Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
The Green Party's list of the top 10 dirty rivers in New Zealand is farcical and brings into question their credibility, says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.
The three rivers listed in irrigated catchments; Ruamahanga, Tukituki and Selwyn, when compared with the water quality of other rivers in these regions shows whilst they each have challenges, they are not the dirtiest.
"The true state of water quality in New Zealand can be gleaned from the Land Air Water Aotearoa website www.lawa.org.nz. This contains the most accurate and up to date picture of actual river water quality in New Zealand.
"The Porirua in Wellington region, Karamu in Hawke's Bay and Heathcote river in Christchurch all have worse water quality issues than the Ruamahanga, Tukituki and Selwyn," says Curtis
"The Greens are being mischievous with their dirtiest rivers stunt. They are trying to create a divide between rural and urban communities which is not good for New Zealand."
There are some huge water quality issues facing all of lowland New Zealand if pristine, swimmable water quality becomes the minimum standard.
"Just as farmers will have to invest in changing farm practices, rates will have to rise significantly in urban areas to pay for rivers to be cleaned-up to a pristine standard," he says.
Despite this cost, Curtis says the primary sector is actively embracing change. Adoption of good management practices, like stock exclusion from waterways, is the first step. "The continued evolution of precision agriculture is the long-term solution if we are to create a resilient and sustainable future for rural New Zealand."
"The goal posts for farmers have changed and there are now environmental limits in place or in the process of being put in place."
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
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.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
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.
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.
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