the group members were concerned that under the original timeline they would not have enough time to assess all relevant information and consult with their people. And the technical people said they needed more time to complete the science. This included information on the amount of nitrogen due to come into the rivers from groundwater, and the time that it takes the nitrogen to travel.
Notification early next year “provides a more realistic timeframe for the group to talk with their sectors on the opportunities and constraints of the limit and target scenarios”.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.