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.
Waikato milk processor Tatua has again declared a record milk payout to farmer shareholders, leaving other processors in the dust.
A Labour-led Government won’t be bringing back the controversial freshwater rules of 2020.
National’s much-touted free trade deal with India featured in the Rural Issues Debate at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on Wednesday night.
New Zealand's 2026-27 freshwater fishing season has opened, with anglers encouraged to head to rivers and lakes over the coming days as conditions look favourable across much of the country.
Central Otago District Council (CODC) has voted against a plan to spread treated sewage sludge from Cromwell and Alexandra on farmland near Lauder, a decision Federated Farmers says reflects strong opposition from rural residents.
Pāmu has released its FY26 Integrated Annual Report, reporting a Net Operating Profit of $113 million, more than double the $49 million recorded in FY25.

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