Waikato dairy effluent breaches lead to $108,000 in fines
Two farmers and two farming companies were recently convicted and fined a total of $108,000 for environmental offending.
About 35 farmers and other landowners attended the council and DairyNZ-organised event at Kaniwhaniwha Stream, hosted by dairy farmers Denis and Felicity Ahlers.
Attendees heard ideas for managing their properties in a profitable and environmentally sensitive way. There was a particular focus on reducing sediment in waterways, which is a major problem in the Waipā catchment. Sediment affects water clarity and can damage aquatic life.
Council catchment management officer Paul Smith described how sediment loss can be reduced by taking the capability of land into account when farming, by creating or enhancing wetlands, and by building sediment traps and cut offs on races and around culverts.
"The council is able to help landowners develop farm plans that not only improve environmental outcomes but also increase farm profitability," says Smith.
Works supervisor Lyndon Stokes illustrated how recent work on the Kaniwhaniwha Stream had balanced clearing unwanted material from rivers with making sure that stream banks are protected so that erosion is avoided.
Environmental officer Michael Lake gave a demonstration of electric fishing and displayed specimens of fish and koura living in the Kaniwhaniwha.
"The Kaniwhaniwha catchment supports a particularly high number of native fish species, including several that are considered threatened. Fish habitats can be enhanced by riparian plantings, which provide food and shade. Poorly constructed farm culverts can restrict fish access to kilometres of potential habitat," Lake says.
Due to the success of the Kaniwhaniwha day, organisers aim to hold a second field day near Otorohanga on May 12.
The follow up event at the Moakurarua Stream catchment, will be held at Andre and Doreen De Haan's sheep and beef farm at 297 Bromley Rd, Honikiwi, from 10am to 2pm.
The De Haan's involvement in the field day comes after they attended a council drop-in day last year and expressed interest in being involved in a farm plan process.
Topics will include enhancing wetlands and pole planting for stabilising slopes.
The field days follow an announcement late last year that the Waikato River Authority is planning to provide the council with up to $1.5 million over three years for implementation of projects identified in the recently released Waipā Catchment Plan. The plan is aimed at contributing to the restoration and protection of the Waipā River.
Those interested in attending the field day should email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call him on 0800 800 401.
For more information on the catchment plan, visit www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/waipaplan
