Helensville Farmers Win Auckland Supreme Award at Ballance Farm Environment Awards
Helensville farmers, Donald and Kirsten Watson of Moreland Pastoral, have been named the Auckland Regional Supreme Winners at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
Rural residents with unwanted agricultural chemicals or other hazardous waste are being encouraged by Auckland Council to sign-up for an onsite collection this month.
During the 'agricultural chemicals amnesty' from February 20-24, the council will collect a range of agricultural chemicals for safe disposal, along with other hazardous waste by prior approval.
Registrations for the free service must be made prior to February 13 by calling 0800 426 5169.
"We know many farmers, growers and lifestyle block owners have stockpiles of unwanted or old agricultural chemicals. With this service we are making it easy for them to ensure this hazardous waste is disposed of safely," says Auckland Council solid waste business unit manager Jon Roscoe.
The council will accept agricultural chemicals including herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and drenches, but not fertilisers. Persistent organic pollutants such as such as PCBs, PCP, DDT, 2,4,5T and a range of out-of-manufacture chemicals will also be accepted. Non-agricultural chemicals, such as used engine oil, and other hazardous items may also be accepted by prior arrangement.
The New Zealand red meat sector has signed an open letter to parliamentarians from BusinessNZ, urging swift ratification of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Wools of New Zealand is joining calls for New Zealand to urgently ratify a Free Trade Agreement with India.
Fonterra says Richard Allen will succeed Miles Hurrell as its new chief executive.
Cyclone Vaianu is continuing its track south towards the Bay of Plenty, bringing with it destructive winds, heavy rain, and large swells, says Metservice.
While Cyclone Vaianu remains off the East Coast of New Zealand, the Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group says impacts have been felt overnight.
A Local State of Emergency has been declared for the Waikato for a period of seven days as the region prepares for Cyclone Vaianu to hit the area.

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