and to encourage farmers to do more than what’s
required by current regulation.
This project is being managed by DairyNZ and is
strongly supported by the dairy industry, including
Fonterra, Open Country
and Miraka dairy
companies, all of which
have farmer suppliers
in the catchment.
The Authority has
invested $685,000
over three years in the project with the remainder
of the $2.2 million project cost coming from
DairyNZ and central government.
Eventually, the Upper Waikato project will involve
700 dairy farmers from Huka Falls to Karapiro dam.
This project, at this scale, is a first for New Zealand. It
allows for one-on-one advice and support for every
dairy farmer in the catchment. There is no charge for
the advice which is provided by professional farm
consultants, contracted by DairyNZ.
Project leader Dr Mike Scarsbrook said while
involvement in the project is voluntary, the industry
is “strongly recommending” farmers get involved.
“Many dairy farmers are already voluntarily
undertaking a wide range of actions which are
having positive environmental outcomes and we
need to capture all that work to demonstrate
farmer stewardship.
Also, being involved
in this project will
help farmers be
better prepared for
future regulatory
change, whatever
form that takes.”
Funding support from the
Waikato River Authority is key to
the largest environmental good-
practice catchment project ever
undertaken by the dairy industry.
The Upper Waikato Sustainable Milk project is a
three-year initiative to reduce the nutrient and
sediment loads going into the river. The project
also aims to improve water use efficiency on farms
WRA supports one of the
dairy industry’s largest
environmental projects
being involved in
this project will help
farmers be better
prepared for future
regulatory change
the Upper Waikato
project will involve
700 dairy farmers
from Huka Falls to
Karapiro dam
will be available to coincide with the opening of
the funding round. Applications for funding will
close at the end of August. Projects will be divided
into large and small categories with larger projects
allocated in excess of $50,000. All Authority
funding is inclusive of GST.
As has been the case in past years the Authority is
keen to see a high level of co-funding, especially
in the larger clean-up projects. The Authority says
it will require more than just the resources of the
Waikato River Authority to see a restored and
protected river and consequently a high level of
partnership and collaboration will be needed for
ultimate success.
cover story continued...
The Waikato Regional Council says there has been
significant growth in the number of community
groups and schools becoming involved in
environmental protection programmes following
on from recent funding.
One important source of funding was the Waikato
River Authority last year providing $147,000
to Trees for Survival. This project resources a
collaboration of 15
schools to become
involved in native
planting programmes.
The regional council
says nearly half of
Waikato schools are
now involved in the Enviroschools programme,
which has seen steady growth. The council also
reported that there are now 45 landcare groups
operating in the Waikato.
More schools and community
groups take to native planting
nearly half of
Waikato schools
are now involved in
the Enviroschools
programme
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