One Plan dominates farmers’ daily life

Sharon says they have lowered stock numbers, done riparian planting and use no nitrogen based fertiliser, but they will still require a ‘discretionary resource consent’ to continue farming.  

“Not a day goes by when One Plan is not mentioned, mulled over as to what we do, and how it will impact our business and our lives and the lives of our children.”

Obtaining a discretionary consent will cost more money but will not bring any more certainty – a major concern, she says. “Even though they say they’ll issue a discretionary consent it still means you are at the mercy of Horizons. If I want to change anything within my farming system I have to go back to them and ask for permission to make the changes and get a new plan. 

“They haven’t even told me how long my discretionary consent will be for. How can you make long terms plans for your business if you don’t know what the implications will be of the One Plan?”