Environment

Rick and Shirley-Ann Mannering run an integrated sheep and beef farm and two dairy operations just south of Auckland and they’re making big strides to remove pests from their bush bordering the Hunua Ranges. By Glenys Christian.

Anyone new to New Zealand or observing us from afar could be forgiven for wondering what is happening with farming regulations here. Many farmers are struggling to keep up with the growing number of regulations, requirements, policies and promises. James Hoban summarises the most prominent changes and where they have got to on the policy conveyor belt.

Sri Lanka went organic, and that, coupled with other bad policy decisions, saw the country go into bankruptcy in 2022. Soil scientist Dr Jacqueline Rowarth says we can learn from Sri Lanka’s mistakes.

The rain continues to fall in the Gisborne region and Louise Savage is just one of many who’s had enough.

Farmers are linking with solar power companies to cash in on the demand for energy. By Delwyn Dickey.

Country-Wide writers talk to farmers in the path of Cyclone Gabrielle who are still struggling to get stock out and fix fences.

By Claire Ashton

Peter Andrew is no stranger to cyclones but says Gabrielle showed the progress we’ve made in some areas and has highlighted ways to do things better.

Peter Arthur writes we can learn from previous weather events and has ideas for land use after the flood.

James Hoban says farmers shouldn’t ignore the new winter grazing rules even though they mean more work – on farm and on paper – but he does wonder how successful the new rules will be.

Jacqueline Rowarth responds to the Minister of Agriculture's assertion that scientists' criticism of regenerative agriculture is "just misinformation."