Editorial: Getting the RMA overhaul right
OPINION: Making it easier to get things done while protecting the environment - that's the Government's promise when it comes to the overhaul of the problematic Resource Management Act (RMA).
OPINION: Finally there's clarity for farmers around freshwater management regulations.
This coalition Government was voted in by farmers in part to either stop or repeal a raft of unworkable regulations imposed by the previous Labour government. But legislative changes haven't been coming fast enough for many farmers.
For months now, regional councils have been facing a dilemma, whether to continue notifying freshwater plans in their respective districts as required by law under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (the NPS-FM) or wait for the current Government to repeal the law.
Farmers accused some councils of stubbornly ploughing ahead with plans to implement expensive, excessive and impractical new rules for farmers. If councils pass these new rules, they will effectively lock in unobtainable freshwater bottom lines and NPS-FM requirements.
Federated Farmers say that would result in Labour's NPS-FM being here to stay, despite the Labour government being voted out.
If that happens, all the new Government's efforts to make freshwater regulations more practical, affordable or workable will make absolutely no difference behind the farm gate.
Federated Farmers has been incredibly vocal in calling for the Government to stop councils notifying these new rules.
Last week the Government finally acted. It's moving an amendment to the Resource Management Act Amendment Bill, currently before Parliament, which will restrict councils' ability to notify freshwater plans before the gazettal of the replacement NPS-FM.
Farmers are hailing the Government's move as a win for both them and common sense. The move could have come sooner. However, farmers up and down the country will be breathing a deep sigh of relief - better late than never.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Two high producing Canterbury dairy farmers are moving to blended stockfeed supplements fed in-shed for a number of reasons, not the least of which is to boost protein levels, which they can’t achieve through pasture under the region’s nitrogen limit of 190kg/ha.
Buoyed by strong forecasts for milk prices and a renewed demand for dairy assets, the South Island rural real estate market has begun the year with positive momentum, according to Colliers.
The six young cattle breeders participating in the inaugural Holstein Friesian NZ young breeder development programme have completed their first event of the year.
New Zealand feed producers are being encouraged to boost staff training to maintain efficiency and product quality.
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OPINION: Should Greenpeace be stripped of their charitable status? Farmers say yes.
OPINION: After years of financial turmoil, Canterbury milk processor Synlait is now back in business.