Community key to water

Following the release of the final Land and Water Forum (LAWF) report, DairyNZ chairman John Luxton says, "We recognise, as the LAWF report does, that this kind of community-driven catchment process needs to become the centre of water quality and quantity management.

"That is how we will make a difference to water quality – catchment by catchment across the country. Communities understand that, because people can relate any impact to the place where they live and work and their local waterway, so will take some ownership of the actions."

He says dairy farmers are already involved in these kinds of processes throughout New Zealand.
In Canterbury the community, including farmers, is working with the regional council to determine appropriate limits and form workable plans for different river management zones.

"We need to engage all sectors of the community including farmers in these catchment discussions," he says. "Water is New Zealand's key competitive advantage so it's vital that we manage our freshwater resources carefully. The Land and Water Forum's report provides a useful framework for that."

LAWF is an independent body representing a broad range of stakeholders including the dairy industry, which has been supported by the government in its objective of finding an agreed view on how to improve the management of freshwater resources.

DairyNZ's policy and advocacy general manager, Simon Tucker, has participated in the forum since its origin almost four years ago. Luxton says the New Zealand dairy industry is committed to sustainable dairying and responsible growth.

"We are committed to ongoing research and development to deliver good management practice, to address water quality issues and ensure the industry can show leadership in this area," he says.

"We are also working on the second generation dairy industry water accord which will demonstrate the industry's commitment to continuous self-improvement in environmental management across a range of areas."

DairyNZ welcomes the Land and Water Forum's acknowledgement that industry-led good management practice initiatives and industry audited self-management are vital parts of improving New Zealand's approach to water management.