Dry weather classification expands to North Island
The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.
The Government is giving $12.7 million to make Northland more resilient in the face of extreme weather.
The Northland Regional Council is getting $12m for the Northland Water Storage and Use Project and Kaipara District Council $745,000 for Kai for Kaipara Water project.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says water is critical for Northland’s economy and wellbeing but is increasingly under threat from floods and drought, declining rainfall and river flows and rising temperatures.
“There are also increased demands on water resources from a growing population and economy.
“We are providing up to $12.7m through the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to ensure the region has a reliable water supply which can be used to develop underutilised land, grow new markets, create jobs and put more money into the local economy,” Peters said.
Last week Minister for Primary Industries Damien O’Connor visited Northland farmers reeling from weeks of dry weather.
Parts of the region are facing extreme heat and poor grass growth, forcing dairy some farmers to dry off cows early.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.
One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.