Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, December 2023

December 2023 edition

Farm a family affair Pages 6–7

FoodHQ makes Manawatū home base

Growing beautiful blooms

P2

Freshwater feedback timeframe extended P4

P16

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December 2023 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

The Manawatu Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.

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FoodHQ makes Manawatū home base

Ten years in operation were celebrated in style when FoodHQ launched a new physical office in Palmerston North recently.

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Dr Victoria Hatton addresses the crowd during the launch of the new office in Palmerston North

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The office, located in the building previously home to The Factory, is right in the heart of the science precinct of the city, creating a home for agrifood in the Manawatū. FoodHQ has taken on the lease from AgResearch.

FoodHQ CEO Dr Victoria Hatton is excited that the physical presence will help to provide visibility to the organisation and demystify what FoodHQ does at a pivotal time in its development.

“FoodHQ represents the largest collaboration of food science and innovation in New Zealand. Its vision is to build a truly sustainable food system in New Zealand that is equitable, innovative and export-focussed.”

“This will be achieved by bringing people together to realise our collective food innovation potential and create more value faster,” she said.

“In the past six to nine months, we have done a lot of rethinking and reimagining to better understand what we want to be known for in the marketplace.

“Across the FoodHQ partnership, we have the power to shape the future of food with the research, science and innovation happening in the sector. The ability to take a physical stand and say this is us and where we are is exciting, and it is poignant that this is 10 years on from the initiation of FoodHQ.” Dr Hatton said that the FoodHQ team have great ideas for the space, with the intention of creating a thriving hub where people

can come and talk about all things food.

There are also plans to grow edible plants everywhere to embody the living, breathing agrifood ecosystem they are part of.

The release of the Manawatū Regional Food Strategy aligns with FoodHQ’s desire to establish Manawatū as the food basket of New Zealand. The new look FoodHQ was unveiled at a private evening launch event on Wednesday, December 13 in its new building. The event also provided attendees with further insight into the Manawatū Regional Food Strategy, which was officially released at the event.

The regional strategy was commissioned by the Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA), in collaboration with the Palmerston North City Council and Manawatū District Council, along with an extensive group of partners and stakeholders. It identified the region’s position in the agrifood ecosystem, including how the region can best contribute to the New Zealand food story.

CEDA CEO Jerry Shearman said the strategy sets a shared vision for the region, ensuring a bright future for food and agriculture and guiding stakeholders across the ecosystem from field to consumer.

“The success of the strategy, though, relies on a focussed implementation plan, which we are beginning to roll out now.”

Mr Shearman said CEDA is looking forward to supporting FoodHQ in its new endeavour.

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December 2023

Flood protection work hits milestones

3

As the new construction season ramps up, Horizons Regional Council’s work to improve flood protection and climate resilience continues to hit milestones.

The sum of $210 million was committed by the government as part of Budget 2020 for climate resilience and flood protection across the country.

Horizons received $26.9 million from Kānoa — Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit.

Last month, the Kānoa Climate Resilience Advisory Board visited some of Horizons’ climate resilience infrastructure projects.

Horizons group manager catchment operations, Dr John Roygard, said the suite of projects in the Foxton, Rangitīkei, lower Manawatū and Palmerston North areas will provide resilience for many people in various locations.

“The funding from Kānoa enabled us to do this work much sooner than we otherwise would have, providing additional protection for hundreds of people, properties and businesses, as well as key infrastructure such as roads.

“The local economy and workforce also benefit from these projects, with the funding helping to provide employment and development opportunities both internally and for contractors across the Horizons region. We are also working with iwi and hapū, as well as community groups, to create positive social outcomes.”

Dr Roygard said construction of rock armouring along the Manawatū River near Te Matai Road, between Ashhurst and Palmerston North, is nearly complete.

Horizons Regional Council continues to work on several flood protection and climate resilience projects in the region

“This project will help to keep homes, businesses, infrastructure and productive land safe by strengthening the existing stopbank to prevent undermining.

“Other climate resilience infrastructure projects are in the construction phase, including a site near the end of Albert Street, Palmerston North. This project involves building a 210m-long rock armouring structure along one side of the Manawatū River to increase

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flood protection for a large part of the Hokowhitu suburb.

“The Manawatū River shared pathway in this area is popular with the public, especially as we move into summer. We appreciate people’s patience while we operate in the area to get this work done, especially as some work depends on the river below certain heights.”

Work is also underway at Scotts Ferry to create a more resilient track on the stopbank.

“Other projects are far along in the planning phase, including one designed to upgrade ageing infrastructure along the Mangaone Stream through Palmerston North.”

Further information about Horizons’ climate resilience infrastructure projects is available at horizons.govt.nz.

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December 2023 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

G N I W L O U GR F I T S U M A O E O B BL

BY

ISE DEN

N

GUN

Alisha Jacobs’ passion for growing flowers began to bloom shortly after she was given a cactus dahlia.

A

round the same time, after 18 years of working in the hospitality industry, Alisha was looking for a career change. She began to consider a dahlia farm.

“I then got thinking more in detail and knew just dahlias wouldn’t work on their own,” she said.

“I would need to add more variety of flowers to make bouquets, and that is how the flower farm came about. I had no previous horticulture experience but always admired my nana’s and mum’s gardens.”

Alisha enjoyed building her garden from scratch when she and her husband Jared bought their home four years ago.

“I always loved and did well at horticulture in high school.”

Living in town, with just a section to grow on, even though Jared told her she could dig up the front lawn, was the initial challenge.

Fortunately, relatives offered Alisha some land on their property just north of Feilding.

“My aunty and uncle were kind enough to lend me a paddock to start my flowers.

The land was previously used for sheep and beef farming, so it was literally just a raw paddock.”

In 2020, Alisha began the groundwork for her flower farm, naming it Blooming Beautiful Flower Farm. “My first year was a trial year just making sure everything would grow all right.”

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Alisha’s Blooming Beautiful Flower Farm began as a bare paddock, previously used for sheep and beef farming

The following year, Alisha added another four rows and started selling bouquets in a couple of cafes and

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markets. She also tutored dried wreath workshops, combining rustic wreaths and blooms.

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Alisha Jacobs began the groundwork for her flower farm in 2020

A bouquet of freshly picked flowers

A basket of dahlias ready for sale

Alisha is adding another three rows to grow flowers

“Coming into the third year, I am currently working on adding another three rows for more dahlias and will now be at capacity.”

More than 50 dahlia varieties are growing in Alisha’s flower farm. “Dahlias are my passion and love. I have over 50 varieties and will be growing around 1,000 dahlia plants this year. I also grow a few perennials, chrysanthemums, roses and a wide variety of annuals.”

Alisha finds the biggest challenge is fitting everything into her day. “Working my normal job, being a mum and wife, and doing the flower farm on my own. Having good time management and a plan for the week is key to getting as much done as possible.”

All of Alisha’s annuals are started from seed, which she then raises and transplants out into the field. She saves as many seeds as possible and uses them the following season. “I also sell seeds.”

October and November is the busiest time of year on Alisha’s flower farm as she plants dahlia tubers and thousands of annual seedlings.

“December is a bit of maintenance work pinching dahlia to encourage more flowers per plant.”

Netting is also put up to support each plant, resulting in straighter stems and stronger plants. During the busy growing season, when flowers are in full bloom,

Alisha holds pick-your-own days, attends markets, and makes bouquets. Her flowers are sold at the Local Backyard Cafe and Bakery in Ashhurst, Beyond Coffee Cafe in Feilding, and the Hokowhitu Farmers Market, which is held on the first Sunday of each month.

“I will be trying Whanganui River Markets every Saturday. I do small weddings and custom bouquets on request. I also do flower subscriptions, sell seeds, dahlia tubers, dried all-natural Christmas balls, custom bouquets, buckets of blooms for weddings and hold workshops.”

Instagram and Facebook are helpful tools for promoting her business. Although

Alisha doesn’t yet have a glasshouse or tunnel house, she hopes to be able to purchase one next year. For now, she is a seasonal flower farmer.

“My season generally runs from September to the end of April, but this is weather-dependent.”

Eventually, Alisha and her family plan to move from town, buy their own land and make the flower farm a permanent fixture. It will also help with Alisha’s progression to becoming a full-time flower farmer.

“Watching the flower farm grow every year and new ideas developing every season is exciting,” she said.

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December 2023 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

FARM

A FAMILY AFFAIR

BY DENISE GUNN

The Curtis family have farmed their Rangiwahia property since 2008, establishing Riverlee Hereford and Angus studs.

S

ince buying the 560ha farm, Murray and Fiona Curtis have involved their children, Aaron, Laura and Aiden, every step of the way.

The oldest, Aaron, did cropping and tractor work on the property before moving to Northland. He is now employed by an earthmoving contractor.

When not studying towards a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at Lincoln University, Laura helps out on the farm and has a keen interest in the stud. With

a strong passion for genetics, Laura plans to specialise in and pursue this once she has completed her four-year degree.

She also enjoys working with horses and hunting.

Aiden boards at Palmerston North Boys’ High School during the week, spending the weekends and school holidays on the farm. He particularly enjoys mustering and hunting. With the Ruahine Ranges on the family’s doorstep, Aiden has plenty of options for deerstalking.

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In 2012, the Curtises first registered, vetted in-calf Hereford heifers were purchased from the Clements family of Matapouri Herefords in Northland. The following year, they bought a second lot.

Laura said Herefords were chosen for their temperament and ability to turn rough grass into meat. There are currently 180 Hereford stud cows on Riverlee. Two years ago, the family purchased their first Angus cows and heifers from the Rangatira Angus dispersal sale on the east coast.

The stud’s sale ended a 60-year era breeding Angus.

“Us kids were keen to have a go at stud breeding, so we decided to have a go with Angus,” said Laura. A second lot of Angus heifers were purchased from Te Whanga dispersal sale in April 2023.”

Fifty-five Angus cows and heifers calved on the farm in September. The stud’s calving percentage, which sits at 98%, provides the Curtises with a breeding performance indication of their Hereford and Angus herds’ reproductive efficiency.

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Murray and Fiona ear tagging calves at Riverlee

“All weaners are run through winter, and yearling heifers are run with the bull. Top heifers are run with the Hereford bull, and surplus heifers are run with the Angus bull and sold on for breeding.”

All cattle on Riverlee are registered. In addition to the home property, Riverlee Downs, the family also farm 320ha in lease blocks. As the home farm is situated between 500 to 630 metres above sea level, snow falls a couple of times each year. The average annual rainfall is between 1,000–1,100mm.

The herds run alongside Romney Coopworths, chosen for heartiness, fertility and milking ability. Current stock numbers include 3,100 ewes, 40 rams and 980 hoggets. Laura said 500 of the hoggets are lambed.

“The A mob ewes are run with maternal breed rams, which are Romney Coopworth.

B mob ewes are run with terminal breed rams, which are Poll Dorsets. Hoggets are run with Southdown rams.

“We sell our lambs to a dollar sign. So, depending on the market, they are either sold fat or store.”

Since moving on to the farm, a reticulated water system has been put in place, with at least one water trough now in every paddock. Improvements have also been made to the original fencing as well as subdivision of paddocks and fencing off wetlands. The hill country paddocks have undergone extensive regrassing and a capital fertiliser programme. Up to 15ha of kale and sweet crop is grown as supplementary feed for winter.

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Laura helps out on the farm when she isn’t studying at Lincoln University

Laura said starting up their cattle stud as a family, holding the first bull sale, and selling genetics to other farms have all been farming highlights.

“Also getting to sell our genetics to other farms.”

Raising fertility rates and lamb survival figures, together with lowering

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animal health costs, have all improved profitability. “There is zero worm drenching in adult sheep and cattle,” she said.

Continuing to improve the farm’s financial position and stock production are among the family’s short-term plans. Succession planning for future generations is also underway.

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December 2023 MANAWATU FArmING LIFeSTYLeS

by Denise Gunn

Feilding and district to celebrate 150th anniversary

Feilding and district is gearing up to celebrate its 150th anniversary next year with an extensive line-up of events.

Planning for the celebration began in April when a committee of volunteers formed to support Feilding Promotion in the event organisation. The wider community has also been involved, suggesting ideas for the commemoration.

Manawatū District mayor Helen Worboys said she is looking forward to the commemoration.

“It will be an honour to be part of this historical marking of the development of our much-loved town and surrounding areas. One where we can come together as one and remember all those who have made Feilding what it is today.”

The three-day celebration, which runs from Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 3, will begin with a dawn service and pou unveiling by local iwi. A military parade will also be held during the day. A reenactment of a sheep pen sale from more than a century ago will take place at the

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Manchester Square in Feilding during the early 1900s

Feilding Saleyards. A special Feilding Farmer’s Market in Manchester Square will be held, too.

The Manchester Block dinner, to be held Friday evening, will follow a through the decades theme. Tickets for the dinner are available now through Feilding Promotion or feilding.co.nz/150-yearfeilding-district-manawatu.

School pupils are encouraged to draw pictures and write stories describing what Feilding and district will look like in 2050. Their contributions will be placed in a time chest on Saturday’s Heritage Family Fun Day. “It will then be sealed up

and the challenge for the children will be to open it up in 2050.”

A community mural is another project involving school pupils and a local artist.

The mural to be attached to the exterior wall of the Civic Centre, will be unveiled for the weekend of celebrations.

“We want to include our youth as much as possible as this is about them going into the future,” said mayor Worboys.

The Heritage Family Fun Day will feature an array of events and competitions. On Sunday, March 3, the Feilding Christian Leaders Network will hold a Heritage Community Church Service. A tree

planting ceremony is planned to mark the 150th commemoration, and a Through the Ages street parade will make its way around the town centre.

Throughout the commemoration, historic walks and tours will take place, displays and stories will be available at the Coach House Museum, and Feilding’s heritage buildings will be lit up at night.

“We know there are lots of churches, groups and organisations planning their own 150-year events next year as well.

This weekend is the official event but, by no means, the only event that will happen.

It’s really a year-long event,” Worboys said.

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Beating the summer dry

by Liz Clark

December 2023

9

With summer temperatures rising nationwide, drought-proofing the garden is essential for the farm and lifestyle block.

Cover the soil Bare soil is a recipe for rapid moisture loss caused by prevailing winds and dry conditions, resulting in more watering to keep the vegetable and ornamental plants alive. Applying a five-centimetre deep layer of mulch, such as post peelings, pea straw, or even newspaper, will help retain moisture for longer periods of time.

Applying too much mulch could prevent air and water from getting into the soil and should be applied lightly. Before adding any mulch, add generous amounts of compost to the garden. It will help retain moisture in the soil for longer. Water everything well before adding the final mulch layer on top, avoiding trunks, stems and leaves.

Water conservation With most rural properties relying on tanks or bores, conserving water during extreme dry can be challenging. Deep watering in the early morning or evening, two or three times a week, will help send plant roots deeper into the soil. A good soaking rather than a short sprinkling is always the way to go.

Using a sprinkler system in the garden is one of the most inefficient ways to water plants — 30–50 per cent moisture loss is common. The spray also will go where it’s not needed and result in unwanted weeds growing where they are not wanted. A drip irrigation system is the

Choosing drought-resistant plants such as lavender will save water and time

most effective way to deliver water directly to the root systems while saving water and time. Choosing a good-quality set-up will mean a long-lasting system without the issues associated with cheaper, more leak-prone products.

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Other plants that love the dry include proteas, waratahs, leucadendrons, achillea, dianthus, gazania and lavender.

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Gone by Christmas lunchtime

by Andy Bryenton

Many of the looming regulatory changes which undermined farming sector confidence have been signalled for the chop by the new coalition government, but where does that leave those making long-term plans for their rural land?

Don Brash coined the term ‘gone by lunchtime’ over his long-ago plans to scrap anti-nuclear accords. The coalition’s schemes to do away with the replacement of the Resource Management Act, Significant Natural Areas, the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management, and Three Waters-related legislation have met with more public support.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s going to go, and what that could mean.

‘We will cease the implementation of new SNAs and seek advice on the operation of existing SNAs as part of the government’s programme to reform the RMA,’ says the wording of the coalition deal, which put a triumvirate of ACT, NZ First and National into power.

The SNA stoush has been longrunning, and farmers felt they would be penalised for protecting natural taonga on their privately owned land. Many opined that expanding the existing QEII schemes already in operation would be superior to what was called a ‘land grab’ by opponents.

Live export bans are being lifted. Both NZ First and ACT pushed for this change to animal welfare laws, reinstating livestock export. Since the practice was banned in 2022, those in the industry have been working to improve animal

welfare standards and hoping to resume the trade.

“We’ve done a lot of work on that, and the other concern is what happens to the animals when they arrive in the market, so we need to have a good discussion around how we can provide that information back so that people’s fears that animal welfare isn’t at the forefront are alleviated,” said Livestock Export New Zealand chairperson Mark Willis.

The clean car tax and so-called ute tax are consigned to the scrap heap meaning that those living in rural areas with little electric vehicle support or practicality will no longer subsidise wealthy city-dwellers into new EVs. The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management is perhaps the issue most worrying to farmers, eclipsing even the RMA reforms that will, according to the coalition, now be replaced by a streamlined building system designed around ‘enjoying property rights.’

The freshwater management plan will be replaced, but hopes among opponents of the NPS are that it will prove less restrictive. Some regional councils proposed its implementation would see mandatory one-metre setbacks from all waterways and a ban on farming on slopes above 20 degrees.

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Joint problems — dealing with the causes (Part two)

by John Arts

Most people will experience Osteoarthritis (OA) in their lifetime. OA was referred to as ‘wear and tear arthritis’ or similar, which gave the impression that over time, cartilage ‘wears out’ like slowly rubbing sandpaper on wood.

The cause of cartilage loss is complex and is much more than cartilage wearing away. Cartilage is lost when the specialised cells that live in cartilage, called chondrocytes, are damaged. This damage can come from trauma or by a slow process of free radical damage to chondrocytes.

As chondrocytes die, they cannot maintain cartilage, which slowly disintegrates. It can be accelerated by certain enzymes (MMPs), which can be triggered by trauma.

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This is secreted by chondrocytes as they repair cartilage. Adding therapeutic levels of CS can help protect chondrocytes and further help to restore damaged cartilage.

Maintaining good levels of CS is critical for joint health as it helps to maintain both the strength (resistance) and flexibility.

Adding supplemental CS is, in my opinion, the single most effective method of preserving and maintaining cartilage health, even if the joint is showing signs of OA. That is supported by several international organisations,

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SUPPORT LOCAL Berry summer harvest

by Amy Fifita

The holiday season is also the season for many fruits; they can be picked from the plant or bought on the side of the road at honesty boxes.

The supermarket alternative of freshly picked fruit and vegetables is often cheaper when buying from honesty boxes.

There is security in knowing that the fruity goodness was harvested within a short walk from the purchase spot.

If road-tripping around Manawatū with a keen eye, travellers will unearth a treasure basket of food from local farmers. For those who like a challenge, try making a meal from honesty box goodies. Explorers can find vegetables, fruit and other tasty delights when traversing the region.

For a more involved experience, some horticulturalists give people the opportunity to gather produce from their orchards. Children can learn and understand where their food comes from and have the joy of harvesting fruit, too.

People can gather berries to eat fresh, freeze and make jam or other creations at home.

Nestled in the Pohangina Valley is an orchard where visitors can pick berries at Blue Acres Blueberries. Harvesters must bring containers and cash. The farm is located at 201 Pohangina Valley

“On a road-trip around Manawatū, travellers will unearth a treasure basket of food from local farmers.”

Enjoy the summer berries throughout the Manawatū region harvesting season and pick your own

East Road. Berry hunters also have the opportunity to browse the orchard’s selection of frozen and fresh produce.

Delta Gardens Flower Shop 424 has raspberries to be picked from the plant.

The garden caters to the floristry part of the business and other produce for selfharvesting. As well as raspberries, there are peas, potatoes, carrots and lemons to

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forage. It is cash only. Gatherers can find it at 151 Walkers Road, Palmerston North.

Windermere Berry Farm offers guests the country experience. Visitors

can pick fresh blueberries in the orchards, spend time with alpacas and indulge in the culinary delights at the Windermere Cafe. Those resisting the heat should taste the refreshing fresh fruit ice cream.

Check the orchards’ Facebook pages to stay updated on if the orchard is open for harvesting because it is sometimes weather-dependent.

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SUPPORT LOCAL A wildness experience

by Amy Fifita

With the holiday period looming, many families are planning trips; it is also an opportunity to indulge in the local campsites and pristine beaches Manawatū has.

Waterfront accommodation is a temptation for some, while others may prefer the tranquil solitude of being in the middle of the wilderness. The region offers options for all sorts of explorers.

The experience can be a way to fully appreciate what the local people conserve and have to offer. The options are vast.

Before setting off, consider perusing the ground’s rules and track alerts so travellers can prepare for the trip. The Manawatū District Council has four camping site opportunities. Bartletts Ford is on the water’s edge and a popular spot for water lovers. Canine companions are allowed, and there are toilet facilities and a playground. It is free to use.

Ten minutes away is London’s Ford. It is an excellent place to park a motorhome for a couple of nights amid the scenic wonders of the Oroua River and dramatic cliffs. Dogs are allowed. This site is also free of charge, and a pump station and toilets are available.

The Putai Ngahere Domain is a campground that showcases the region’s stunning native bush life. It is a summer favourite for many travellers, with places

“This can be a way to fully appreciate what the local people conserve and have to offer.” to swim, kayak and whitewater raft. There are three camping areas for explorers to choose from. Campers can pay nightly or weekly. Adults cost $10 a night or $50 a week, and children under 12 cost $4 a night or $20 a week. Wood fires are prohibited, and there is a ban on dogs through the spring and summer months.

The Tōtara Reserve Regional Park is another riverside beauty with rolling hills and stands of stunning native trees. It showcases the Fern Walk, a two-hour venture through New Zealand bush rich with local birdlife. There are facilities for caravans and tents. Picnic areas, showers, barbecues, children’s play area and drinkable water are also on-site.

Caravans and tent stayers must pay onsite, and dogs are prohibited.

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Freshwater feedback timeframe extended

Horizons regional councillors have discussed community feedback regarding the current freshwater engagement underway and the continuation of planning until further direction is forthcoming from the government about possible reform changes.

HRC has been engaging in provisional water quality targets aiming to align with community aspirations for rivers and streams since early November as part of its approach to implementing the government’s National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020.

The council has been engaging with the community through a public roadshow that has visited each district in the Horizons Region at least once.

“The purpose of the roadshow, and the wider engagement as a whole, is to go out with the information we have available and seek feedback on provisional water quality targets,” said Horizons chief executive Michael McCartney.

“We acknowledge there is still some information yet to come, particularly in the economic modelling space, so we have let people know we would be back out again.

While some were frustrated by this gap, it’s important to remember the provisional targets are not confirmed. Hence, getting feedback is so important at every stage

Michael McCartney, Horizons Regional Council chief executive

to help inform the next steps we need to take.

“We have also heard from the primary sector and parts of our rural communities a desire to take things slowly, whereas other parts of our community have shared a belief that restoring the health of freshwater is important and shouldn’t wait.”

The engagement feedback to date was discussed by councillors who acknowledged the uncertainty and pressure communities feel.

“The council recognises the new government has signalled some possible changes to freshwater reforms. So Horizons, along with all regional councils, will be seeking the government’s position on the reforms we are currently working on and is ready to respond to any change that might arise from the new government’s direction in this space,” Mr McCartney said.

“We have heard people want more time to consider the current engagement, and in response, have decided to extend the timeframe to February 28 to submit on the provisional targets, with planning work continuing behind the scenes to progress what we need to notify within current timeframes.

“Over the years, a lot of hard mahi has gone into improving water quality by many parts of our community, and we want to continue that journey.”

To view the current round of freshwater targets engagement and make a submission, visit freshwater.horizons. govt.nz.

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WATER MATTERS Growers need drought plan

New Zealand growers and orchardists are facing what may be a tough growing season and HortNZ urges them to be prepared.

Horticulture New Zealand says that El Niño has arrived in New Zealand, and its impacts, including drought, are likely to become stronger, but with advanced warning and well-planned preparations, growers and their crops can get through.

“It’s important to make a plan and act early, and then review and revise your plan along the way. Think about the outcomes you want to achieve and set specific dates for making key decisions depending on financial, weather, soil, moisture, and crop conditions at those times.

“Under a normal El Niño, summer is likely to bring stronger or more frequent westerly winds, drier conditions in the east and more rain in the west.

“What’s different this time is that New Zealand’s weather will be affected by two weather patterns, one in the Pacific and one in the Indian Ocean. This combination brought substantial and widespread drought to New Zealand in 2019 and 2020.”

The Ministry for Primary Industries has prepared a helpful resource that explains El Niño and the predicted weather patterns this summer — this can be found on the MPI website.

17

“Irrigating your most profitable blocks first. Focussing fixed water resources on smaller areas may increase net yield compared to spreading the same volume of water across larger areas.

“Monitoring soil moisture using sensors and taking plant water stress measurements and using these to schedule irrigation and direct water to the plants that most need it.”

For more information and advice, go to hortnz.co.nz or contact your local Rural Support Trust.

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Planning ahead for the expected drought is crucial for farmers and growers

“Active monitoring enables horticultural strategies to be adjusted to manage drought conditions effectively, optimise water use, maintain crop health, and ensure long-term sustainability.

“Monitor the daily weather forecasts, seasonal forecasts, extreme weather and fire warnings. Using on-farm weather stations will allow you to closely monitor the localised weather conditions and tailor your strategy to that.

“Have a robust and realistic budget and check it frequently to manage the financial impacts of reduced crop yields

or increased costs associated with drought conditions.

HortNZ recommends that you undertake water budgeting to plan for water restrictions and use irrigation water as efficiently as possible. Consider irrigation output as well as all water inputs such as rainfall, surface water and subsurface water.

“Regularly check your irrigation systems to ensure they are well maintained, free of leaks and optimised for economical water use. Watering plants during the coolest part of the day will minimise water losses due to evaporation.

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Drip irrigators beat the heat

by Andy Bryenton

Hotter, drier summers are predicted for New Zealand in the future, with many farmers and home gardeners looking closely at irrigation techniques pioneered in the world’s driest places.

Namibia is home to the driest deserts in Africa. The world’s oldest desert, the Namib, from which the nation takes its name, and the Kalahari, which translates to ‘place of great thirst’ in the indigenous Tswana dialect. The arable land bracketing these expanses of desert is hammered by drought.

After 2019’s dry spell, the worst in 90 years, the government sought a scientific solution to make the most of limited water reserves. They found aid in an unexpected place, through the International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA didn’t propose atomic power as the answer; indeed, solar panels are part of their recipe for better farming instead. However, they did possess the tools to detect certain isotopes in the roots of plants, which can tell farmers exactly when they need water.

Using these neutron sensors and a micro-irrigation drip-feed system powered by the sun, water reserves now go four times further in the small farming villages of rural

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“The installation of the small-scale drip irrigation system with the help of the irrigation information, when and how much to apply, has helped to increase the production of crops in my farm from a one-time to almost all-year-round,” said Moses Gaeseb, a farmer from the north-eastern town of Tsumeb.

Lessons learned in arid Namibia are being

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Household drought preparation

by Ann van Engelen

With the expectation of a drought season approaching, preparation is advised for both animal, crop and household needs.

Water is a precious product, and what may seem like common sense to some people may not be known by others who are new to rural life.

First and foremost, ensure your animals have enough water at all times. Check your farm pipes and troughs periodically for leaks.

Water sources, including ponds, rivers and streams, can be greatly impacted, resulting in loss of water supply, crop damage and significant effects on the environment.

Efforts to conserve water should be made by everyone. Before, and during a drought, take steps to reduce water usage and make water conservation practises a part of your daily life. Indoor water conservation tips include avoiding pouring water down the drain. Instead, use it for watering your indoor plants or garden.

Check all plumbing, including taps, for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber. One drop each second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year. Make it a habit to use a half flush in the toilet when possible, and replace your showerhead with a low-flow version.

Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants. Take short showers, and don’t let the tap run unused. Avoid running water while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving. Rather than use sink disposal units, start a compost pile for food waste.

Plant native and drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, trees or small plants. Small plants require less water to become established. Mulch also helps to control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.

Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water and raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level.

A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.

Clean vegetables in a pot filled with water and store drinking water in the refrigerator. Rather than wasting water waiting for it to get hot, capture it for things like plant watering. Operate washing machines only when they are

Be mindful of water usage in all areas of rural and urban living

fully loaded or set the appropriate water level for the size of your load.

If watering your garden is necessary, do so early morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler, and water is less likely to evaporate. Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended, as a garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. If your water levels are low, order from a water supplier in good time to guarantee you and your animals don’t run out.

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