A broad approach to environment
OPINION: As an on-farm judge for the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for many years, I’ve witnessed first-hand how dramatically New Zealand agriculture and horticulture has transformed over the past three decades.
As part of the sponsorship, the Ministry will present the Biodiversity Award, which recognises the biological diversity of farming and growing businesses.
Andrew Hoggard, Associate Minister for the Environment (Biodiversity) says the award is a chance to acknowledge the leadership farmers are showing across New Zealand.
"The fantastic work that farmers are doing to protect nature on their land needs to be celebrated. Every day I see examples of landowners stepping up on their own initiative, investing their own time and resources because they care about the land.
"I'm looking forward to honouring those who are the best at this for next year's awards."
Farmers who protect nature on their land could have new income opportunities from the expansion of a New Zealand voluntary nature credits market.
The Government's vision is to expand the nature credit market to help build investor confidence and connect them with landowners who want to protect and enhance nature.
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New Zealand Farm Environment Trust general manager Sarah Harris says the Ministry's involvement strengthens the programme's recognition of the critical role biodiversity plays in sustainable farming.
"We're really excited to have the Ministry for the Environment joining with the Trust and the BFEA as a national sponsor. Their forward-thinking approach around biodiversity and nature credits will be a great addition to our sustainability story as we travel through our regions in 2026."
Meanwhile, WaterForce has also joined the awards as a regional sponsor in four regions - East Coast, Horizons, Canterbury, and Southland. They will sponsor the new Safe Water Recognition Award, celebrating farmers who demonstrate leadership in providing safe, clean drinking water on-farm through thoughtful system design, proactive testing, and responsible water management.
Paul Fairbrother, manager at WaterForce, says the sponsorship demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainable water management on farms.
"WaterForce is proud to sponsor the Safe Water Recognition Award at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards. We are committed to ensuring access to clean, safe drinking water for all New Zealanders, and this sponsorship reflects our dedication to supporting sustainable practices that protect our precious water resources."
Harris says it is wonderful to welcome WaterForce back to the sponsor team.
"It's great to have WaterForce back in the sponsor family. The new award focuses on drinking water, which closely aligns with our social sustainability pillar."
He says these new sponsorships reinforce the awards' role in celebrating the full spectrum of sustainability, from biodiversity and ecosystem health through to water quality and community wellbeing.
Entries and nominations for the 2026 farm environment awards programme are open now.
