Dry weather classification expands to North Island
The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.
The Northland Regional Council plans to progressively implement a national policy on freshwater management over the next decade.
Council chairman Bill Shepherd says the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) sets out mandatory requirements for management of the country's water quality and quantity.
"When the NPSFM was amended by the government in 2014, it was keen to see it fully implemented by the end of this year if practicable," he says.
"But recognising this wouldn't be possible for most councils, it also allows councils to opt for a progressive 10-year implementation programme, provided they formally advertise that's the approach they'll be taking."
Shepherd says, along with most other councils around New Zealand, the NRC had reaffirmed its earlier plans to use the staged implementation option, with councillors workshopping a proposed approach last month and confirming this at a full meeting in Whangarei recently.
"Council's keen to ensure the NPSFM is introduced locally in a manner which as much as possible suits our various communities, builds on established initiatives and resources, but also allows for some flexibility," he says.
"We believe that the staged approach to implementation by 2025 is the best option for this."
Shepherd says the council will publicly advertise its staged implementation programme as legally required before the end of the year.
Analysis by Dunedin-based Techion New Zealand shows the cost of undetected drench resistance in sheep has exploded to an estimated $98 million a year.
Shipping disruption caused by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has so far not impacted fertiliser prices or supply on farm.
The opportunity to spend more time on farm while providing a dedicated service for shareholders attracted new environmental manager Ben Howden to work for Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL).
Federated Farmers claims that the Otago Regional Council is charging ahead unnecessarily with piling more regulation on rural communities.
Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.
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