Farmers Warned Over Track Dangers After Wairarapa Floods
The terrible floods that hit the Wairarapa may have subsided, but the danger to farmers still exists, according to local Federated Farmers president Rob Hickson.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has revoked the restrictions on lighting outdoor fires in Wairarapa’s southern coastal area.
From 8am Monday 3 February, all of Wairarapa will be in an open fire season, meaning people in the region can light outdoor fires without a permit.
Wellington District Manager Brett Lockyer says wetter, less windy conditions have slowed the rapid drying of vegetation like pasture grasses, coastal dune grasses, gorse, scrub, and pine forests.
"The fire risk has come back down because any fires that get started or escape controlled burns will be slower-moving and easier to control," he says.
"While you don’t need fire permits in an open season, we do still ask people to take sensible precautions when lighting fires.”
Lockyer advises people to check the fire safety advice at checkitsalright.nz.
"While you don’t need fire permits in an open season, we do still ask people to take sensible precautions when lighting fires,” he adds.
Now in its fourth year, the 2026 Fencing Industry Awards, formed part of the proceedings of the FCANZ Conference, held in Nelson during August.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson has been re-appointed unopposed for another term.
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