Watermetrics appoints new sales engineer
Water data service provider Watermetrics has appointed Lee Hart as its sales engineer for lower Southland.
Primary Industries Minister David Carter and Environment Minister Amy Adams welcomed the release of the third and final report of the Land and Water Forum (LAWF).
"This report presented to the Government marks the culmination of three years' hard work by LAWF and we thank the members for tackling the tough issues of New Zealand's fresh water management," say Carter and Adams.
"LAWF's work provides a solid foundation from which to progress the Government's strategic direction for water management, with the support of a broad range of stakeholders."
The forum's key recommendations identify how water can be better allocated for high-value use, focus on what councils and communities need to actively manage water quality and call for clearer accountabilities for resource managers and users.
The ministers say they applaud the wide buy-in on fresh water management from such diverse interests, despite a split on some of the recommendations.
"New Zealanders are concerned about a decline in water quality seen in many areas. This creates risks to our biodiversity, our economy, iwi interests and recreation," says Adams.
"LAWF identifies the need for better collaboration, and consideration of the full range of values we hold and what it means to deliver on those values when making decisions around fresh water."
Carter and Adams say they will carefully consider the report's recommendations.
"This work will feed into further progress in the fresh water reform programme, from which we've already seen the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, the Fresh Start for Freshwater Clean-Up Fund and the Irrigation Acceleration Fund," the ministers say.
See www.landandwater.org.nz for Land and Water Forum report
Farmer-led charity, Meat the Need is calling for donations to enable it to supply more meals to families in need.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
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.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.