End of war on farming, say farmers
Federated Farmers says changes announced to the Resource Management Act today mark the end of the war on farming.
Federated Farmers is pleased at the decision to allow Ruataniwha Dam go ahead with some amendments to the conditions around nutrient management.
The Tukituki Catchment Proposal Board of Inquiry decision will allow both the environment and economy to prosper, says Ian Mackenzie, Federated Farmers water and environment spokesperson.
“We are pleased the process is finally over and are 100% behind the Ruataniwha Dam project going ahead for the reasons that water storage is good for the environment and the economy.”
Hawkes Bay farmer and Federated Farmers Hawkes Bay provincial president, Will Foley says, “Farmers who had signed up for the scheme remain committed to it. They believe very much that this is a workable consent.”
“The High Court judge instructed the board - that whatever changes they made couldn't frustrate the consents of the dam project, so farmers are very keen to still go ahead."
Mackenzie says that the Federated Farmers recently announced Water Team is about empowering the regions’ farmers to secure a profitable and sustainable future.
“Water storage like the Ruataniwha Dam gives the next generation hope for the future in dealing with drought, giving them a level of security to invest in their business and the environment.”
“The Treasury Secretary, Gabriel Makhlouf, pointed this out in his speech at a Westpac breakfast at the Mystery Creek Fieldays. He said it’s nonsense to believe there is a supposed ‘choice’ between sustainability and prosperity. We don’t have to pick one or the other. And that you just have to look at the way productivity and sustainability are converging in ways not seen before, especially when it comes to water.”
Mackenzie says irrigation infrastructure is helping to alleviate further pressure on struggling river and stream ecosystems, such as the Opuha Dam, and the Eiffelton Irrigation Scheme.
“Eventually the Ruataniwha Dam will be able to do the same, relieving climatic and allocation pressures on groundwater and the river system,” he says.
“The Ruataniwha Dam gives Hawkes Bay farmers choices we never had before and will put us back on the map in an economical and sustainable way,” adds Foley.
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…