Young water science talent recognised
Third-year student Cady Burns has won the Waikato Regional Council Prize in Water Science for 2024.
New tax breaks that will contribute to protecting water quality have been welcomed by a regional council.
From this month, riparian plantings by farmers are tax deductible as an operational expense instead of being classified as capital expenditure.
A change to the Income Tax Act explicitly allows deductions for plantings to "prevent or mitigate discharges into water courses or water bodies". The provision is available to trees, shrubs and other plantings.
The Government says the new measure will encourage farmers to plant trees and shrubs in riparian strips along creeks and rivers, thereby increasing natural habitat and reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients entering waterways.
Waikato Regional Council catchment services group manager Scott Fowlds says the council, its partner iwi and stakeholders have a strong focus on protecting water quality in the region.
So the Government's new tax rules are a welcome addition to measures supporting this, he says.
"The council itself already offers grants of up to 35%t of the cost of fencing off waterways and riparian plantings on farms in priority catchments."
For more advice on planting and fencing issues, contact a council land management officer on 0800 800 401 or visit www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/forfarmers
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.