DairyNZ welcomes LAWF Report

MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday November 15 2012

DairyNZ welcomes LAWF’s endorsement of collaborative decision-making on water

DairyNZ says the key to setting and managing to water quality limits is collaborative decision-making at a catchment level.

Commenting today on the release of the final Land and Water Forum (LAWF) report, DairyNZ chairman John Luxton says, “We recognise, as the LAWF report does, that this kind of community-driven catchment process needs to become the centre of water quality and quantity management.

“That is how we will make a difference to water quality – catchment by catchment across the country. Communities understand that, because people can relate any impact to the place where they live and work and their local waterway, so will take some ownership of the actions.”

He says that dairy farmers are already involved in these kinds of processes throughout New Zealand.

In Canterbury, for example, the community, including farmers, is working with the regional council to determine appropriate limits and form workable plans for different river management zones.

“We need to engage all sectors of the community including farmers in these catchment discussions,” he says.

“Water is New Zealand’s key competitive advantage so it’s vital that we manage our freshwater resources carefully. The Land and Water Forum’s report provides a useful framework for that.”

LAWF is an independent body representing a broad range of stakeholders including the dairy industry, which has been supported by the government in its objective of finding an agreed view on how to improve the management of freshwater resources.

DairyNZ’s policy and advocacy general manager, Simon Tucker, has participated in the forum since its origin almost four years ago.

John Luxton says the New Zealand dairy industry is committed to sustainable dairying and responsible growth.

“We are committed to ongoing research and development to deliver good management practice, to address water quality issues and ensure the industry can show leadership in this area.

“We are also working on the second generation dairy industry water accord which will demonstrate the industry’s commitment to continuous self-improvement in environmental management across a range of areas.”

He says DairyNZ welcomes the Land and Water Forum’s acknowledgement that industry-led good management practice initiatives and industry audited self-management are vital parts of improving New Zealand’s approach to water management.

-ENDS-

ABOUT DAIRYNZ
DairyNZ is the industry good organisation representing New Zealand’s dairy farmers. We are funded by a levy on milksolids and our purpose is to secure and enhance the profitability, sustainability and competitiveness of New Zealand dairy farming. We deliver value to farmers through leadership, influencing, investing, partnering with other organisations and through our own strategic capability. Our work includes research and development to create practical on-farm tools, leading on-farm adoption of best practice farming, promoting careers in dairying and advocating for farmers with central and regional government. For more information, visit www.dairynz.co.nz

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