South Island water rights battle begins in the Christchurch High Court, final push for South Wairarapa rural ward begins, and A2 Milk opens sustainability fund for dairy farmers.

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South Island water rights battle begins in the Christchurch High Court

A landmark legal case opening today in the Christchurch High Court could fundamentally change how water is allocated and managed across the entire South Island, with significant implications for farmers, irrigators, and rural communities.

Ngāi Tahu is seeking co-governance rights over all South Island freshwater, arguing they never surrendered control of waterways when signing the Treaty of Waitangi. While not seeking ownership or monetary compensation, the iwi wants direct involvement in water allocation and management decisions that could affect thousands of farming operations.

The case has drawn intense interest from Federated Farmers, who are participating in proceedings due to concerns about potential impacts on irrigation schemes, water consent processes, and future farming operations. Every South Island farmer using water for irrigation or stock could be affected by the outcome.

Te Marie Tau and Tā Tipene O'Regan are leading the action, with thirteen other Ngāi Tahu leaders joining as plaintiffs. The iwi maintains this isn't about customary rights, but addressing what they describe as a freshwater crisis and outdated allocation systems.

The hearing is expected to run through March, with appeals likely given the far-reaching implications for agricultural and rural communities. Any resulting changes to water management would require new legislation.

 

Final push for South Wairarapa rural ward begins

Meanwhile rural South Wairarapa residents make their final stand for dedicated council representation at a Local Government Commission hearing tomorrow morning.

Local farmers will challenge South Wairarapa District Council's representation arrangement, arguing that rural communities deserve specific ward representation given their distinct needs and culture.

The current council proposal includes three councillors each from Greytown, Martinborough, and Featherston, plus a Māori Ward councillor. This arrangement ignores strong public support for rural representation, with 65% of submissions opposing the council's initial proposal.

Farmer Jim Hedley highlights that rural residents make up more than a third of South Wairarapa's population, arguing this should be reflected in council representation. While the council has proposed a rural coastal advisory group, Dan Riddiford emphasizes this is no substitute for proper democratic representation.

The Local Government Commission hearing starts tomorrow at 9:30am, with a final decision expected by April 11. Rural residents can watch the proceedings live on the Commission's YouTube channel.

 

A2 Milk opens sustainability fund for dairy farmers

A2 Milk Company is offering grants up to $35,000 for contracted farmers in New Zealand and Australia through its latest Farm Sustainability Fund round launching this month.

The $630,000 funding pool aims to support projects that enhance environmental outcomes and strengthen rural communities across both countries. Eligible farmers must be current suppliers of A1 protein-free milk for A2 products.

The program builds on six years of successful environmental initiatives, with more than $2.17 million already invested across 65 projects since 2017. Previous funding has supported diverse farming improvements including riparian planting, wetland restoration, and alternative fertiliser trials.

An independent committee of experts in regenerative agriculture, soil health, and farming systems will assess applications based on key priorities including greenhouse gas reduction, improved animal welfare, soil health enhancement, and water quality protection.

Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer Jaron McVicar says the fund complements A2's broader environmental commitments, including its partnership with AgriZeroNZ. The initiative continues to drive meaningful change through direct support of innovative on-farm solutions.

Interested farmers can submit applications through the A2 Milk Company website until February 28.

 

Board position opens for aspiring dairy leader

DairyNZ is seeking applications for a one-year associate director position, offering farmers a chance to gain high-level governance experience and help shape the sector's future.

The successful candidate will join eight current board members in steering industry strategy and investment decisions, with the role commencing June 1st. DairyNZ Chair Tracy Brown says they're looking for levy-paying farmers who are already active in community or sector leadership.

Since launching in 2013, the associate director program has provided 14 dairy farmers with boardroom experience. Current associate director Jonathon Hoets says the role offers valuable mentoring and relationship-building opportunities within the industry.

The position requires approximately 30 days commitment annually, including board and sub-committee meetings. While non-voting, the role allows direct input into DairyNZ's research, sustainability, and advocacy work.

Interested farmers need to demonstrate existing leadership experience and the ability to travel.

 

Shearers unite to raise $150k for cancer support

Rural and sporting legends came together to help raise around $150,000 for cancer support services at Mid Canterbury's Shear for Life event recently.

All Black veterans Jock Ross and Billy Bush joined shearing royalty Sir David Fagan, and others at the Ewing family farm in Hinds, where shearers worked to raise funds for the Ashburton Cancer Society and Hospice Mid Canterbury.

The ambitious fundraiser, founded by local shearer Rocky Bull to honor friends lost to cancer, nearly doubled its previous total from 2019. Shearers from Australia and across New Zealand attempted to shear 3000 lambs during the eight-hour event.

Local shearing talent including Kurow's Ali Emslie and Oamaru shearers Murray Johnston, Jimmy Hunter, and Donald Johnston joined the cause. Event organizer Sandra Curd says community support exceeded all expectations, with the final total to be confirmed later this month.

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