Dannevirke: Positive reduction in leaching

There has been a positive reduction of leaching in Dannevirke.

Nitrogen leaching is reducing in the Mangatainoka catchment of Tararua as dairy farmers pass through the One Plan consent process, with more than 60 consents issued by Horizons Regional Council.

"The 8 per cent reduction is positive and shows the considerable effect already achieved in this catchment, without dramatic production loss," Eketahuna dairy farmer Tracey Collis said.

"We have also achieved a 3 per cent improvement in water quality over the past three years in the Mangatainoka as farmers put money into capital expenditure for riparian planting, fencing and effluent systems."

Horizons' chairman Bruce Gordon said it was pleasing to the see initial nitrogen reduction projections. However, farmers still need to seek opportunities for further reductions.

"What we're working towards is improved water quality and this will only be achieved through an ongoing commitment from all parties.

"We will continue to work closely with farmers ... and open the door to anyone who may have concerns about the process."

Mrs Collis said she was happy with Horizons reconfirming its approach to the nutrient management provisions.

Horizons strategy and regulation manager Dr Nic Peet said it is expected the council will refine its approach with the One Plan.

"Every nutrient management consent granted will be subject to an annual monitoring programme. This involves Horizons staff visiting farms and assessing annual nutrient budgets to make sure farmers are on track with the targets set out in their consent.

"It's not something that's going to happen overnight, but we will continue to monitor and work in partnership with all stakeholders to achieve in-stream results."

Mrs Collis said Overseer, originally created as a fertiliser tool, had now been adopted as a regulatory tool.

"There have been 39 changes to the Overseer programme through the process and it will continue to develop and change," she said. "However, it's best not to solely focus on numbers or the version [of Overseer], but to keep implementing improved management practice, which will achieve the results we are seeking for the environment and enable the region to have viable farming businesses."