More ‘misery’ on the way 

Taranaki-King Country MP Barbara Kuriger

The Government is about to pile “up to $100 million of unnecessary compliance costs onto farmers” because its freshwater regulations are more than a year overdue, National’s Agriculture spokespeople Barbara Kuriger and Joseph Mooney say.

Kuriger says under Environment Minister David Parker’s regulations, farmers must have a certified freshwater farm plan for winter grazing on sloping land – or obtain a resource consent.

“Two years after the regulations were passed, the Ministry for the Environment has not completed the framework allowing farmers to certify freshwater farm plans. Officials have indicated the framework will not be ready this year.

“The regulations have already been delayed by David Parker twice, but are now due to come into force in November. Because the guidelines will not be ready, many thousands of farmers will have no alternative but to apply for resource consents for their winter grazing.”

She believes says officials say as many 10,000 resource consents will be required, but industry estimates are higher and each application could cost up to $10,000.

“The total cost to New Zealand’s farmers could be $100 million if David Parker continues to sit on his hands.

Joseph Mooney said farmers were already facing the highest inflation in more than 30 years and sharply rising interest rates.

He said forcing farmers to apply for consents was unlikely to achieve any environmental gains.

Mooney said the minister should put the new regulations on hold for a further 12 months.

The call echoes one made by ACT’s  Primary Industries spokesperson Mark Cameron.

More Recent News

LGNZ goes eight down

STOP PRESS Waipa wins the Super Engaged – Tū Hononga Award for ‘Ahu Ake, Waipā Community Spatial Plan’. Ahu Ake is Waipā District Council’s bold, 30+ year vision shaped hand-in-hand with mana whenua and the…

Project has old school ties

A new film centred on Hamilton’s Fairfield College has deep connections spanning the Waikato, Waipā and King Country. Telling the story of Fairfield College, ‘Kukutaaruhe – Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho’ – treasures of the past…

Val was an RSA trailblazer

Talk to anyone about Val Brett and you’ll find she was known as particularly diligent and organised, an irrepressibly ‘no-nonsense’ contributor to her community. What is probably less known is the fact that Val, who…

School bands star in Sydney

Cambridge High School’s Concert Band and Jazz Band have returned from the Australian International Music Festival in Sydney with outstanding results. The Concert Band received a Silver Award, while the Jazz Band earned a prestigious…