Are they serious?
OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their fiscal fantasies.
The Green Party's list of the top 10 dirty rivers in New Zealand is farcical and brings into question their credibility, says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.
The three rivers listed in irrigated catchments; Ruamahanga, Tukituki and Selwyn, when compared with the water quality of other rivers in these regions shows whilst they each have challenges, they are not the dirtiest.
"The true state of water quality in New Zealand can be gleaned from the Land Air Water Aotearoa website www.lawa.org.nz. This contains the most accurate and up to date picture of actual river water quality in New Zealand.
"The Porirua in Wellington region, Karamu in Hawke's Bay and Heathcote river in Christchurch all have worse water quality issues than the Ruamahanga, Tukituki and Selwyn," says Curtis
"The Greens are being mischievous with their dirtiest rivers stunt. They are trying to create a divide between rural and urban communities which is not good for New Zealand."
There are some huge water quality issues facing all of lowland New Zealand if pristine, swimmable water quality becomes the minimum standard.
"Just as farmers will have to invest in changing farm practices, rates will have to rise significantly in urban areas to pay for rivers to be cleaned-up to a pristine standard," he says.
Despite this cost, Curtis says the primary sector is actively embracing change. Adoption of good management practices, like stock exclusion from waterways, is the first step. "The continued evolution of precision agriculture is the long-term solution if we are to create a resilient and sustainable future for rural New Zealand."
"The goal posts for farmers have changed and there are now environmental limits in place or in the process of being put in place."
OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.
Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.
Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.
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A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.
With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.
OPINION: It's official, Fieldays 2025 clocked 110,000 visitors over the four days.
OPINION: The Federated Farmers rural advocacy hub at Fieldays has been touted as a great success.