Water Quality

The Te Waikoropupū Springs has some of the clearest water ever measured and steps are being taken to protect it even further; yet little is known about how the aquifer system feeding it works. Meaning for those making improvements and refining practices to reduce nitrate, there is no scientific method to produce data that proves they are achieving the right results.

A programme covering the Selwyn/Hinds districts of Canterbury has helped farmers meet nitrogen loss targets, writes Virginia Serra, DairyNZ senior manager, solutions and development.

After buying their own piece of paradise first farm Blair and Penelope Drysdale have thrown themselves into welcoming the community in to help restore the mauri (life force) of the awa running through the farm, the Manawatu River. By Jackie Harrigan. Photos by Brad Hanson.