SFF Project 13/075: North Canterbury Sustainable Farming Systems

Hawarden Catchment Care Group:

Record of meeting 29 October 2013.

Present

Andrew Harris, James Hoban (ECAN), Sam Zino, Mark Zino (the ghost of), David Fincham, Richard Power, James Costello, Dan Hodgen, Phil Keene (NZLT)

Introductions

Andrew introduced the project with particular emphasis on the regional plan for the Hurunui Zone under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, with the need for nutrient budgeting as one component of farm plans that would be required in 2017. Ngai Tahu were project partners.

Phil outlined his background and the role of the NZ Landcare Trust, to coordinate and facilitate the catchment meetings, to establish the groups in line with 'best practice' and to document and produce certain outcomes for the project, such as catchment action plans and best practice documentation for the catchments. The NZLT would in addition provide it's financial/communications and graphic design services to the project.

Initial discussion and issues

There was a need for farmers to understand what the parameters were now (the baseline information on nutrient and phosphate levels etc ) and to implement Overseer and farm plans so as to build a profile of the farm operations.

The Waitohi area was a farm-based community with differing levels of dry land to dairy intensification; what land appeared to may be in the Waitohi catchment was 'over the ridge' in the Scargill area. Discussion took place on a suitable area for which the group could cover and the point made that if a farm did not strictly fit, if an owner was keen to be involved then this would be fine.

James outlined ECAN requirements and stressed that it was wanting to be at arms length from the auditing of farm plans which would be between landowners and their representatives. A collective approach was being developed building reporting through Overseer on 3 year averages. He was available to assist catchment groups and farmers as priorities allowed and it was important that groups moved asap to prepare for the changes. The point that a farm could be in two different catchments with varying load and plan requirements was raised, and when a consent would be required if there was non- compliance at a later time.

Whilst it was felt that current monitoring by ECAN is suitable for the area, at the moment noting the phosphate load at the bottom of the catchment, whether it should be enhanced by community investment was also traversed and to ensure top to bottom of catchments was done on a regular basis.

The long term impact of the Hurunui Water Project was also raised and the approach of that project to the catchment area.

It was thought the N load had increased in the Waitohi over the last 5 years.

Information was requested for examples on where strategies have been implemented to reduce N and P as well as the Lake Taupo example.

It was stressed that a well functioning catchment group operating to the standards required would have built Trust and influence with a regulator; and group dynamics around 'pointing the finger' was also discussed noting that it was normal in the early days of a group to have some tension; sharing and understanding different perspectives can overcome this behaviour and 'opponents' can quickly become champions for a group; the benefits of being a broad community group asap was also discussed, but in the early stages needed to focus on the key problems and solutions.

Phil outlined that the project requires that a baseline survey (social, economic, cultural, environment) would be undertaken to gain information that would assist the group in developing it's objectives and this would require one on one interviews, done with Trust staff. A report would come back to the group that would be in 'aggregated' format so trends would be reported on etc but not individual details. See in particular the Aorere-Rai Report at http://www.landcare.org.nz/files/file/830/Aorere%20Rai%20Project%20Review %202012.pdf.

A workshop on best practice for catchment groups would also be held to assist with the formation of the groups, as well as help define the longer term vision. See http://www.landcare.org.nz/catchmentguide. These two events are timed for March/April next year. A communications plan for the combined catchment groups would also be initiated in the New Year, focussing on positive actions and changes that the groups would implement.

Discussion took place around the benefits of de-stocking, banking gains in reduced N and P, how these gains would be shared or applied in the future across catchments as well as the levels of N and P during differing seasons, and the farm practice to be used at those times such as grass v riparian buffers and the time to apply fertiliser. Also the impact of adverse weather events on levels of N and P.

The applicability of Beef and Lamb LEP stage 2 was covered by Sam with reference to his wintering plan and other mitigation practices were raised such as buffers/riparian planting (noting best practice to minimise weed management)/ back fencing etc. Small changes could lead to big gains.

The regional plan for the Hurunui made no room for P increase, but did so for N. Soil moisture monitoring should be an early component of any strategy.

The definition of what constituted a drain/wetland/ephemeral was also discussed and the recent Dairy Accord will have different definitions compared to statutory plans.

It was agreed to define what are 'key messages' that should be shared with farmers now, so as they could initiate their first steps.

A map of the proposed catchment will also be produced, and also to define the (possible) LINZ/DOC boundaries in the area to assist with weed control.

It was agreed that a science speaker should be arranged for if possible, the next meeting.

The next meeting would be timed for end of November

Agreed actions

1. James to provide a map of the catchment 'boundaries', arrange a science speaker (also cover definition of drain/wetland etc ?) and provide the ECAN 'key messages' that farmers could start implementing (noting next stages below)

2. Those locals present to discuss and contact other landowners, interested parties who could be included in the catchment group

3. Phil to provide links to successful examples of farmers making changes, with emphasis on nutrients etc and the Lake Taupo example.

Next Stages

1. A terms of reference will be developed for the group

2. Each farm operation should be actively working with their provider to implement Overseer 6 and start to build a profile for the operation.