Looking back to go forward

• Published date: 15 April 2024
• Publication title: Bush Telegraph

A group of local farmers established the Pleckville water scheme in the late 70s. This allows about 30 farms east of Eketāhuna to have reticulated (tanks and trough) water

The 80s saw the end of farming subsidies; financially these were tough times. Rural Support Trusts emerged as volunteers helping to support farmers through. Their free and confidential service has continued to expand to now oversee responses for events such as Cyclone Gabrielle.

Floods in 2004 saw the Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) partnership approach between Horizons, the Government and farmers to reduce sediment in waterways. In 2023 around 18,000 poplar and willow poles were planted in our Tararua District, reducing erosion and protecting our urban centres perched on riverbanks.

In 2010 the Manawatū River was famously described as the filthiest in the world and the Manawatū River Leaders Accord was formed. Understanding what challenges each of the 34 signatories were experiencing brought collective knowledge and accountability to making improvements. For farmers, the Dairy Accord saw fencing of all waterways on dairy farms.

In between there have been plenty more financial downturns, droughts and floods.

Summary: Water storage, unsubsidised market access, locals supporting wellbeing, partnerships to reduce erosion, and use of new pasture species can all influence our futures. What is most obvious to me is that when they are solutions driven by farmers, the whole community reaps benefits.

Over the next few months Tararua Feds will be engaging with, and then submitting, on both Tararua District...