Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has welcomed an investment of $165,000 from Crown Irrigation Investments to scope irrigation scheme options in Northland.

“This is great news for a region that has suffered numerous droughts over the years,” says Mr Guy.

“Storing water means we can use it in dry spells, giving farmers and growers certainty and a real boost to the local economy.” 

Northland Regional Council are also investing in the study which will focus on potential irrigation options in the mid North and Kaipara areas.

“Agriculture and horticulture play a major part in Northland’s economy. Last year the Ministry for Primary Industries contributed $75,000 towards a report examining the potential of irrigation in Northland and this is another important step forward.

“The report identified that with a reliable water supply, Northland has a natural advantage for high-value horticulture as the climate allows the growth of sub-tropical fruit.

“We know that any increase in horticulture generates a major increase in employment because of the high amount of labour per hectare required.”

The potential of irrigation and water storage is highlighted in the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan which was launched in February this year.  

“So far there has only been limited irrigation development in the region.  As a Government we are strong supporters of irrigation and water storage because it can be a major boost to regional development, creating jobs and exports.

“A recent report by NZIER found that irrigation contributes $2.2 billion to the national economy and this has the potential to grow even further.

“Modern irrigation infrastructure also has the potential to improve the environmental, social and recreational outcomes from the use and management of our water, within a strong regulatory framework.”

Crown Irrigation Investments provides both development funding and construction capital to irrigation schemes across New Zealand.

A long-term plan for the future management of New Zealand’s most valuable snapper fishery has been accepted by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy today.

“The Snapper 1 Management Plan is the result of more than two years hard work by the SNA1 Strategy Group, which is made up of members from the customary, recreational and commercial fishing sectors,” says Mr Guy.

“This fishery includes Bay of Plenty, the Hauraki Gulf and the eastern coast of Northland and is one of our most iconic inshore fisheries. It’s pleasing to have a range of perspectives sitting around the table and coming up with a long term plan for maximising the benefits for everyone.”

A draft plan was released in September this year and went out for public discussion, including public meetings and hui.

The final report has a strong focus on improving fishing practices, minimising waste and gathering accurate information. The recommendations include:

Aiming to achieve a biomass target of 40 per cent of the unfished state by 2040, with an aim of 30 per cent by 2025 A review conducted by 2021 with updated stock information Educate all fishers on ways to avoid juvenile fish and increase survival rates of snapper released Close monitoring including analysis of catch levels by all sectors.

“I want to thank the members of this group for working constructively on this plan. It is the first time a joint approach like this has been taken by the users of this important fishery.”

The group was chaired by Sir Ian Barker QC with three members each from the commercial, recreational and customary sectors. Officials from MPI and NIWA scientists also supported the group.

“Establishing this SNA1 Strategy Group was an important part of the changes I announced in 2013 to continue the rebuild of the Snapper 1 stock for future generations.

“The aim is for this report to be a living document so that people can continue to input and give feedback. An advisory group with representatives from all sectors will continue the group’s work.”

A full copy of the report is available at http://www.mpi.govt.nz/document-vault/13801

The release of a proposed new spatial plan for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park has been welcomed by Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy and Conservation Minister Maggie Barry.

The Sea Change/Tai Timu Tai Pari marine spatial plan, designed to secure a healthy, productive and sustainable future for the Hauraki Gulf, is the result of three years’ work by the Sea Change group, representing mana whenua, councils, local conservationists, businesses, recreational fishers and the Government.

Dr Smith says the Government will establish a process to formally consider the plan, before developing and consulting on recommendations on how to implement it.

“We are keen to work with all those with interests in the Hauraki Gulf and intend to talk to them early in the New Year about how they will be involved to ensure the ongoing success of the Sea Change process.”

Mr Guy says the plan is an aspirational, non-binding and non-statutory document and, as such, will need to be carefully considered.

“It will be particularly important to weigh up recommendations that could impact the rights and interests of stakeholders and industry. This is a shared fishery of great importance to recreational, commercial and customary fishers.

“I want to acknowledge the Sea Change group for their passion for the Hauraki Gulf.”

Ms Barry says the plan is a significant first step toward restoring a healthy and abundant Hauraki Gulf, and is a comprehensive response to the environmental challenges it faces.

“I’m pleased the plan proposes to enhance the biodiversity of the Gulf by restoring and protecting habitats, including through 14 new proposed marine protected areas.

“The plan sets a platform for positive change in the marine environment and the Government will give it full consideration.”

The Government has welcomed news that milk tankers and other essential freight will be given priority access in and out of Kaikoura on the inland road (route 70) from next week.

The NZ Transport Agency established a schedule of controlled access this week after control of the road was formally transferred to the Transport Agency by the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

Weather depending, the first trip by full milk tankers will take place next Monday.

“While the inland road between Kaikoura and Mt Lyford is still a very fragile and hazardous route, crews have been working hard to clear the road of more than 50 slips to get it to a state where it can now be used safely, with vehicles travelling in supervised convoys,” Transport Minister Simon Bridges says.

“From the day of the earthquake our key priority has been re-establishing access to Kaikoura. We remain committed to re-connecting these communities and getting the region back on its feet – this is another step in that process,” Mr Bridges says.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says the continuing progress to secure the inland route and open up access was especially important for the region’s farmers.

“The Transport Agency has been working closely with primary industries including Fonterra to make sure that vehicles such as milk tankers are able to get into Kaikoura to collect milk from farms along the route and bring it out to market.

“The NZTA is rightly treating these trips as an essential service for Kaikoura, providing access in what is a restricted environment, which is great news for everyone in the region.

“This has been a difficult time for farmers who have had to discharge milk onto their land in a controlled way. I want to thank them for their patience.”

Mr Bridges says work is also continuing at pace to clear slips on State Highway 1 south of Kaikoura.

“We are making much better progress than expected at this point in the recovery and as a result it is anticipated the road will be opened much sooner,” Mr Bridges says.

“The Transport Agency is aiming to restore controlled, single lane access for residents and essential services on the road by mid-December, dependent on weather and any further earthquakes,” Mr Bridges says.

Details of the daily travel schedule for the inland road (route 70) and information on how to register are available here:  https://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information/travel-information-for-canterbury-and-marlborough-regions/

Racing Minister Nathan Guy has announced new funding of $697,193 from the latest round of the Racing Safety Development Fund today, along with reappointing Penny Mudford as Chair of the group.

The grants are made available from the Racing Safety Development Fund which provides $1 million annually to racecourse safety across two funding rounds. Funding is matched dollar-for-dollar with contributions from racing clubs.

This year’s first funding round has supported a wide range of infrastructure projects including replacement running rails, an equine ambulance, a replacement stable block, and a greyhound starting box canopy.

“The fund plays an important role in improving the safety of the racing industry for animals, staff and the wider public. In many areas these facilities are widely used by the community throughout the year.”

Mr Guy also announced the reappointment of Penny Mudford as Chair of the Racing Safety Development Fund industry working group.

“Penny has extensive governance experience in the public and private sectors as well as strong mediation skills.”

Since its inception in 2007/08, the Racing Safety Development Fund has provided around $9 million to projects which improve safety and upgrade facilities in the racing industry. 

There are around 140 active racing clubs and nearly 70 racecourses around the country.

The next funding round for the Racing Safety Development Fund opens for applications on 15 February 2017 and closes on 31 March 2017.

Applications for funding from the primary industries Earthquake Relief Fund are now open, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced today.

“Recently we announced a $4 million fund for uninsurable on-farm infrastructure repairs in the Hurunui, Kaikoura and Marlborough districts. Applications are now open and will close at the end of February, and I’m hopeful the panel will make an initial assessment of some applications before Christmas,” says Mr Guy.

“Criteria for applications has been released which includes re-establishment of uninsurable assets like water infrastructure and opening up tracks, culverts and farm bridges.

“There will one Assessment Panel across the three districts, including the Mayor of each region and representatives from Federated Farmers, Rural Support Trusts, the Ministry for Primary Industries, and independent farm consultants.

“Any grants will be a contribution towards repairs, covering a maximum of 50% of costs. There will be an excess of $5,000 and capped at $50,000 per applicant.

“Applicants need to provide information including evidence of impacts and assessments of costs, ideally with photographs. Those who have already paid for work should keep a full record of your receipts and invoices.

“In these first few weeks the priority for most farmers is assessing the damage and working out what needs to be done. However people shouldn’t wait for the earthquake relief fund to make essential repairs and can apply for the fund at any stage of repair. Contact EQC for your dwelling, and your insurer as soon as possible.

“The process for this fund is similar to that used after last year’s Taranaki-Horizons storm, which a subsequent review found to have worked well.

“Farmers will also welcome new legislation which proposes that emergency works to farm properties become permitted activities until 30 March 2017.”

Mr Guy made the announcement while in North Canterbury today before visiting Kaikoura again and local farmers around Woodchester.

Application forms, criteria and full membership of the Assessment Panel can be found on the Marlborough District Council website: http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/Services/Emergency-Management/Emergency-Events/eq2016/PIERF.

Completed forms should be sent to pierf@marlborough.govt.nz and these will be coordinated prior to the panel meeting.

Three Rural Recovery Coordinators funded by the Government have also been confirmed – Jo Buckner (lead) in North Canterbury, Chris Faulls in Marlborough and Colin Nimmo in Kaikoura.

Anyone requiring information and support should call their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP) or the Government Helpline on 0800 779 997. Also Federated Farmers are coordinating offers of help and requests specifically for farmers via 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646).

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy is welcoming a new report showing a 40 per cent growth in horticulture export earnings since 2014.

The strong results are highlighted in Horticulture New Zealand and the New Zealand Horticulture Export Authority (HEA)’s report New Zealand Horticulture – Barriers to Our Export Trade which is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and NZ Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust.

“Horticulture is a star performer of the New Zealand economy with export revenue just under $5 billion, making it one of our most important industries,” says Mr Guy.

“The report highlights that tariffs on exported produce have come down by 22 percent since 2012, which is good news but there is still more to be done. Reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers are a big priority for the Government.

“Horticulture has a goal of being a $10 billion industry by 2020 and they are well on the way. They are now New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry and employ 60,000 people in New Zealand.

“It’s very fitting for this report to be released on the day when Horticulture New Zealand is celebrating 100 years of representing growers, starting as the New Zealand Fruitgrowers Federation in 1916.

“This week we are also likely to see the Horticulture Export Authority Amendment Bill pass it’s final reading, providing a framework for producers and exporters to collaborate in export marketing their products.”

The Executive Summary of the report is available on the Horticulture Export Authority website.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy today announced $950,000 in government support for Southland’s aquaculture industry.

Aquaculture is a key focus of the Southland Regional Development Strategy Action Plan, which aims to diversify Southland’s economy, grow the population and strengthen local business.

“Southland’s climate and ocean conditions lend themselves to sustainable and efficient production of high quality seafood. There is a great opportunity here to build an internationally competitive industry that will create a range of skilled, non-seasonal jobs for the region,” Mr Joyce says.

“The Government has already contributed $200,000 to scientific surveys that identified potential areas for finfish aquaculture.

“An additional $750,000 will now be made available to fund the significant amount of further scientific and social research that will be required to determine the environmental and cultural suitability of sites in Stewart Island.”

Mr Guy says aquaculture is a high value industry and the Government would like to see the industry’s contribution grow, for the benefit of Southland and the wider economy.

“Marine farming technologies are advancing and ever more able to create new production and harvesting methods and high value products, which will help Southland diversify and reduce any dependence on commodities.

“This is an opportunity that will require collaboration across central and local government, support from the local community and private investment.”

The Southland Regional Development Strategy Action Plan has been developed by the region with central government support. It forms part of the Government’s Regional Growth Programme, which looks to increase jobs, income and investment in regional New Zealand. Individual actions in the plan are led by various different agencies.

The new funding is provided by the Ministry for Primary Industries. More information is available here.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy today announced a $520,000 boost for Southland’s primary sector.

The funding supports the Southland Regional Development Strategy Action Plan, which aims to diversify Southland’s economy, grow the population and strengthen local business.

“Agriculture is well-established in Southland and is the largest contributor to the region’s GDP,” Mr Joyce says. “The key to strengthening the regional economy will be diversify land use and find innovative and sustainable ways to lift productivity.

“In October AgResearch announced that they will invest $5 million of government funding in the Southern Dairy Hub, a new research and demonstration farm that will ensure the local dairy sector can continually benefit from access to the latest science.”

“As part of the Southland action plan, the Ministry for Primary Industries will be contributing a further $220,000 to sustainably increase beef and sheep productivity through a programme that will develop the skills and capability of farmers and promote the uptake of improved farming systems and practices. A particular focus of this programme will be expanding new ventures, such as dairy-beef production and sheep milking,” says Mr Guy.

“Any productivity gains in agriculture must be underpinned by reliable long-term access to water. To this end we will be contributing $300,000 to the development and delivery of Southland’s People, Water and Land Strategy to maintain and improve freshwater quality.

“The strategy is already underway and is designed to foster collaboration and accelerate adoption of good water management practice amongst all land users. Teams made up of recreational users, farmers and representatives from Environment Southland and community groups will manage Southland's priority catchments through joint work programmes.

“The major primary industries may soon be constrained by environmental limits, so implementing a water strategy that has buy-in from sector groups is a priority for the region, with wide-ranging benefits.” 

The Southland Regional Development Strategy Action Plan has been developed by the region with central government support. It forms part of the Government’s Regional Growth Programme, which looks to increase jobs, income and investment in regional New Zealand. Individual actions in the plan are led by various different agencies.

More information is available here.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy today announced government support for a new regional growth plan to bolster the Southland economy.

The Southland Regional Development Strategy Action Plan was developed by the Southland Regional Development Strategy Governance Group and is supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Programme, which aims to increase jobs, incomes and investment in regional New Zealand.

“Southland has a relatively small economy which relies on a limited number of industries. While the regional population is growing, for the past ten years population growth has been significantly slower than in the rest of the country,” Mr Joyce says.

“Southland has laid out a clear and coherent plan to diversify the regional economy, grow the population by 10,000 people by 2025, and strengthen local business.

“To help achieve these goals, the region has identified opportunities to grow sectors like tourism and international education. These will be underpinned by work to train or attract more skilled workers and improve water management, digital connectivity and transport infrastructure.”

Mr Guy says though Southland is currently heavily dependent on dairy, sheep and beef farming, key focus areas for the future include aquaculture and other primary industries.

“Aquaculture is already an important contributor to the Southland economy and the region has strong aspirations to see that contribution grow sustainably and create more jobs and high-value products,” Mr Guys says.

“Agriculture is also a well-established industry in the region, but a stronger local economy can be created by promoting greater land use diversification – increasing sheep milk and dairy beef production, for example.

“Improvements in sustainable on-farm performance have the potential to produce significant gains. Initiatives in the plan to this effect include the Southern Dairy Hub, sheep and beef productivity improvements and a collaborative and multi-faceted approach to water management.”

Local and central government, businesses and iwi worked together to develop the plan, which was informed by the Southland Regional Development Strategy, published by the Southland Mayoral Forum in 2015. Implementation of the plan will be led by the Southland Regional Development Strategy Governance Group, with individual actions coordinated and led by different groups and agencies as appropriate.

More information on the Southland Regional Action Plan and the Regional Growth Programme can be found here: http://www.mbie.govt.nz/info-services/sectors-industries/regions-cities/...