increase font size
RURAL CONTRACTORS New Zealand has endorsed the warnings made recently by Waikato Regional Council that agrichemical contractors operating without certification are breaching regulations.
Chief executive Roger Parton (pictured) says Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) shares the concerns the Waikato Regional Council – and other regional councils – have about unqualified and/or unregistered chemical applicators not been properly trained or qualified to spray agrichemicals.
"RCNZ has a chemical applicator accreditation programme to meet the needs of both our members and the industry."
Parton says the application of agrichemicals has to be carried out in a competent and professional manner to ensure the enhancement of the crop and the safety of the operator, the environment and the public.
He says there are two levels of agrichemical applicator accreditation available through Rural Contractors New Zealand:
- Basic Chemical Applicator
- Registered Chemical Applicator
These are personal accreditation held by the individual.
"Rural Contractors New Zealand has a strict policy in regards to any person applying agrichemicals in a public place or on private property for hire and reward," Parton explains.
"He or she has either got to be the holder of a Registered Chemical Applicator accreditation or have a Basic Chemical Applicator (or equivalent) accreditation and be operating under the immediate and direct supervision of the holder of a Registered Chemical Applicator accreditation."
Parton adds that all agrichemical contractors accredited through RCNZ carry wallet cards to prove their accreditation.
RCNZ also supports the council's reminder about rules requiring neighbours to be notified before any spraying takes place.
"However, spraying can only take place when weather conditions are suitable and sometimes this does not permit the notification timeframes required in the rules," he explains.
Meanwhile, Parton says contractors wanting information about correct agrichemical application procedures, training, certification and safety will find all the necessary information under the chemical applicator section of the RCNZ website: www.ruralcontractors.org.nz .
Last season was a mixed bag for Waikato contractors, with early planted forage maize, planted on the dry soils around Cambridge, doing badly after germination and failing to meet potential, says Jeremy Rothery, Jackson Contracting.
A new partnership to try and help solve the labour shortage gap for rural contractors in both NZ and the UK has recently been established.
A recent round of countrywide roadshows, organised by the Rural Contractors of New Zealand (RCNZ), set out to brief members on the challenges that lie ahead in these volatile times – as well as discuss strategies to deal with these issues.
Rural contractors will gather at five roadshows during August to focus on cost volatility and drivers.
Rural Contractors New Zealand (RCNZ) has launched a new reward and recognition programme for trainee contractors.
A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.
Funding is proving crucial for predator control despite a broken model reliant on the goodwill of volunteers.
A major milestone on New Zealand's unique journey to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis could come before the end of this year.
We're working through it, and we'll get to it.
The debate around New Zealand's future in the Paris Agreement is heating up.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.
