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.
Waterways in some parts of the Waikato have now dropped to flows which trigger restrictions on water takes, and the threat of this happening in other parts of the region is increasing, the Waikato Regional Council says.
Council monitoring shows the Piako River generally and some streams in north Waikato are now close to or below minimum flows where restrictions kick in to protect aquatic life, and to ensure enough water is in waterways for essential uses.
The Waihou River is now heading towards hitting its minimum flow in a week or two, while other parts of the region are also heading that way, says Dr Ed Brown from the council's resource information team.
Farmers taking unconsented water for shed wash and stock drinking, under permitted activity rules, should use try to minimise water use where possible and ensure there are no leaks in their systems, says Brown.
Any farmers with consented water takes should adhere to the terms of their consents covering low flow periods.
"We appreciate the situation may place a strain on farmers, growers, industry and other water users but it is important that we leave enough water in river and streams to maintain the health of waterways and aquatic life, and to provide for essential uses such as domestic water supplies," says Brown.
"If the dry weather continues we can expect most of the region's waterways to be at or below minimum flows this summer."
This information comes on top of news that soil moisture levels in the region are below normal for this time of year.
"We need a period of reasonably sustained rain to turn around the low flow situation in our waterways," says Brown.
He urged all those with water take consents – such as irrigators, municipal users and industry - to keep up to date with river flows and to not use more water than they are allowed during periods of low flow.
Information on river flows is available at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/riversandrainfall. Anyone wanting advice on their consent conditions can call 0800 800 401.
Chairman Peter Buckley says the council will keep a close watch on waterway levels, and the soil moisture situation, and share information with the likes of the Ministry of Primary Industries and the Rural Support Trust.
"We are ready to work with others to react appropriately if the dry spell starts creating more widespread problems for the region."
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.
OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…