increase font size
A survey showing that the public care about waterways is no surprise, says DairyNZ.
The results from the Colmar Brunton survey reinforces that all kiwis care deeply about New Zealand.
DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says “we believe so strongly that kiwis care about waterways that we’re starting a movement, where the vision is clear – we want all new Zealanders to do their bit to look after rivers, lakes and beaches and you can find out more at thevisionisclear.co.nz”
The nation-wide Colmar Brunton poll was conducted for Fish & Game New Zealand in December.
It found that pollution of rivers and lakes is worrying New Zealanders more than any other issue.
People were asked how concerned they were about a range of issues, including the cost of living, health system, child poverty and water pollution.
Pollution of rivers and lakes was the top concern, with 82% saying they are extremely or very concerned about the issue. Only 4% said they were not that concerned.
Dairy has an important role to play, as about 15% of New Zealand’s streams run through dairy farms.
“And dairy farmers have been doing their bit, with 97% of waterways on a dairy farm fenced off from stock, and significant work to put in riparian margins and wetlands. Farmers over the last ten years have also been significantly investing in effluent management systems that work with the land and DairyNZ continues to invest millions of dollars into research, science and technology that will look after our waterways, says Mackle.
“Claims that intensified farming contributes to water quality declines are both accurate and misleading. The reality is that all types of land use contribute to water quality – and that farming, whether it’s vegetables, fruit, beef, sheep, dairy, deer or even wine – must all work together to make sure waterways are protected.
“The most polluted rivers actually run through urban centers, and this is where the public can do their bit too.
“Farmers, industry and businesses who don’t prioritise looking after waterways, should be held accountable” says Mackle.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
Matt Collier, Probiotic Revolution, says calves will drink a lot of milk once-a-day with their probiotic Calf Xtreme.
After a winter of frozen pipework and refrigeration call-outs, Terravest chief executive Kip Bodle and chief operating officer Luke Walker explain why this El Niño summer calls for a different kind of preparation, before the first heatwave finds the weak points for you.
After delivering a strong financial year, rural trader PGG Wrightson says the coming months will depend on customer confidence and weather.
Fonterra has opened its upgraded Chengdu Application Centre, bringing New Zealand dairy expertise closer to customers in one of China's fastest-growing regions.
OPINION: David Seymour and James Meager's plan to make it easier for farmers and orchardists to operate drones can best be described a 'courageous' move.
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.
A partnership between state-owned enterprise Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) and charity Meet the Need is putting more than quality New Zealand beef into food bank parcels this year.
The Opportunity Party has faced criticism during the election campaign that its policies are too urban-focused and offer little for rural communities.
OPINION: After hogging the media limelight for telling a NZ Chinese MP to "go back home", Winston Peters has decided…
OPINION: With fuel prices soaring, one would have expected most farmers to be reclaiming excise duty on petrol.
