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 Northland Regional Council plans to progressively implement a national policy on freshwater management over the next decade.
Council chairman Bill Shepherd says the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) sets out mandatory requirements for management of the country's water quality and quantity.
"When the NPSFM was amended by the government in 2014, it was keen to see it fully implemented by the end of this year if practicable," he says.
"But recognising this wouldn't be possible for most councils, it also allows councils to opt for a progressive 10-year implementation programme, provided they formally advertise that's the approach they'll be taking."
Shepherd says, along with most other councils around New Zealand, the NRC had reaffirmed its earlier plans to use the staged implementation option, with councillors workshopping a proposed approach last month and confirming this at a full meeting in Whangarei recently.
"Council's keen to ensure the NPSFM is introduced locally in a manner which as much as possible suits our various communities, builds on established initiatives and resources, but also allows for some flexibility," he says.
"We believe that the staged approach to implementation by 2025 is the best option for this."
Shepherd says the council will publicly advertise its staged implementation programme as legally required before the end of the year.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Waikato herd health veterinarian Katrina Roberts is the 2024 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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