HortNZ supports new water storage plan
Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s decision to advance plans for a new water storage facility on the Heretaunga Plains.
It's a simple equation: If Auckland spreads its housing into our fruit and vegetable production land - we all pay more for food.
Horticulture New Zealand says if more houses are built on the most productive rural land then we can all expect to pay more for fresh vegetables and fruit.
"We know we need a bigger Auckland, but do we want to pay $10 a kilo for vegetables imported from China?" HortNZ natural resources manager Chris Keenan says.
HortNZ is worried the true cost of uncontrolled Auckland sprawl is not understood.
There is food grown now in Pukekohe and around Auckland which cannot be grown anywhere else in the country at certain times of the year.
Uncontrolled sprawl does not just effect land availability, it also can disrupt water supply by blocking aquifer recharge.
"If that land disappears under houses, then we will either eat imported product at ridiculous prices, or go without.
"Allowing Auckland city to continue to spread on to productive areas is a food security nightmare waiting to happen."
This issue is far too important to allow any political party, or all of them, to use it to score political points.
HortNZ fully supports the efforts of the Auckland Council to establish a Rural Urban Boundary which is based on thorough research, adequate science and established community need.
It also recognises the need for more housing and has already offered solutions to the Unitary Plan independent panel.
"Food security and food production values need to be part of this discussion. Auckland Council is trying to do this and we will continue to work with them where we can," Keenan says.
Federated Farmers supports a review of the current genetic technology legislation but insists that a farmer’s right to either choose or reject it must be protected.
New Zealand’s top business leaders are urging the US Administration to review “unjustified and discriminatory tariffs” imposed on Kiwi exporters.
New tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump signal an uncertain future, but New Zealand farmers know how to adapt to changing conditions, says Auriga Martin, chief executive of Farm Focus.
A global trade war beckons, which is bad news for a small open economy like New Zealand, warns Mark Smith ASB senior economist.
Carterton's Awakare Farm has long stood as a place where family, tradition and innovation intersect.
Fonterra says the US continues to be an important market for New Zealand dairy and the co-op.
OPINION: At last, a serious effort to better connect farmers and scientists.
OPINION: If you believe Maori Party president John Tamihere’s claim that “nothing dodgy” occurred at Manurewa Marae during the last…