Katikati plays host to orchard tours
An innovative tourism business located in Katikati, is breaking new ground by offering tours of a working avocado orchard.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council welcomed 200 primary students to its Hands on Water Expo last month at Redwood Valley Farm near Paengaroa.
The two-day expo allowed students to learn about freshwater ecosystems, processes and conservation, said general manager strategy and science Fiona McTavish.
“This is a great way for students to learn about their role in managing water resources sustainably, and increasing their knowledge of how water is monitored and used. Water quality and quantity are a community matter.”
The council joined DOC, Western Bay of Plenty Council, Tauranga City Council, Rotorua Lakes Council and Enviroschools to coordinate the event.
Activities, run by experts, included measuring water clarity and flow, matauranga Maori, urban water management, riparian planting, freshwater monitoring and discovering where water goes. Students enjoyed a hands-on water experience.
They were bussed free, each school bringing ten students and a teacher. Ten schools participated each day.
“Usually the expo is oversubscribed, that’s why it was two days this year,” said council officer Kerry Gosling. “We know the schools would like to bring more students, which is great, but it would mean we’re here all week.”
Expo visitor numbers are restricted to maintain the biodiversity of the venue environment.
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.
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