The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 The Deer Industry Environmental Disclaimer Management Code of Practice: 2018 This Code has been prepared by the New Published March 2018. Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association (NZDFA) and Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) ISBN 978-0-9941331-4-4 (print) with assistance from others listed in the ISBN 978-0-9941331-5-1 (pdf) acknowledgements. While some of the content is taken by permission from other Deer Industry New Zealand publications and the known research record, PO Box 10-702 much of the information is anecdotal, as Wellington 6143 supplied by contributing New Zealand deer Phone: +64 (4) 473 4500 or farmers. Any representation, statement, DDI +64 (4) 472 6115 opinion, or advice expressed in this publication Email: [email protected] is made in good faith, but on the basis that the www.deernz.org NZDFA and DINZ are not liable to any person All enquiries regarding this document in the for damage or loss which has occurred or first instance should be addressed to: may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking action in respect of any such Deer Industry New Zealand, representation, statement, opinion, or advice. Attn: Dr Lindsay Fung Some activities on farm (particularly activities on behalf of Deer Industry New Zealand and in waterways) may require resource consent – The New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association refer to your local regional council. © Copyright the New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association and Deer Industry New Zealand. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, or stored on any retrieval system of any nature without prior written permission of the copyright holders. Given due permission, the deer industry encourages the use of this publication in education forums and training institutions.

Cover photograph: Brian (late) and Jacqui Wellington, Deer Industry Environment Awards – Elworthy Supreme Use these buttons to navigate Environmental Award 2012 previous page, contents page, and next page

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 2 Acknowledgements This handbook was produced by Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ) as part of the Passion2Profit (P2P) strategy. P2P is a Primary Mission statement Growth Partnership joint venture between DINZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries. A code of environmental practices for deer farmers We would like to acknowledge the time and to assist in minimising or input by the people who have contributed to eliminating any adverse this edition of the New Zealand Deer Industry environment effects of deer Environmental Management Code of Practice. farming and to enhance Lead authors and editors: Janet Gregory, NZ the long-term sustainability Landcare Trust; and Edmund Noonan, NZDFA. of the New Zealand deer farming industry. Committee: Janet Gregory, NZ Landcare Trust; Edmund Noonan, John Somerville, Bob Kingscote, NZDFA; Tony Pearse and Lindsay Fung, DINZ; Leo Fietjes, ECan; Dave Connor, Environment Southland; Bala Tikkisetty, Waikato Regional Council. A special thanks to Beef + Lamb New The purpose of this Code Zealand for use of its Land and Environment Planning tools which is used be many Deer farmers are strongly encouraged to read deer farmers and which this documents this Code and to apply it to their farm. compliments. It is a practical guide to good environmental Graphic design: Abby Davidson, NZ Landcare practice, based on farmer experience and the Trust. current state of environmental knowledge. As such, it is an essential resource for drawing up Production: Phil Stewart, Words and Pictures a Farm Environmental Plan (FEP) to meet the and Brandt Ashley, Click Create. requirements of a growing number of regional councils. Photography: Thanks to Janet Gregory, NZ Landcare Trust, DINZ, Grant Hasse and Vicki The way we farm our deer is increasingly Patterson and others (you know who you are). important to our fellow New Zealanders, the customers who buy our products and to the visitors who come to our beautiful Scope country. They all expect our deer to be farmed responsibly – without harm to our land, lakes An Environmental Management Code of and waterways. Practice for New Zealand deer farmers to mitigate potential environmental adverse Having an FEP based on this Code and effects from farming systems. putting it into action is the best way to ensure that you are doing that.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 3 Contents

Foreword 5 Deer Management 35 Rutting stag management 36 Introduction: Environmental Newly weaned fawn management 37 Management Code of Practice 7 Hind management 38 Sustainability risk 8 Soil and water 8 Nutrient Management 39 Nutrient loss pathways 9 Timing of fertiliser inputs 39 Understanding deer behaviour 9 Monitoring phosphorus levels 40 Fertiliser storage and spreading 42 Farm Environment Plans (FEP) 10 Land use capability mapping 11 Feed 44 Risk identification and assessment 14 Storage and transport 44 Environmental indicators 14 Silage leachate 44 Landuse options 15 Integrated livestock management 16 Infrastructure 45 Risk response plan 17 Flood gates 45 Risk assessment matrix 17 Culverts and crossings 46 Records 18 Irrigation and Water Use 47 Critical Source Areas 19 Operating irrigation system 48

Water Protection 20 Waste Management, Farm Effluent and Wastewater Management 49 Preventing deer access to waterways 20 Inorganic waste 49 Fencing 21 Effluent system and storage 52 Sediment and pathogen losses to waterways 22 Effluent equipment and application 52 Wallowing 24 Deer faecal management 53 Managing wallowing in water troughs 25 Dead stock disposal and offal pits 54 Wetlands 26 Biosecurity 55 Soil Management 27 Biodiversity 58 Pugging 28 Fence pacing 29 Shade and Shelter 61 Camp site management 30 Play site management 31 Carbon 64 Managing erosion and bare areas 32 Intensive Grazing 33 Regulations 66 Paddock Selection 34 Links 70

Glossary 74

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 4 Foreword

“Deer farmers in New Zealand have a proud • The establishment of the first (Sustainable history of being proactive.” Farming Fund) industry focus farms in 2006 looking at water quality These are the opening words to the Foreword management. Key messages and of the 2012 edition of the New Zealand Deer principles were developed from this project Farmers’ Landcare Manual. As the youngest pastoral industry in New Zealand at almost • Key research undertaken by AgResearch half a century, the deer industry can point in 2009 confirmed deer farmer to a number of environmental activities that observations that managing wallowing demonstrate this proud history: and fence pacing as two ‘critical source areas’ would provide significant reductions • The deer industry environmental awards in contaminant losses to water bodies were established in 2000 and are held • The New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association every two years (NZDFA) collaborated with Greater • The publication of the first New Zealand Wellington and other primary industry Deer Farmers’ Landcare Manual in 2004 groups to produce “A Guide to Managing based largely on the advice and practical Stock Access to Waterways” in 2011 experiences of 150 contributing deer • The industry was involved in the farmers and regional councils and other creation of the “Industry-agreed Good sources of environmental expertise Management Practices relating to water across the deer industry throughout New quality” published in April 2015 Zealand. This 3 year project was funded via the Sustainable Farming Fund, DINZ • A 2009 survey of high country deer and the NZDFA farmers as well as a recent Landcare Research survey of rural decision makers (2015) both indicate a high level of awareness of environmental issues, management and expectation amongst deer farmers

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 5 • NZ Landcare Trust has produced a series The code is about more than water quality of 15 videos showcasing deer farming management and is our industry statement practices for environmental management about expectations of what our farmers need and actions to improve water quality to be doing to minimise or mitigate farmed • Through the Passion2Profit programme deer impacts on the environment as a whole. (P2P) the industry has produced a series We do not claim to have all the solutions and of Deer Fact Sheets including three we do not expect that the code will be perfect environment topics (Wallowing and from the outset. As with every other aspect Feed Pad Run-off; Fence Pacing; Nutrient of deer farming we fully expect to add to and Management) refine the code over time as new technologies • P2P also facilitates farmer-led open up opportunities and previous “top end” environment-focused Advance Parties. approaches become standard practice. These groups are in addition to NZDFA We therefore welcome farmer feedback on Branch activities and community how the code can be improved, what works catchment groups in many areas well and what else should be covered in future • In 2017 the deer industry via AgResearch editions. commenced a five-year study on five deer farms, which aims to relate water quality However much we find ourselves facing and stream health to deer farming “good increased challenges in today’s world, the management practices” message that the industry promoted in the first edition of the Landcare Manual remains All of these initiatives and those carried out as valid and as prescient today as it was then: by individual farmers have put the industry in good heart and provides confidence in our “Farming New Zealand’s land resources ability to farm profitably and responsibly. To date are a privilege that commands responsible these have been focused and promoted within management and stewardship for the future. the industry. In our current social and political We must perform. We must manage for settings we now need to demonstrate to others sustainability.” how we manage deer sustainably. In many parts of the country this has already become a requirement under regional plan rules. This Environmental Management Code of Practice is the next step for the industry on a path of continuously pushing ourselves to do better across all facets of deer farming and , Chairman builds on our past successes. David Morgan New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association. This code uses material from the Landcare Manuals and the Fact Sheets, is organised consistent with the ‘Industry-agreed Good Management Practices relating to water quality’ booklet and is intended to be fully compatible with the Beef+Lamb New Zealand’s Land and Environment Plans or equivalent regional council Farm Environment Plans. Dr Ian Walker, Chairman Deer Industry New Zealand Board.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 6 Introduction: Environmental Management Code of Practice

The NZ deer farming industry is taking the If we wish to maintain our social licence to next step on from producing the 2012 Deer farm, we must continue to provide proof not Farmers’ Landcare Manual by producing only of the intention to farm sustainably and an Environmental Management Code of within environmental boundaries, but also of Practice (EMCoP) to identify and document the environmental GMPs implemented on recommended Good Management Practice farm. This can be done through FEP audits options. by a third party, or collection of data including water quality monitoring to show the gradual Regulations and policies have been produced change that often occurs and the continual since 2012 that cover additional topics and improvement we strive for. tasks that farmers are required to undertake and include in their Farm Environment Plans This EMCoP can be used by deer farmers, (FEPs), particularly as more regional councils rural professionals or local and central now require FEP auditing. government personnel who wish to include guidance on GMPs for deer farmers in their This EMCoP is aimed at providing Good plans. It includes identified risks within a whole Management Practices (GMPs) options that farm systems approach and accepts that will help farmers in producing these FEPs environmental GMPs underpin a commitment meet regulations and, more importantly, to sustainable business. implement on farm to improve water quality. Our EMCoP is based on GMP options Increased awareness of on-farm practices described in the Deer Farmers’ Landcare and their influence on water quality is evident Manual (2012) and the Deer Facts series at local, national and international levels produced by DINZ and also uses the Industry- from the wider community and consumers. agreed Good Management Practices The public is also becoming aware of a Relating to Water Quality (2015) published planned concerted effort on farms to mitigate by Environment Canterbury and developed potential risks. jointly by six industry organisations. We have also considered the different categories within the B+LNZ Farm Environment Plan templates.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 7 Sustainability risk Soil and water Deer farming systems, like those for sheep One of the issues identified by deer farmers and cattle, have particular environmental is fence pacing. This results in soil erosion risks. Deer behave differently, which can which can often be severe. Excessive pacing have specific impacts on soil and water along fence lines arises typically in response to impacting the farm environment. There are behavioural stress or disturbance. Natural deer major deer behavioural influences on soil and behaviour also includes play on banks and water quality, but this is also influenced by loose soil, wallowing and camping in areas that management, soil types, terrain and climate, can become bare. Deer can also pug soils in and can to some extent be mitigated. wet weather. There is also a responsibility on all farmers These activities can result in a loss of to preserve remaining indigenous bush production, but more critically in loss of soil, and wetlands to maintain New Zealand’s particularly in wet periods. This results in biodiversity. diminished water clarity through sediment transfer and loss of more phosphorus that Many deer farmers understand and manage adheres to soil particles entering waterways. these risks on farm and are starting to document them through compiling FEPs. This Deer have an affinity with water both in play document provides an opportunity to share and behaviour. They wallow in summer to keep these examples and for farmers to utilise and cool, to help shed their winter coat in spring adapt them to their own property needs. and for territory behaviour for stags in the rut. In response, deer farmers limit deer access to waterways as part of GMP as well as meeting the wider public expectation related to good waterway management. The EMCoP will help farmers develop farm plans by identifying agreed mitigation options and provide reassurance to the wider community that deer farmers are being proactive in improving water quality and implementing good environmental management practices.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 8 Nutrient loss pathways Understanding deer behaviour Nitrogen and phosphorus are two of the The key to avoiding environmental damage essential components of farm production. is understanding deer behaviour on farm – Their diffuse leakage from farming activities is what activities occur, when and why. Social primarily blamed for water quality degradation, conditions can differ markedly from the wild. including proliferation of algal blooms. These This can conflict with management needs at nutrients leave the farm and enter water bodies times, particularly during the rut, calving and through different pathways. weaning. Phosphorus tends to escape the farm in runoff Thoughtful management, combining good events or overland flow when it is attached management practices with environmental to soil particles during rainstorms. Nitrogen knowledge and genetic selection for good escapes mainly by passing through the soil behaviour traits, reduces unwanted deer and leaching into the water table in the form behaviours and controls environmental risks. of nitrate. Nitrogen loss from dairying systems originates from leachate leaving the base of cow urine patches, due to the high concentration and duration of a cow urinating. In contrast, deer excrete small urine deposits and they, like sheep, have a relatively low nitrogen leaching result. However, deer farming is characterised in nutrient loss models such as OVERSEER® as having a relatively high potential for phosphorus loss. All farms can have hot spots for phosphorus loss known as critical source areas. Because phosphorus loss via soil loss is fairly visible, we see where to deal with it, and move to counteract that loss in practical ways. Nitrate losses are largely invisible.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 9 Farm

potential risk factors such Environment as soil loss, nutrient loss and damage to soil structure along Plans (FEP) with potential critical source loss • Identify significant indigenous biodiversity • Set out farm environment objectives to be met Good Management Practice (GMP) • Identify all relevant farming activities and practices, Identify the physical and including those that biophysical characteristics of demonstrate that relevant the farm system, assess the GMPs are being applied risk factors to water quality • Rank the risk in order of associated with the farm system probability and potential and manage appropriately. consequences Maintain accurate and auditable • Identify how and when records of annual farm inputs mitigation actions will be and outputs, and manage these. undertaken and by whom Key points for consideration: • Keep accurate records of all inputs, timing and • Description of address, management practices ownership, farm identifier, boundaries, contact person • Generate an OVERSEER® and legal description nutrient budget if required • Identify and record all the • Check with local council rules biophysical resources i.e. • Undertake an annual review land, soil and water resources of your farm, e.g. soil types, topography and climate • Identify physical characteristics such as waterways, riparian areas, artificial drainage networks and irrigation • Record offal holes, silage pits, feed storage, effluent storage and application area, irrigation area, laneways and stock crossings. • Identify and record all

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 10 A Farm Environment Plan (FEP) is a tool The FEP identifies improvements in farming for identifying key sustainability factors practice that will enhance production where and risks and putting detail around how resources are not being fully utilised. This you plan on managing them. The plan provides a systematic approach to managing is essentially a stock-take of land, soil environmental impacts, to preserve the and water resources, an assessment of potential of soil and water resources and opportunities and environmental risks significant natural landscape features within a and a map(s) of what and where the farm’s economic limitations. Once completed, the FEP allows you then to prioritise activities actions will be undertaken. and allocate a budget or resources. In some areas, an FEP is also known as The key to a good plan is to keep it simple, a Land and Environment Plan (LEP), or a focused and relevant to your farm – “by you Farm Environmental Management Plan and for you”. While many farmers already do (FEMP). This EMCoP uses the term FEP this informally, an FEP uses a clearly defined for consistency. and recorded process of planning and implementation with scheduled timeframes and review, thereby providing clear evidence that measurable actions are being taken to address environmental concerns.

The essential elements are: • Identifying and assessing the risks and opportunities of your farming activity. • Developing a framework to manage this. • Implementing the plan in practical and affordable stages. • Demonstrating progress by recording against original intentions. • Reviewing and adjusting the plan over time to improve farm sustainability.

The FEP approach tailors environment planning to individual farming situations across various stock classes. Farmers initially identify the key sustainability issues with a brief “do it yourself” property stocktake that includes resource care assessment including shelter plans, and a basic farm plan. They can then grow and develop the detail in stages to allow for successive improvements in quality. For further details on the FEP system and to download an FEP template contact Beef+Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) or contact your local regional council for approved templates.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 11 Land use capability mapping LUC mapping broadly classifies productive capability for land and soil types for each area of the farm, maps the strengths and weaknesses and defines appropriate land management options.

GMP – Retire all Land Use This information can provide additional detail Capability Class 8 land and for the property’s FEP and enable various either retire or actively manage Land Management Units or Risk Zones (low, all Class 7e land to ensure medium, high) to be designated on the FEP intensive soil conservation farm map. measures and practices are in place.

Below left: Farmland on mixed LUC classes in the Wairarapa. Note Class 6 and 7 land in the background showing a mix of spaced A useful tool in land risk management is a tree plantings on slopes at risk of erosion, standards system that formally categorises woodlot and riparian plantings. Additional and maps the different land types across the management would include careful farm to identify and assess levels of risk. selection of stock classes and stocking rates on slopes at risk of erosion. (Photo courtesy Land Use Capability (LUC) is a nationally of D Cameron, Greater Wellington Regional accepted classification system that groups land Council) into eight classes for consistency in describing physical attributes of the land and provides Below right: Canterbury high country Land a systematic way of classifying land based Use Capability (LUC) Class 8 land. Due to on the type of rock, soil, slope, erosion risk, the lack of vegetation cover, the presence moisture limitations and vegetation cover. of livestock will accelerate wind and water erosion. In the absence of feed or shelter LUC is a systematic arrangement of different there is also no productive value. (Photo kinds of land according to those properties courtesy of J Cuff, Environment Canterbury) that determine its capacity for long-term sustained production. Capability is used in the sense of suitability for productive use or uses after taking into account the physical limitations of the land.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 12 A Land Use Capability survey handbook on country tussock on Land Use Capability the methods and standards is available from (LUC) Class 7e land. There is a risk of wind Landcare Research. https://nzsss.science.org. and water erosion of exposed soil if the nz/app/uploads/2016/04/luc_handbook.pdf vegetative cover is reduced. This risk can be managed by lightly stocking the land. Integrated land management considers the Tussock provides good cover for fawning natural character and capability of the land and hinds can spread out far enough to and the most appropriate land use options, reduce disturbance and stress. (Photo matching them area-by-area and site-by- courtesy of site. A well-integrated property, on variable J Cuff, Environment Canterbury) topography and soil types, will probably be diversified with several integrated land Below right: Farmland on LUC Class 7e land uses. These typically involve deer, sheep, in the Waipa catchment, Waikato. While cattle, cropping and trees and sometimes grazing is possible, sites where erosion risk is conservation areas such as bush remnants, high have been allowed to regenerate back wetlands and waterways. to native cover. This land is also unsuitable for heavy stock classes. (Photo courtesy of Below left: Well-vegetated Canterbury high B Tikkisetty, Waikato Regional Council)

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 13 Risk identification Environmental indicators and assessment Characteristic indicators highlight farming

Most properties are a mosaic of land and practices not correctly integrated or best suited soil types, each with a different capability to to the land’s capability and that will affect withstand intensive deer farming. Risks are sustainability. Responding to these indicators apparent when the capability limits of the and changing farming practice to mitigate property are under stress or exceeded, needing these risks is an integrated land management appropriate management responses. A risk approach. assessment helps to recognise the areas and Environmental indicators of negative effects natural features of the property most vulnerable include: to the effects of deer farming activities and the conditions that may aggravate any problems. • Persistent fence line erosion through fence This can be developed by the farmer by pacing that recurs even after repairs accessing help from experienced deer farmers • Persistent hillside erosion that does not via the NZDFA or consulting the local council easily grass over and land resource professionals. • Persistent erosion that is increasing in both Examples of risk areas may include: depth and area • Natural features that are particularly • Discoloured water flow in creeks when vulnerable to damage, especially streams, they are not in flood, indicating large ponds, wet areas, steep slopes, native amounts of sediment in creek bed or bush, historic or archaeological features stream bank erosion and certain soil types such as shallow and • Significant wetlands that are in a state of volcanic soils and heavy soils with clay pans decline due to pressure from deer or land • Areas where damage is caused by deer that management such as drainage are unsettled by factors such as neighbouring • Significant bush areas that are in a state of activity from roads and houses, poor weather, decline due to pressure from deer lack of shelter and stock management factors including feeding, stocking density and social • Severe surface erosion or mass movement conditions like slips, slumps and earthflows • Bad weather conditions, especially heavy rain, which contribute to damage through loss of soil, nutrients and sediment to waterways • Impact from other enterprises on the property e.g. cattle, sheep, cropping or dairy grazing • Farm layout, including tracks, yards, sheds, fences and gateways and other infrastructure, which affects how and where damage occurs • Location of offal holes and silage pits can also be a major risk to water quality; these need to be carefully sited and meet council rules • Variable water quality, which may be affected by nutrient leaching, faecal contamination or sedimentation

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 14 Landuse options The land owner’s objective to farm deer has • Intensify land uses on the best soils (low- to be matched with the capability of the risk zones) to reduce pressure on the property, protection of its significant natural sensitive areas (high-risk zones) features and the farming regime and ratios • Change to occasional deer grazing of of stock type best suited for it. Some deer sensitive areas like steep slopes and fragile farms surveyed have a large proportion of soil types when conditions are most steep land that may not be suited for intensive favourable, such as during flush growth deer farming. A dedicated deer unit that is periods and settled fine weather intensively and sustainably farmed will tend to be on a land type that has the capability • Change to occasional grazing of areas to withstand an intensive grazing regime, surrounding waterways, preferably with is relatively flat and sheltered and has well- sheep only, to maintain a thick grass drained soils. sward (if council rules allow stock grazing access in riparian areas) Key management options to consider to • Consider permanent retirement from optimise best land use for deer farming: grazing of some or all areas of sensitive • Change stocking rate permanently or or erosion-prone land by fencing off and seasonally by changing the balance integrating production trees of deer classes such as young stock, • Develop a contingency plan for wet breeding hinds, velvetting stags periods, snow or other adverse events, • Integrate the appropriate stock types and with a runoff block or sacrifice areas that land class to find the right sustainable are well sheltered with good draining soils balance for each land class and soil type • Avoid using stock classes that play on • Identify the best mix of stock types to fit bare soil on hillsides or rub bark off young the farm vegetation cover. e.g. pasture, unprotected trees shelter, woodlots, riparian margins and indigenous bush areas

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 15 Integrated livestock management Farming additional classes of stock is a • Overall stocking rate of deer is reduced, very effective landcare tool to manage soil providing for small mobs or more erosion, maintain pasture quality and seasonal paddocks in the rotation. This has balancing of feed demand and supply, and to additional value during wet weather spread income risks. • Fertility is transferred by other classes of A mixed livestock system adds some stock grazing areas that deer avoid, for complexity, needing additional labour and example, areas by the road a wider range of management skills. More • Pastures have lower parasite levels from information is also needed on infection and alternate grazing of stock classes, meaning parasite transmission. high performance at high stocking rates with potentially less drench reliance However, there are real advantages in sustainability and profitability to be gained • Pasture quality is fully utilised. Examples from balanced management of other grazing include using beef cows to graze low livestock species within the deer farm area. quality feed in late autumn/early winter and using sheep to utilise spring flush allowing Benefits of a mixed livestock system: lambs to be finished before they compete • At risk, steep erosion-prone areas are with hinds and fawns for quality feed better managed by grazing stock like • Feed pressure periods are reduced with sheep less stock requiring priority feed when • Fence pacing can be reduced when mobs nutritional demand is critical for profitability, are separated by other stock grazing in for both breeding hinds and ewes paddocks in between them or by double • Weeds are better controlled, as sheep fencing of shelterbelts eat ragwort and winter cress that cause • Vegetation is retained or recovered in problems for deer-only systems areas worn by deer, as rotation time • Animal health outcomes can be enhanced. increases For example different stock classes have different risk profiles for Johne’s disease

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 16 Risk response plan Severity/Consequences As part of good contingency business Descriptor Examples planning for your farm environment it is Insignificant Very little evidence of prudent to identify the different climatic risks environmental harm and associated mitigations and include these in your FEP e.g. snow, rain, wind, flood and Minor Insignificant visual evidence of drought, and how the event may impact on environmental harm the property both short and long term. The purpose of the risk identification step is to Moderate Short term environmental “generate a comprehensive list of risks based harm on those events that might create, enhance, Major Medium to major long term prevent, degrade, accelerate or delay the environmental harm achievement of objectives”. Severe Major long term environmental harm

Risk assessment matrix Probability/Likelihood A risk management matrix is a simple way Descriptor Examples to increase visibility of risk and to assist and prioritise management and decision making. Almost Is expected to occur in most Various risk levels are defined based on the certain circumstances probability and likely severity of harm. Likely Will probably occur in most Severity of risk is often defined as the circumstances probability and extent of harm under any number of potential environmental risk Possible Could occur at some time conditions. This transition from mild to severe Unlikely Not likely to occur in normal or extreme is best expressed in a formal risk circumstances assessment matrix that is specific to your property and unique farming conditions. Rare May occur only in exceptional circumstances

Risk Assessment Matrix

Probability/ Severity/Consequences Likelihood Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Severe

Almost certain Medium High High Very high Very high

Likely Medium Medium High High Very high

Possible Low Medium High High Very high

Unlikely Low Low Medium Medium High

Rare Low Low Medium Medium Medium

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 17 Records

GMP – Maintain accurate and auditable records of annual farm inputs, outputs and management practices.

Critical elements of this GMP are to: Farm records will include such things as: • Maintain accurate and auditable records • Production: nutrient management, that set out objectives to be met supplements fed or applied, feed • Identify all relevant farming activities management and animal health plans and practices, including those that and veterinary and routine animal health demonstrate that relevant GMPs procedures are being applied • Environmental management: soil • Demonstrate the assessment of all erosion, water monitoring data, riparian risks to water quality fencing and planting, shelter planting, maintenance of plantings, weed and • Identify how and when actions to pest control with associated controlled mitigate risks will be undertaken species and figures • Allow the generation of an OVERSEER® • Climate/weather: rainfall, flood or snow nutrient budget events

It is important to keep good records, not only The records could also include a series of set of the farm history (management decisions, photopoints where photos are taken regularly fertiliser and other farm inputs). These are also from the same place to visually record critical for traceability and adding credibility changes on the property. and accuracy for the venison and velvet processors that you use and for them in Records need to be accurate and auditable. turn to be able to confidently meet market There are numerous models and templates requirements. you can link to or be involved with, for example: http://www.farmiq.co.nz/ http://www.fertiliser.org.nz/Site/code_of_ practice/default.aspx

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 18 Winter crop paddocks with CSAs can carry high amounts of sediment, nutrients and Critical high-risk bacteria from faecal contamination sources such as Escherichia coli. This has a Source Areas detrimental impact on waterways as well as causing loss of valuable soil and nutrients from paddocks. This is particularly so with heavier stock classes and is accentuated further when soil is bare for long periods. Strategic grazing during intensive winter GMP – Manage grazing to grazing, by starting at the top of slopes, back minimise soil and nutrient fencing and leaving all the CSAs to last if the losses from critical source areas paddock is in crop can reduce this loss by up to 70%. If in grass, leave until growth resumes.

A critical source area (CSA) is a landscape feature like a gully, swale or a depression that accumulates runoff from adjacent flats and Mitigation options: slopes and delivers it to surface waterways • Develop buffer zones or grass such as rivers and lakes, artificial waterways strips in and around CSAs and next and field tiles. to waterways as they act as filters Research has shown that runoff from CSAs by slowing overland flow to trap with connectivity to waterways during storm suspended contaminants events can account for most of the annual • To operate effectively, a buffer zone phosphorous loss from a farm. Preventing should be left uncultivated and stormwater from sluicing over these hot spots ungrazed can significantly reduce this loss. • Shift stock regularly, especially Common CSA include swales, depressions, in wet weather or in drought gullies, wallows, muddy gateways, troughs in conditions water flow-path locations, poorly located silage • Avoid long stock rotations (long pits and winter self-feed structures located duration in a set rotation pattern) where stormwater flows through. These can all be CSAs as they have high concentrations of • Encourage camping in desired sediment and contaminants when it is wet. areas by planting shade and shelter • To reduce runoff, sow crops for grazing across slopes if possible rather than up and down hills • Graze lower-lying areas and areas closest to waterways last • Construct silt traps or ponds to capture sediment, nutrients and bacteria

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 19 Water Protection • Actively manage stock, stock density and stock classes Preventing deer access adjacent to waterways to reduce risks to water where to waterways fencing is not practical • Exclude stock from significant waterways, drains and significant wetlands • Locate and manage deer GMP – To the extent that is crossings of waterways so compatible with land form, they do not degrade those waterways stock class and intensity, exclude stock from waterways • Provide alternative stock-water sources away from waterways Key points for consideration: where possible • Plan and prioritise • Provide shade and shelter waterway areas (including away from waterways where wetlands) to fence, based appropriate on the vulnerability of the land, significance of the • Place salt blocks and waterway and potential to supplementary feed away from impact on off-farm water riparian margins quality • Leave an appropriate buffer • Exclusion of extensively depending on slope to filter farmed stock from runoff, even if only temporarily waterways in hill and high during vulnerable periods, e.g. country areas may not intensely grazed crop. always be practical, but • During high-risk periods for a mix of mitigations and erosion, e.g. winter grazing and practices can be used to fawn weaning, actively manage minimise sediment and stock to prevent paddock faecal bacteria losses from slumping, pugging or erosion farms • Check with your council for local rules

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 20 Fencing Deer can permanently damage and pollute Mitigation options: waterways. Farmers must take steps to protect • Riparian buffers provide water resources on deer farms. vegetation to filter any overland In planning any waterway fencing, focus on flow, particularly in wet periods. intensively grazed lowland areas first, as these Requirements may vary will not only be easier to fence but also carry a by region, season and land higher risk of damage due to higher stocking management activity rates. • Preparing and implementing riparian plans can help identify Planning and implementing stock water priority areas, allocate the reticulation, protective fencing and stock necessary budget and identify exclusion from waterbodies can benefit animal the plants required. You may need health and stock production. to order some plants a year in Excluding deer from streams, ponds or lakes advance from your local nursery. prevents direct sediment and faecal material The DairyNZ Riparian Planner contamination, while allowing riparian and is a good tool and available for water body vegetation to grow, which will help all farmers: https://www.dairynz. filter any runoff. co.nz/environment/waterways/ riparian-planner/ • Many organisations now publish planting guides so check with your local Council or nursery • Constructed wetlands can provide vegetated areas that will filter out contaminants and can be designed to fit the catchment, rainfall, soil type and contaminant issue. Just developing an open water pond can often result in increased E.coli through attracting more ducks, so make sure you know what your issue is and design it accordingly • Consider if a gate is needed into the fenced area for retrieving any escaped deer and for maintenance of the area • Unfenced waterways in extensively stocked areas should be managed to minimise effects • Install floodgates in vulnerable sections of fencing which may be affected by flood waters. Refer to Infrastructure section

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 21 Sediment and pathogen Note: Council consent is normally required for abstracting, damming or diverting water, losses to waterways discharging pollutants into, or placing structures on the beds of lakes, rivers and the coast, with the exception of taking water for domestic or stock use.

GMP – Identify risk of overland flow of sediment and faecal bacteria on the property and implement measures to minimise transport of these to water bodies. Key points for consideration: • Soil conditions and crop rotation • Areas that are harvested, grazed or stock damaged (resulting in bare soil) are re-sown as soon as practical to minimise periods of exposed soil • Rest and re-sow erosion- damaged areas • Use cover crops (green feed, oats or mustard) to reduce losses and nutrient use; this also increases organic matter • When developing paddocks, retain native vegetation such as tussock and shrub habitat in gullies, steep and higher country. This will regulate water runoff, help retain water quality, reduce soil movement and provide filter areas before water enters streams. A significant co-benefit is that it also provides cover for newborn stock

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 22 Erosion of farmland and river bank erosion can result in loss of productive land and soils and have considerable downstream Mitigation options: effects. Left unchecked, soil erosion can compromise water quality, increasing • Plant riparian margins to sediment loads and causing silt build-up; protect the waterway nutrients from the soil also affect the water’s • Fence the waterway and chemical balance. riparian area where appropriate or required by regulation Sediment in stream beds smothers gravels and insect life, and reduces oxygen levels, • Seek professional advice and resulting in poor ecosystem health and develop and use a settling area limiting diversity. High sediment loads can such as a constructed wetland persist in a waterway and be stirred up when with vegetation that will filter there is a slight ‘fresh’, resulting in poor water out sediments to improve quality over a long period. water quality Where possible undertake regular water • Plant winter crops such as quality monitoring to identify what brassicas well away from conditions waterways are in and identify streams any losses. Parameters generally monitored • If this is unavoidable, include nitrogen, phosphorous, E. coli and break fence the feed turbidity (water clarity). towards the stream and leave a buffer filtration Macroinvertebrates (water insects) are also zone clear of the stream an indicator of stream health and don’t cost banks. Ideally this should anything to monitor. Guides are available on be at least 3m from the NIWA website and a phone app is also the waterway margins, available. but check your local Links: How to monitor your stream regulations first www.niwa.co.nz or www.landcare.org.nz/Regional-Focus/Gore- Office/Pomahaka-Project www.niwa.co.nz/our-science/freshwater/ tools/shmak/manual/6doing

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 23 Wallowing Mitigation options: Wallowing is a natural behaviour of deer, thought to benefit stock through tick control, • Fence stock out if wallows are hair removal, cooling and social interaction. made in a significant natural wetland. Do not tap springs or Wet areas, especially surface water that can be drain wetlands stirred up into mud, or shallow water pipelines • Provide an alternative, scooping attract wallowing behaviour. out a damp hollow away from Hot weather also encourages wallowing, but watercourses deer may also wallow in cold, wet weather and • Fence wet areas temporarily or when there is a change in paddocks at any permanently time of the year. • Keep deer out of paddocks Red deer wallow more than other types. with poor drainage during wet weather Farmers often allow a wallow in paddocks, as deer will create another or target troughs if • Design, protect and manage wallows are removed. However this becomes troughs well a management problem as a CSA if wallows • Design and manage run off are connected to waterways and become a from wallow sites with the use potential source of contaminants, transferring of sediment traps muddy soil, faecal bacteria and nutrients from wallows to other parts of the farm. • Limit stock time in vulnerable areas There may also be an associated deer health • Provide shade trees to keep risk through creating an environment that stock cool harbours infective bacteria deposited in wallows in faeces and urine that are frequently • Reduce stocking density associated with Johne’s disease infection and • Integrate other stock such as leptospirosis etc. that can be passed between fallow deer, sheep or cattle deer. • Use large rocks in wet areas to prevent deer starting a wallow or filling in an existing one

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 24 Managing wallowing in water Remedies for repairing wallow sites: troughs • Fill with gravel, broken concrete, rotten rock, limestone, lime, sand, pumice, or Deer like to play in water so splashes and leaks stones plus soil, then overfill with soil at troughs and shallow water lines can quickly • Re-sow the filled wallow with scattered become major wallow holes. hay or pasture species that thrive locally • Drain the area using Novaflow™ drain coil pipe, tiles and scoria as appropriate Mitigation options: • Remove water sources like leaks, unless it • Allow only a small area for drinking, is a natural wetland covering the remaining opening and valve with wooden boards, wire and • Level the site and re-contour where mesh, rails or concrete posts appropriate • Use a greater number of small troughs • Protect filled wallows with fences/ branches • Locate troughs against or beneath fences that can serve multiple paddocks. • Fence and plant with wet-tolerant trees or However if you are managing stags grasses/sedges in hard antler this positioning close to • Use good pasture establishment methods, fencing can also risk entanglement, or with the appropriate rate of seed, seed the inability to access adequate water type and fertiliser and ensure soil is at • Locate troughs on raised mounds, like a optimum fertility levels to maintain growth rock/shingle platform 300-400 mm high • Use hardy species on the downhill side of • Locate troughs on well-drained sites, a wallow improving drainage if necessary • Identify natural springs and wallows • Locate troughs where deer do not before cultivating paddocks and pipe or congregate drain into retired areas • Check regularly that there are no valve • Provide a suitable area away from faults or overflows waterways for safe wallowing • Fix leaks as soon as possible • Ensure water troughs are positioned to avoid overflow having direct access to • Provide shade in the paddock to prevent waterways deer from cooling in trough water • Provide a wallow elsewhere in the paddock • Reduce water pressure in pipelines or at a trough • If stock water is supplied via a dam, install a gravity-fed reticulated system adjacent to the dam rather than providing direct access. This prevents damage to the dam and surrounding area and provides cleaner water • Use a concrete post border and fill the wallow with gravel

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 25 Wetlands Wetlands come in many forms. They are Mitigation options: critical features of quality water management • Find out the values of your and on farm biodiversity systems. wetland before altering the A wetland can be the wet margins of streams, drainage or water levels. This can rivers, ponds, lakes, lagoons, estuaries, bogs have a big impact on the plants and swamps. They can be permanently or that grow there and create ideal intermittently wet (ephemeral) and often habitat for weeds. Council staff may be as simple as a low-lying, boggy area are happy to provide advice and growing rushes or cutty-grass. possibly funding for protection. • Prevent deer access to wetlands A wetland can also be man-made (natural or created) to avoid (constructed). damage such as pugging and Wetlands are valuable because they filter wallowing nutrients, control sediments, assist with flood • Plant appropriate native wetland control, provide a habitat for native wildlife species such as flax, toetoe, and plants and may also have cultural or sedges and cabbage tree recreational values. (Cordyline australis) around the They are particularly valuable for cleaning margins of a wetland to improve up diffuse nutrient losses within the farm water quality and habitat (see Constructed Wetland Treatment of Tile • Consider permanently protecting Drainage at www.niwa.co.nz). a significant wetland through a QEII covenant Drainage of natural wetlands is not generally permitted by councils (refer to Biodiversity). • Do not take, use, dam or divert water from wetlands unless Resource Consents are almost always allowed by resource consent or required for altering wetlands as many regional plan regulations wetland types are significant and rare. Contact your local council for advice on managing • Do not discharge any wetlands and information on possible funding contaminants where they may to manage wetland areas. enter a water body, including a wetland Your local native plant nursery can provide information on wetland plants suitable for your area.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 26 Soil

Management • Measures to prevent soil erosion through erosion, overland flow and wind blow (e.g. spacing of planted trees, windbreaks, cover crops) • Distance from surface GMP – Manage farming waterways and effectiveness operations to reduce soil of buffer zones erosion and minimise direct and indirect losses of sediment • Slope of land (degree and and nutrients to water and length) in relation to waterway maintain or enhance soil • Soil type and texture, quality structure. (e.g. pugging or compaction susceptibility) Key points for consideration: • Climatic and weather • Measures to prevent conditions to determine sediment and nutrients timing of cultivation entering waterways (e.g. sediment traps • Cultivation methods (pre-, or interception drains, during and post-cultivation; headlands or diversion contour, no or low tillage) bunds, grazing techniques) • Previous use of land and future use of land • Using sub-soiling or soil aerators to remedy compaction of soils

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 27 Pugging

Pugged soils are highly compacted and have Mitigation options: lost their natural soil structure. This inhibits grass growth and rainwater absorption, • Keep deer off vulnerable areas leading to rapid surface water run-off. It may such as heavy, saturated soils if be possible to separate areas of free-draining possible lighter soils from susceptible heavier soils, • Ensure stocking rates fit paddock allowing them to be managed differently size, soil type, pasture cover (refer to Land use capability for more and season. Allow for a sacrifice information on land use options). paddock if necessary Pugging happens after prolonged wet • Avoid repeated shifting between weather at any time of the year but pasture and crop paddocks commonly in winter. Management factors • Feed deer well before and during that can lead to pugging are underfeeding, cold, wet weather overstocking, not shifting deer to new pasture soon enough, shifting deer onto • Shift deer to dry, sheltered areas and off crop paddocks, lack of shelter or before extreme weather arrives if situations that create stress in animals. possible • Shift deer onto feed pads with good surrounding shelter during the wet • Back-fence on crop paddocks so deer cannot return and cause further pugging • Avoid break-feeding on very wet (saturated) soils • Avoid high deer numbers in holding paddocks with clay-rich soils near yards • Carry out stock management task in good weather e.g. weaning

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 28 Fence pacing Mitigation options: • Keep fences off steep areas. Fence around rather than up a hill, choosing GMP – Identify risk of overland a favourable contour rather than the shortest, steepest route flow of sediment and faecal bacteria on the property and • Double fence critical slopes and implement measures to minimise tracking areas transport of these contaminants • Fence off bare areas and plant trees to waterbodies. that can provide shade, shelter, fodder, timber and a barrier between Key points for consideration: paddocks • Plan paddock size, shape, contour and distance from • Break up straight fence lines with other disturbances in order trees in triangular barriers or barrels to prevent erosion from deer with netting pacing • Ensure gateways are sited correctly for stock flow and width • Identify the best stock class to fit the soil types to minimise the • Protect problem areas with electric risk of soil erosion fences. Ensure outriggers don’t cause entanglement or shift pacing further • Maintain pasture length in winter or wet periods to out and check frequently, particularly prevent soil being washed off in with larger mobs of stags heavy rain • Cultivate or fill in the area with soil, clay, gravel, rocks, waste wood pulp, • Retain in particularly vulnerable areas, tussock cover or native silage waste, branches or small hay vegetation to regulate water bales. Overfill to make it last longer runoff and to reduce risk of soil • Drain the area, using mole drains, loss, particularly in gullies or Novaflow drainage coil or tiles, along riparian margins ensuring the water table is correctly aligned for water channels • Maintain appropriate feeding levels to reduce stress and fence pacing • Develop screen plantings around known fawning and weaning paddocks to reduce disturbance between mobs

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 29 Camp site management Mobs of deer rest in one area of the paddock Mitigation options: close to each other, choosing camping areas • Avoid high stocking densities for their comfort, flatness, safety, distance from human activities, views of the area • Avoid long stock rotations (long and other deer, shelter and warmth in cold duration in a set rotation pattern) weather and shade and breeze in heat. • Use shade, shelter and varied topography to provide several good Deer are most content when they have a camping sites in all weather hard, rocky or dry area as a campsite. • If possible, provide several suitable Deer without suitable camping sites, camping sites in large paddocks to particularly in small paddocks, may pace disperse camping instead of resting or camp near the gate. Those without shade in hot weather seek • Avoid planting the highest clear spot, as windy knobs or exposed ridges. it will block the mob’s ability to relax and observe their surroundings and watch Stags do not cause problems for much of activity the year. • Locate and protect deciduous trees (not conifers) in the middle of the paddock, for breeze and shade at all times of the day • Shift fences if necessary to change some camping sites • Prune individual shade trees high so the shade moves around and away from the tree • Spread out camping activity by allowing deer access to their previous paddock • Avoid feeding near gates if possible • Feed hay on the bare damaged soil • Spell the paddock or graze cattle • Keep paddock angles and fences or tree lines at 90 degrees or more, as deer congregate in acutely angled corners of paddocks • Consider use of temporary electric fencing to protect vulnerable CSA or high-risk areas. It can as a bonus train fawns to electric fences later in their management (eg. crop feeding control) and can be very effective, although that in itself demands more surveillance. Keeping the bottom wire or two wires dead can also allow the fawn to find safe cover while it is very young

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 30 Play site management Deer, especially young stock, play when they Mitigation options: are happy and healthy but also when bored, • Use thick, high pasture cover needing exercise, or for social reasons. in paddocks (at the risk of They like to play on the most erosion-prone compromising feed quality) areas where soil is easy to disturb, such as • Avoid using large mobs and high warm sunny slopes, on bare ground, ridges stocking densities, especially for and gullies. They will play near water and young stock when shifted into a new paddock. Many farmers feel that play is a sign that deer are • Allow one area of bare ground thriving, and aim to control its effects rather and an associated wallow area than prevent play. • Keep young stock off vulnerable areas like steep slopes and banks • Keep weaners on a fast rotation • Provide shade in hot weather • Provide play objects such as drench containers, cleaned oil drums, tree stumps or a felled tree

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 31 Managing erosion and Persistent bare areas in deer paddocks can be caused by stock camping sites, areas where bare areas young stock play, feeding sites and following pasture and soil damage such as from rabbits, heavy machinery, overgrazing, and pugging from heavy deer stocking concentrations. Prevention should always be the aim. GMP – Manage periods of exposed soil between crops/ Minor bare areas are not always a problem. pasture to reduce risk of erosion, However, remedial action is best taken sooner overland flow and leaching. rather than later. If damage persists despite repeated repairs, change stock management Key points for consideration: around the problem area. Soil needs to be • Soil conditions and crop rested and treated to improve air circulation rotation through the soil structure. • Re-sow areas that are harvested, grazed or stock damaged (resulting in bare soils) as soon as practical to minimise periods of exposed Mitigation options for bare areas: soil • Use other stock (fallow deer or • Rest and re-sow erosion- sheep) in erosion-prone areas damaged areas • Use square rather than rectangular • Use cover crops (green feed, paddock subdivision if possible oats, mustard, other biological • Protect treated areas, using material activates) to reduce nutrient such as branches or electric fences losses; this also increases organic matter • Encourage seed establishment by applying fertiliser • When developing paddocks, retain native vegetation such • Cultivate, harrow or sub-soil the as tussock and shrub habitat ground and re-sow by direct drilling in gullies, steep and higher pasture mix country, as this will regulate • Lay geotextiles over the bare area water runoff, help retain water quality, reduce soil movement • If erosion is extreme, retire the area and provide filter areas before from all stock and plant with trees water enters streams • Slope has a major influence on the generation of sediment. If slope angle is doubled, you generate three times the sediment. If slope length is doubled, you generate 1 ½ times the sediment

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 32 Intensive Grazing

GMP – Select appropriate paddocks for intensive grazing, GMP – Manage grazing to recognising and mitigating minimise soil and nutrient losses possible nutrient and sediment from critical source areas. loss from critical source areas as part of the selection process. Key points for consideration: • To reduce runoff, sow crops Key points for consideration: for grazing across slopes if • Where possible, select possible rather than up and paddocks for winter down hills grazing that • Graze lower-lying areas and • are not vulnerable to areas closest to waterways pugging and compaction last, retaining an extra buffer • do not have significant if needed when wet artificial drainage such • Where possible shift deer to as mole and tile drains, dry, sheltered areas before waterways, temporary extreme wet weather arrives streams or natural drainage channels (running in times of high rain) • Choose wintering paddocks away from waterways if possible

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 33 Paddock Selection • When choosing paddocks to plant winter feed crops, look for areas at lower risk of pugging and compaction where possible, with no significant drains or waterways • To capture phosphorous and sediment runoff when intensive winter grazing, leave a vegetative strip not grazed from the edge of drain or waterway • Graze from the top to bottom of the paddock during the wettest period on sloping terrain • As soon as possible, replant the grazing area in a crop/pasture that will use up the residual N in the soil • Use shade, shelter, cover and varied topography to provide several good camping sites in all weather • Avoid excessively high stocking densities • Avoid long set stock periods or long slow rotations • Encourage camping in desired areas by planting shade and shelter

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 34 Deer management can have a major influence on behaviour and stress levels, and their Deer resulting impact on soils. Correct feeding, keeping stock in age and breed classes and Management recognising stressful times for deer can go a long way to reducing their impact and improving their overall health and welfare..

GMP – Identify and manage stress periods for each stock Mitigation options: class, ensuring feed covers • Shift stock regularly, especially and quality are appropriate in wet weather or in drought for each class. conditions Key points for consideration: • Shift large mobs regularly, especially if paddocks are small • Shift deer to new paddocks and increase frequency of shift in before feed runs out and bad weather fence pacing occurs • Keep young stock off erosion- • Keep deer in familiar groups prone areas and shift weaners with same age and size, or early groupings of related hinds • Feed supplements to quieten • Feed plenty of fresh, clean, younger animals and new arrivals varied, quality food with ample energy and nutrients • Avoid using steep paddocks during weaning, calving, the rut • Provide trees, shrubs or and wet weather scrub between paddocks for screening, hiding and shelter • Provide varied topography where and improving biodiversity possible for shelter, vantage points, camping and hiding • Introduce new deer to mobs carefully and in groups if • Provide play areas, such as a possible mound of soil • Monitor animals regularly on • On small farms consider providing self-feed silage pits to make toys (e.g., plastic fishing floats, sure all animals retain the clean drench drums, etc.) for required body condition score young stock • Minimise disturbances of vulnerable younger stock by humans, unfamiliar sources and farm activities

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 35 Rutting stag management

Rutting stags confined by fences on deer Mitigation options: farms are thought to pace because the natural desire to roam and access hinds, to defend, • Avoid placing single-sire mating or to fight or flee from other stags is inhibited. groups in adjacent paddocks Red deer, particularly Eastern red deer, are • Keep cycling hinds well away considered more prone to pacing than other from other stag groups breeds. Older and dominant stags and ex-sires • Spread out stag food seem to pace the most. The situation is often supplements well exacerbated where paddocks are small and different mating mobs are in visual or audible • Provide multiple sources of contact. drinking water • Post-rut return breeding stags to large paddocks to allow them to regroup and re-establish their hierarchy • Add spiker males with yearling breeding hinds in January to socialise and settle and enhance their mating success • Keep stags paddocks as far as possible from areas of disturbance such as yards or public access (e.g., roadways, walking tracks, etc.) • Have an appropriate stocking rate for your country and system

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 36 Newly weaned fawn management • On large farms separate fawns Pacing by newly weaned fawns typically from hinds as far away as possible, reflects a desire to rejoin their mothers for out of sight, smell and hearing. On social reasons. Some have a lactation nutrition smaller farms use adjacent secure drive if weaned early (often done in response paddocks to summer drought). Weaners may often be • Wean into large paddocks with low placed in unfamiliar surroundings, grouped with stocking densities other deer, or have been transported to a new property. This unsettles them. • Avoid disturbing newly weaned fawns; keep away from roads and Under the industry’s Code of Welfare, Deer unfamiliar people (2007), newly weaned deer (both hinds and fawns) must not be transported within 10 days • Use mob sizes of 50–200 fawns of weaning unless the process and transport • Consider soft weaning by can be completed within 6 hours. In that case, progressively removing groups of additional care needs to be taken to minimise hinds from the mob stress and the risk of fence-pacing or other • Consider delaying weaning until environmental damage at this critical time. after the rut, or later if possible to reduce separation stress • Add 20–40 fawns at a time if creating large mobs Mitigation options: • Avoid using the same paddocks • Provide high-quality, familiar feed for weaning each year if damage is and ample water of good quality in apparent a familiar place • Tag (NAIT and any ID ear tags) and • Wean into a familiar secure carry out animal health activities paddock, ideally one previously 2–3 weeks before weaning to avoid grazed by the hind/fawn group adding additional stress at this for 3–4 days immediately before vulnerable time weaning • Ensure fawns kept in yards after • Feed supplements, especially weaning have shade, shelter, good grain, for two weeks before and feed and water and monitor at during weaning, to allow the hind least daily fawn mob to become familiar with the feeding routine and adapt to • Monitor weather forecasts and the feed type. Continuing that delay weaning if bad, cold and/or routine after weaning is a critical wet weather is predicted within 5 management tool days of planned weaning • Retain fawns in their pre-weaning • If weaners are immediately mobs if possible transported on the day of separation, dry sheltered paddocks • Add some settled older deer such near the handling facilities are as dry hinds to the mob as a stable preferred nucleus and as leaders for further stock movement

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 37 Hind management Mitigation options: Hinds pace just before fawning, probably because they need to find their own secluded • Select fawning areas that have quiet place to give birth. They seek a safe minimal disturbance where possible place that has cover for the fawn and is as • Aim to establish ideal stocking far as possible from disturbance from other rates for example up to 6 hinds/ hinds during the critical hind–fawn bonding ha in typically down land or rolling process. country At fawning, excessive pacing and associated • Avoid very large mobs where fence line soil damage almost certainly possible, or mobs with a great range indicates an excessively high stocking rate of fawning dates and overcrowding issue for the hinds seeking • Provide supplementary feed to help a quiet birthing area. settle hinds pre-fawning Overcrowding also affects both fawn survival • Provide plenty of low scattered (loss through disturbance and mismothering) cover in the paddocks (e.g. long and hind herd behaviour. grass, weeds, scrub, cut branches) Hinds will also pace if they have lost a fawn and topographical variety such through the fence. Discomfort may also cause as hollows or gullies. Consider not pacing. harvesting/cutting an area in the middle of the paddock to provide Pacing of newly weaned hinds generally cover reflects a desire to be with her fawn and may • Feed the hinds well also be due to discomfort from a full udder. Some farmers think hinds that pace the most • Use familiar paddocks, ideally the are the best mothers. Minimising pacing same ones each year damage from newly weaned hinds follows • If you have fewer options to create the same practice as recommended for fawns ideal fawning environments, (as above). consider leaving gates open between paddocks if the pacing worsens. However, that can result in fawn problems with separation stress and fence entanglement when they are very young and may exacerbate mismothering.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 38 Nutrient Management • Modify fertiliser application by Timing of fertiliser inputs using side dressings and split applications as these may help reduce the risk of leaching and ensure greater utilisation of nutrients by plants • Time nitrogen applications GMP – Manage the amount to match plant needs and and timing of fertiliser inputs, maintain phosphorus at taking account of all sources optimal soil test levels of nutrients, to match plant requirements and minimise risk of losses. Manage nutrients from all sources including the soil, supplementary feed, previous grazing and crops and other The two major environmental challenges from organic sources (e.g. manure, fertiliser use are leaching to ground water and plant residue). losses to open water. Key points for consideration: Detailed guidelines are provided in the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand’s Code • Regular soil testing to of Practice for Nutrient Management to identify nutrient needs, optimise fertiliser use and avoid or reduce particularly for paddocks adverse effects on the environment. The that are going into crop Code has best practice recommendations on • Use expert guidelines, fertiliser handling, use and application and for example using crop detailed information on nutrient management calculators, expert planning. The Code also provides a template agronomic advice or codes for producing a Nutrient Management Plan. of practice http://www.fertiliser.org.nz/Site/code_of_ • Apply nitrogen and practice/default.aspx phosphorus fertiliser strategically to meet Regional councils have a responsibility under agronomic requirements the Resource Management Act (1991) to and to avoid adverse control land use activities to avoid, mitigate or environmental impacts (e.g. remedy adverse effects on the environment. strategic use around CSAs) This includes controlling discharges to land, water and air and has implications for fertiliser • Use nutrient budgets as a handling and use. Check with your council for tool to manage nutrient loss any further specific regulatory requirements.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 39 Monitoring phosphorus levels

New Zealand soils are generally naturally low in phosphate (P), sulphur and some trace elements. Applying fertiliser regularly supplements the soil’s natural nutrient level and compensates for farm nutrients removed GMP – Monitor soil phosphorus or lost from soil during animal production. levels and maintain them at or Without this, pasture production would be between half and a quarter of what it is below the agronomic optimum today. However, fertiliser must be applied and for the farm system. managed carefully to avoid contaminating Key points for consideration: waterways. • Conduct regular, on-going Soil testing, preparing a nutrient budget (using soil testing (Olsen P or an OVERSEER®) and a nutrient management plan equivalent, recognised are all essential tools that should be included soil test) at the block scale in the FEP. Discuss soil testing and nutrient to determine the level of management plans with a qualified consultant phosphorus fertiliser needed who is often your local fertiliser company and to monitor trends, representative. patterns and the impacts of nutrient management Consultants should be proficient at using decisions OVERSEER and qualified with the Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Management course run • Leave an unfertilised strip as by Massey University www.massey.ac.nz. a buffer zone beside creeks, drains and storm water flood A full copy of the Code of Practice is available zones. Allow more distance as from the The Fertiliser Association of slopes become steeper as this New Zealand. can help to slow water flow Contact your local council for information and and improve filtering of any relevant regulations on nutrient run off and run-off management, and fertiliser application limits.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 40 Mitigation options to avoid P loss Mitigation options to minimise contaminating open water: N loss to waterways: • Maintain Olsen P at or below the • Undertake regular soil tests and agronomic optimal levels assess applications based on a • Do not apply P fertiliser if Olsen P nutrient budget via OVERSEER soil test readings already exceed • Develop a nutrient management optimum levels for plant growth plan as an integral part of your • Leave an unfertilised strip as a FEP buffer zone, generally beside • Consider selecting less soluble creeks, drains and storm water and mobile forms of fertiliser flood zones. Adjust this buffer • Check nitrogen fertiliser width for slope recommendations for your • Develop permanent riparian strips, area. Generally annual nitrogen including dense ground-hugging applications should not exceed species, to filter overland flow 200 kg N/ha/yr for intensive • Increase the buffer distance pastoral systems (using split between intensively-used and applications of 50 kg N/ha/yr at a fertilised pasture and open time), but some councils enforce waterways a lower annual limit. • Avoid overgrazing of pasture before fertiliser application. Fertiliser uptake is better and there is less loss to the environment if the pasture is at least 25 mm (preferably 50 mm) long at the time of application (1600–1800 kg DM/ha) • Maintain soil structure and avoid soil compaction as this leads to increased soil and P loss • Identify CSAs for P loss and put mitigation measures in place

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 41 Fertiliser storage and spreading

GMP – Ensure equipment for spreading fertilisers is well GMP – Store and load fertiliser to maintained and calibrated. minimise risk of spillage, leaching and loss into waterbodies. Key points for consideration: • Only using accredited Key points for consideration: contractors for fertiliser • Following the Fertiliser spreading. The current Industry Code of Practice for industry standard is Fertiliser Handling, Storage Spreadmark™ and Use • Ensure your spreading • Locating storage sites away equipment is calibrated from waterways according to its design specifications and specific for the product being spread • Obtain records of fertiliser applications that are kept (or sought from contractors), including product, application rate, date, and location

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 42 Mitigation options: Phosphorous Nitrogen • Keep fertiliser storage sites a • Apply N fertiliser at a rate that the good distance (e.g. 50 m) from plant can use it, as nitrate leaching any waterway (but check your is minimised when there is rapid local regulations) nitrogen uptake by actively growing • Use Spreadmark-accredited pasture fertiliser spreading wherever • Time N applications to match possible and ideally use GPS vigorous phases of plant growth. and GIS technology for precise N application will achieve the most application and for a digital efficient results in spring/summer record of fertiliser placement • Split N applications into smaller control amounts if possible (e.g. 30–45 kg • Apply P in drier months N/ha at a time for grazed pasture) • Avoid applications before and apply more frequently over the heavy rain or on saturated growing season ground when tile drains are • Avoid application if heavy rain already running. This will help seems likely and especially if the avoid direct surface runoff of ground is already saturated. Direct P-enriched water or particulate leaching of soil nitrogen is greatest loss in winter when drainage is high and • Consider the wind direction plant growth is low and strength when applying • Avoid application of N in winter fertiliser near water and months (May, June and July in be prepared to postpone colder regions) application in adverse • Avoid application when soil conditions temperature at 10 cm depth is less than 7 degrees at 9 am

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 43 Feed Storage and transport Silage leachate Grass silage leachate is about 200 times stronger than raw sewage and 40 times stronger than dairy wastewater. It has high levels of nutrients and ammonia, is strongly acidic and will cause severe de-oxygenation, GMP – Store, transport and creating major adverse effects on water distribute feed to minimise quality and stream organisms. wastage, leachate and soil Take great care to ensure silage leachate does damage. not reach waterways. Check your council’s Key points for consideration: regulations for silage pit location. • Design feed storage facilities to minimise wastage and soil damage, i.e. sealed or compacted surface Mitigation options to avoid silage • Locate feeding areas away leachate: from waterways • Make sure silage is made at • Distribute feed to minimise soil the optimum moisture content damage (from farm equipment to reduce possible leaching, and animals) and potential recommended at 30% dry matter surface run-off to waterways, i.e. or more avoid Critical Source Areas • Avoid groundwater seepage into the pit • Consider lining pit with concrete, including drainage channels to a sump and bunding • Locate silage pits well away from any watercourse and make sure leachate does not run close to any waterway or find a pathway to a stream • Locate silage pit some distance away from any well used for water supplies (check with your regional council about the regulations) • Locate pit well away from farm boundaries • Site silage stacks so that overland flow of water from heavy rain cannot enter the stack

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 44 Infrastructure

Flood gates Fencing across streams is undesirable but not always avoidable, so installing swinging flood GMP – Locate and manage farm gates is recommended. Wide streams may tracks, gateways, water troughs, need several separate swinging gates self-feeding areas, stock camps, wallows and other sources of run-off to minimise risks to water quality.

Key points for consideration: Mitigation options: • Locate and design laneways • Construct floodgates from so that run-off is filtered by a corrugated iron, timber, vegetated strip reinforcing mesh or netting • Design and manage laneways • Clear debris from mesh and to minimise water ponding, netting regularly excessive effluent build-up • Run a separate wire strain across and erosion the entrance and exits to the • In areas exposed to wind flood channel as a sacrifice erosion, establish shelter section, or construct the fence belts with trees that will filter with a break link. Flood water the wind and provide added may remove this part but will shade and shelter not rip out the rest of the fence • On tracks, allow for cut-offs • Graze sheep rather than deer or and slumps that will take the cattle where it is impractical to runoff away from streams fence off streams and waterways

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 45 Culverts and crossings

Farm bridges and culverts must be constructed Mitigation options: to allow stream life to pass freely. Structures over streams are regulated under the Resource • Use appropriate-sized pipe to Management Act and bridges and culverts may cater for increasingly extreme require council resource consent. events • Build sturdy culvert sides using The Department of Conservation may also have logs, cement or timber to requirements. withstand erosion The NZ Forest Road Engineering Manual 2012 • Where possible, position culverts has valuable information on water, erosion and where deer will move easily sediment control and waterway crossings with across them information on culvert sizes required for different catchment areas. • Install sediment traps on the approaches to bridges and https://www.nzfoa.org.nz/resources/file-libraries- culverts to reduce the amount of resources/transport-and-roading/484-nz-forest- sediment reaching the stream road-engineering-manual-2012/file • Divert water runoff from tracks This was superseded in 2017 with the National through grass filtered areas Environmental Standard (NES) for Plantation before they enter waterways Forestry that sets a new and considerably higher performance standard for roading. It also prohibits the fording of streams during the fish spawning and migration season. There are 31 at-risk species of native fish including mudfish, as well as trout and salmon, which need to be considered. The new standard limits fording to 20 axle crossings per day. Refer to the stream crossing regulations in the NES as Gazetted. http://www.legislation.govt.nz/ regulation/public/2017/0174/latest/whole.html

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 46 Irrigation and Water Use • GPS or other technology is used to aid placement • Irrigation applications to non-target areas are minimised GMP – Manage the amount • The system is closed down if and timing of irrigation inputs run-off and/or ponding occurs to meet plant demands and and action taken to correct minimise risk of leaching and problem runoff. • Water is strategically Key points for consideration: applied according to crop • Application depth and requirements uniformity checks are • There is recognition of undertaken before and differences in soil properties during the season and adjustment of the • System adjustments have management of the system been made when application accordingly depth and uniformity • Timers are used to control the testing show need for amount of water applied adjustments • System is operated within the annual allocation • System is reconfigured to improve efficiencies • Areas that have high irrigation run-off risk are clearly identified and systems are in place to mitigate and manage the risk

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 47 Operating irrigation system

• Full pre-season maintenance GMP – Design, calibrate and checks undertaken on all operate irrigation systems to irrigators minimise the amount of water • needed to meet production Ongoing system maintenance is undertaken through the objectives. season and these actions Key points for consideration: recorded • Any new development, • Irrigation system is upgrade or redevelopment maintained and calibrated is consistent with irrigation to operate at its optimum industry codes of practice level • The irrigation system is • Breakages and system failures evaluated annually to are fixed and corrective demonstrate optimal actions taken and recorded performance using irrigation • Annual audit of system industry guidance completed to identify • Actual irrigation water take is efficiency improvements measured with a water meter. and actions taken to address Soil moisture levels are tracked identified problems throughout the season to • If appropriate employ variable justify irrigation events, e.g. rate irrigation together with using soil moisture balance soil Electromagnetic (EM) calculations, soil moisture mapping probes or tapes • Operate SMART Irrigation (Sustainably Managed, Accountable, Responsible and Trusted irrigation) http://smartirrigation.co.nz/ smart-irrigation www.irrigationnz.co.nz

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 48 Waste Mitigation options: • Separate silage wrap from bale net, shake and roll, put into the recycling Management, bags or bins provided. Store under Farm cover to await removal • Empty agrichemical and animal health plastic containers and triple rinse to be Effluent and free from residue both inside and out. Take to the designated collection depot Wastewater • Follow GROWSAFE™ guidelines when using chemicals and use correct safety Management gear • Attend a local GROWSAFE introductory Inorganic waste course • Store chemicals in a locked shed or cupboard solely for chemicals. Identify storage area with an appropriate Hazchem sign

GMP – Minimise inorganic • Store and mix chemicals well away from waterways waste on farm by using plastic containers or material that can • Mix in an area where spills can be be reused or recycled. contained, such as with raised concrete edges Key points for consideration: • Keep a bag of inert absorbent material • Store chemicals in a separate such as kitty litter handy in case of safe lockable storage facility spills and maintain a record of chemicals on hand • Spray in calm conditions, to eliminate negative effects beyond your • Check with your local regional boundary council for regulations regarding safe chemical • Triple rinse empty agrichemical storage and disposal, leachate containers into the mix being used from landfill and offal pits and • Dispose of empty agrichemical options for recycling or landfill containers as per label instructions and use council recommendations • If accumulating inorganic • Avoid spraying near waterways unless material is unavoidable the chemical is approved for this and recycling is not an purpose option, dispose of it in an • Use chemicals approved for purpose environmentally safe way using your local official • Read labels. If uncertain, seek advice regional landfill or a suitable • Ensure your agricultural contractors farm landfill are registered chemical applicators through GROWSAFE

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 49 Plastic waste Agrichemical use and disposal Options for disposing of plastic waste, Minimise chemical use through establishing including silage wrap, are burying, recycling a clear demonstrated need before use, and or storing. Plastics should not be burned. Your evaluate non-chemical alternatives. Accidental regional council will have advice on recycling spills and leaks from agrichemicals can and landfill options in your area. contaminate, so mix and store carefully to minimise risk. Left-over chemicals must be Commercial recovery stored or disposed of in a way that does not contaminate soil or water. One waste disposal option available to farmers is recycling. There are several programmes All agrichemical users should follow best and commercial waste removal companies practice GROWSAFE (www.growsafe.co.nz) in New Zealand with recycling and recovery practices required for safe, responsible and services. effective use of agrichemicals, based on the Industry Standard, NZS8409 – Management The AgRecovery rural recycling programme of Agrichemicals. is specific to the primary sector and offers services that recycle or recover containers, silage wrap, crop protection net, unwanted chemicals and other farm waste, throughout New Zealand (www.agrecovery.co.nz). Other recycling services may also be available in your area. Contact your local council for further information.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 50 Banned chemicals Farm landfill The risk of banned chemicals contaminating Avoid contamination of ground and surface farm produce is a threat to our markets. water from leachate coming from landfills. Consumers become exposed to organo- Council consent will be required if there is any chlorines from eating food from farms risk of landfill leachate. Local councils may also where these chemicals were once used as have specific distance regulations on landfill insecticides. location. Banned persistent organo-chlorines include DDT, Mirex, HCB, Endrin, Dieldrin and Toxaphene. Other chemicals no longer allowed to be used include Endosulfan, Mitigation options: Azinphos-methyl and Trichlorfon (except for • Site landfill away from property veterinary use). boundaries. Many other chemicals are reassessed each • Choose a site with less porous year, so availability of other products may soils, such as clay soil types be affected in the future. Disposal of old • Choose a site well clear of water chemicals is a specialist job. Discuss with courses and flood zones, or local authority hazardous goods staff or where ground water could enter contact a commercial company specialising in hazardous goods disposal, such as • Avoid disposing of unwanted AgRecovery (www.agrecovery.co.nz). chemicals or hazardous material such as pesticides, velvetting needles or equipment • Keep farm landfills separate from offal pits

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 51 Effluent system and storage Effluent equipment and application

GMP – Ensure the effluent GMP – Ensure equipment system meets an industry- for spreading effluent and specific Code of Practice or other organic manures is well equivalent standard. maintained and calibrated Have sufficient, suitable storage Apply effluent to pasture available to enable farm and crops at depths, rates effluent and wastewater to be and times to match plant stored when soil conditions are requirements and minimise unsuitable for application. risk to water bodies. Key points for consideration: Key points for consideration: • Enclosure systems should • Ensure spreading be located and managed to equipment is calibrated minimise the environmental according to its design impact of effluent specifications specific for the product that is being • Paddock enclosure systems spread should not result in significant or irreparable soil • Check that the equipment loss or erosion can apply effluent efficiently • Store effluent for later • Ensure the area is compliant dispersal to land where with discharge consents appropriate • Apply effluent to pasture • Ensure effluent and run- and crop at depths, rates off water do not enter and times to match plant waterways requirements and minimise risk to waterbodies • Prevent solid waste from entering waterways Ref: A farmer’s guide to managing farm dairy effluent – DairyNZ. https://www.dairynz. co.nz/media/2832537/farmers- guide-to-managing-fde.pdf

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 52 Deer faecal management Dung and urine loss from farm animals is a Mitigation options: source of nutrient supply that can affect water quality, either directly if animals have access to • Avoid deer access to waterways waterways or via surface run off from pasture wherever practical during heavy rain and by seeping into ground • Establish a filter of thick grass water, which in turn can enter waterways as on the riparian strip to retain springs. deer faeces before they enter Unlike the large volumes of urine and dung waterways. This will expose produced by cattle, deer generate lower and them to the sun’s rays, the UV more dispersed volumes with less P and N. light killing bacteria associated Deer droppings are generally deposited close with dung to where they camp, on higher ground away • Maintain grass cover on the from waterways. riparian area by occasional grazing in dry periods to However observed deer behaviour near water promote short dense tiller is considerably different from other species in growth. Graze riparian areas habit and effect. While natural deer behaviour with sheep if possible, as they may mean less faecal material is deposited are less likely to enter the directly into water, even a small amount will waterway have negative effects on the natural water system. • Consider planting shrubs and trees on the riparian strip to Natural wallowing behaviour can also result discourage access in large sediment loads carrying nutrients, particularly phosphorus, into waterways. Good management systems are therefore crucial.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 53 Dead stock disposal and offal pits

Mitigation options: • Never dump dead stock in waterways GMP – Dispose of dead stock • Dig shallow graves that are properly as quickly as possible clear of waterways in an appropriate safe and secure manner. • Dig offal pits where there will be no groundwater seepage into or out of the pit • Fence off offal pits from stock and use a cover or lid if possible • Consider using sawdust to compost the disposed carcase • Check your local regional council regulations for rules relating to offal pit construction and use in your area as there may be a minimum distance required from waterways.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 54 Biosecurity

GMP – Minimise the risk of introducing and/or spreading pest plants and animals by • Quarantine new or returning implementing good biosecurity stock in a designated holding farm management practices. paddock before letting Key points for consideration: them onto the rest of your property (ideally minimum 2 • Limit the number of entry and weeks) exit points to your property; this will allow you to better • Ensure all stock entering monitor entry sites the property are quarantine drenched • Gates to restricted areas should be locked and • Ensure that any feed you signposted purchase is free from pest plants and their seeds, or • Display biosecurity signs with insects. Paddocks in which clear instructions and contact you have fed stock using details at all vehicle access purchased feed should be points to inform visitors, checked regularly for pest whether contractors or guests, plants of your biosecurity status and what you require of them • Ensure that all staff and visitors, whether contractors or guests, check that their vehicles, machinery, equipment, boots and clothing are clean and free from soil, mud, insects and seed before entering the property • Provide footbaths and scrubbing brushes to remove soil and mud from dirty boots for people entering or exiting your property • Source only certified seed or propagation material

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 55 Mitigation options: • Develop a written biosecurity plan • Ensure all staff are familiar with for your farm in consultation with how to identify key pest plants your veterinarian or advice from and animals in your area and they your regional authority know the best time of year to look • Ensure that farm dogs are not for them carrying seed and that horses’ • Before purchasing stock or hooves and fetlocks are free of soil, grazing someone else’s stock mud and seed before letting them on your property, ask where on the property the stock have come from and • Regularly monitor and control whether they could be carrying vermin, wild or feral animals, pests pests or diseases., and the and weed populations to prevent necessary hygiene or treatments impact on stock and production and quarantine requirements systems have been adhered to • Maintain all fencing to prevent • If considering grazing your access of wild or feral animals stock off your property think about where they are going and whether they could be carrying seeds, insects or diseases to or Wash down areas: from that property. If in any doubt, • If necessary, use high pressure contact your regional authority water to wash down dirty vehicles, • Purchase feed or feed ingredients machinery and equipment and from a seller that can verify its provide brushes to sweep out safe origin. vehicle interiors • Do not feed ruminant protein • Clean vehicles from the top down (including cattle, sheep, deer, and dismantle machinery as far as and goat) to ruminant animals possible to gain access to internal unless it’s a dairy product. It is spaces not permitted to feed ruminant • An air compressor may be useful protein such as blood and bone for cleaning engine components meal to ruminants. (Note: This is a and shearing handpieces declaration requirement on your • Ideally the wash area should be a mandatory ASD form associated hard base suitable for hosing and with any stock movement from should have a sump to collect any your property) wastewater • Work with the youngest and most • If runoff cannot be avoided, susceptible animals first and any direct it away from pens, yards, sick animals last paddocks, crops and waterways • Use separate tools and • Regularly check surrounds of the equipment for manure handling wash area for pest plants and feed or bedding

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 56 What should you do if you find Impacts of introduced pests and something unusual on your property? weeds If you find anything unusual on your • Reduction in on-farm productivity property or suspect that you have purchased • Restrictions on how you can manage contaminated seed, propagation material, farm production or stock movements stock or feed, report it to your regional authority or local veterinarian immediately. • Reduction in the quality and value of Take photos of it ‘in situ’ and record where animal products it is so it can be found again more easily for • Lower market value of breeding animals checking. • The cost of control – often it costs more Contact the MPI exotic pest and disease money and time to control pests and hotline (0800 80 99 66) if you suspect an disease than to prevent it exotic disease. • Negative effects on animal welfare These are important links to NAIT • Disease in humans requirements for deer and to the Animal Health Plan for deer farmers. Also check Reference: Drystock Biosecurity Guidelines, out Deer Facts which has reference to deer Seven Intervention Points for on-Farm diseases relating to the environment. biosecurity, prepared by B+LNZ and DINZ June 2013. https://deernz.org/sites/dinz/files/ https://deernz.org/sites/dinz/files/Deer%20 Drystock%20biosecurity%20guidelines%20 Health%20Review%20Revised%20v4v_0.pdf FINAL_0.pdf https://deernz.org/sites/dinz/files/Deer-and- ‘Pest plants and farm biosecurity’, produced by NAIT.pdf Chilean Needle Grass Awareness Programme. Department of Conservation: Common Weeds http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and- threats/common-weeds/

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 57 Biodiversity

• If you don’t know about the biodiversity values on your property contact your local GMP – Protect areas of council or DoC office biodiversity and significant natural areas. • Seek advice from environmental agencies Fence significant native areas to keep out stock and undertake pest and weed control. Maintaining and enhancing biodiversity is a This will provide special areas national issue. The New Zealand Biodiversity for your property and provide Strategy, 2000 (www.biodiversity.govt.nz) has habitat for a wide range of birds identified that safeguarding the biodiversity and insects including many of New Zealand’s indigenous heritage will threatened species. ensure native plants and animals and unique ecosystems continue to survive and flourish. Key points for consideration: All landowners have a significant responsibility • Use your Farm Environment and role to assist in this protection strategy Plan to help plan protection and plan accordingly. and record progress Councils have information on managing • Contact your council to see if biodiversity. Several have contestable funds any areas of biodiversity are specifically for biodiversity projects. Councils considered significant natural are also responsible for the protection of areas as they may be eligible significant natural areas. for funding The Department of Conservation protects • Note existing bush areas and indigenous flora and fauna by administering natural water features and their large areas of publicly owned parks condition and extent and reserves. It and the Ministry for the • Obtain information on Environment (www.mfe.govt.nz) can advise biodiversity values for on biodiversity priorities and provide funding prioritising protection for bush, assistance for managing biodiversity on streams and wetlands private land. • Plan riparian fencing as a first step to maintaining and Managing biodiversity on farm enhancing waterways Many farmers are already actively conserving biodiversity on their land and have fenced • Fence bush areas to exclude or protected remnant bush areas or deer and protect the native wetlands. Managing deer farms with areas of bush ecosystems biodiversity, particularly if they are significant • Extend and recreate local natural areas, has implications for farmers. biodiversity ecosystems Developing a Farm Environment Plan will help identify risk features, and set priorities for protection in line with the national biodiversity objectives. Permanently excluding stock is essential.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 58 Indigenous vegetation protection Wetland protection All remnant unfenced native bush areas on There are many wetland types, from seeps and intensive deer farms will eventually die out if bogs to raised peat bogs and flax wetlands. deer are not excluded as there is limited or Councils have lists of significant wetlands no seedling regeneration. When deer graze that have special protection and often have native areas, they eat out the plants they prefer, funding to assist landowners manage these changing the balance of the plants present. areas. It is important to identify the values of Deer can also damage trees by browsing, wetland areas before you start any restoration, stripping bark and rubbing. Many native protection or nearby development and consult trees are readily eaten by deer. These include: with your local council. lancewood (Pseudopanax spp.), large-leaved Protecting existing wetlands or constructing Coprosma species, five finger (Schefflera new wetlands is an effective way to treat water digitata), broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis), before it leaves the farm, as well as creating marbleleaf (Carpodetus serratus), mahoe significant aquatic habitat for native species. (Melicytus ramiflorus), kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa), miro (Prumnopitys ferruginea) Significant areas of wetland have been lost and Asplenium bulbiferum (spleenwort). Deer through drainage, development and grazing can also eat out grassland plants such as large- with most of the remaining wetlands having leaved herbs like buttercups (Ranunculus spp.) legal protection under council rules. and wild carrots (Anistome spp.) and some grasses such as snow grass (Chionochloa flavescens) and narrow-leaved tussock (C. pallens).

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 59 Pest control Conservation areas An ongoing pest control and monitoring Some areas of the farm may have significant programme is an essential part of farming natural features such as riparian areas, sustainably. Protection of bush areas can wetlands, indigenous bush and scrub areas, actually improve habitat for pests, which significant landscape features and historic or are then a considerable risk for deer farms. archaeological sites. Possums and ferrets in native bush areas can act as vectors for harbouring and spreading The Resource Management Act (RMA) bovine Tb, as can feral deer and pigs. Rats, stipulates the protection of recognised stoats and cats are a major threat to the Significant Natural Areas (SNA) on private biodiversity of indigenous bush as they kill and productive land. Regional councils have native birds and eat their eggs. Not only that, responsibility under the RMA to identify and pests can destroy farm shelter plantings. assist in preserving these areas. Most have funds available to help with their protection Tb outbreaks and vector numbers are linked, and restoration, whether they are historic so reducing pest numbers will be needed in sites, native bush blocks, wetlands or stream endemic and fringe areas. margins and revegetation projects. A control programme should accurately Significant areas can be protected by identify both the problem and the control covenant to safeguard special features forever solutions, be they poisoning, trapping or – refer to the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust shooting, and include a long-term cost/benefit (www.openspace.org.nz) for more detailed with in-built safeguards on control success information and assistance. and cost variations. TbFree NZ controls the National Pest Management Plan and specific Several other organisations can help with Tb control programmes and has regional conservation projects on private land, operational plans that may affect your area. including the Department of Conservation, NZ See www.tbfree.org.nz for detailed information. Landcare Trust, Nature Heritage Fund, Royal Pest poisoning is governed by the Hazardous Forest and Bird Protection Society, Fish and Substances and New Organisms Act, 1996 Game Council, NZ Forest Restoration Trust (HSNO) and administered by councils which and Ducks Unlimited. can offer advice on control options. Farmers with areas of significant native bush with permanent fencing may be eligible for financial assistance.

Predator Free 2050 Predator Free NZ has set an ambitious goal to rid New Zealand of the most damaging introduced predators that threaten our nation’s natural taonga, our economy and primary sector. Ridding New Zealand of possums, rats and stoats by 2050 is a New Zealand-wide goal. It will require new techniques and a coordinated team effort across communities, iwi, and the public and private sectors. For advice and funding information check www.doc.govt.nz/ predator-free-2050

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 60 Shade and • Look around your Shelter neighbourhood to see what grows well in your area • Effective shelter can be provided by planting a double row, one of a low dense species and one of larger GMP – Provide shade and shrubs or deciduous trees shelter for livestock. such as flax and poplar Trees on farms provide shade, • All plantings can help provide shelter, timber, stock food, help cover for newborn fawns if a to control erosion, add appeal to gap is provided at the bottom the property, can be a legitimate of fences to allow them economic use for land not through to shelter suitable for grazing livestock • Effective shade trees can be and are valuable for maintaining provided within paddocks biodiversity. as specimens or in small Key points for consideration: woodlots, or can be planted in corners and as shade belts • Seek good advice on what grows well in your area • Willows and some Eucalypt species can be cut down to • When choosing the species a low stump that sprouts to plant, also consider the new branches to be used for value of flowering trees to firewood (coppicing) benefit bees and nectar feeding birds • To keep stock out, fence new areas for trees before planting • Get advice from your regional council or local • Young trees survive best if nursery on what grows well kept clear of weeds for at least in your area and select the a year after planting right tree species to fit your • Protect trees from weeds and purpose pests, particularly rabbits, hares, possums and livestock, especially during their establishment phase

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 61 Many deer farmers believe that deer are more content and pace less when they have shade, shelter, cover and screening along fence lines. Animal productivity is also likely to increase when abundant trees and shrubs are present, the shade and shelter helping livestock to limit energy use to regulate their temperature. Contact your local council for information on vegetation species, weed and pest control, and regulations on growing trees. The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association has information on suitable species and management (http://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm- forestry-model/resource-centre/) Tree planting Fodder Take time to plan the planting of new trees, Edible trees can be fed as cut branches, considering the aims and the suitable parts browsed through netting or electric fences, of the farm (refer to Chapter 9, Land use or eaten as leaf litter in autumn. Willows and capabilities). Plant the seedlings correctly and poplars have a moderate nutrition value (9–13 employ experienced contractors if you are not MJ/kgDM) compared with pasture (9–10 MJ/ doing the planting yourself. kgDM). Planting technique: • Cultivate the ground with a spade or by Woodlots using a machine to loosen soil Woodlots provide a profitable alternative land use option in high erosion risk areas that are • Spot spray area for weeds to maintain a too difficult to graze. They are also a form weed-free area of about 1m2 of long-term investment, often a retirement • Remove soil to create a hole large enough fund. A large variety of trees are available, for the tree roots but selection should be based on growing • Bury a short portion of the seedling’s conditions and final objectives. Consider lower stem along with the planted roots to efficiency of the scale of planting – small prevent excessive moisture loss scattered plantings may not be as economic as larger blocks of trees with good road • Replace the soil, lifting the seedling access. gradually to ensure roots are straightened When designing the woodlot also consider • Firm the soil around the roots by treading road access for harvesting. Check with the while applying upwards pressure on the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association for seedling information on suitable woodlot species and management information.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 62 Weed and pest control Antler rubbing Animal pests, including rabbits, hares and Antler rubbing is a natural behaviour of possums, can destroy new tree planting. Use stags that aids stripping of the drying velvet suitable predator-proof fencing or tree guards skin and prepares the stag for the rut by and pest control methods specific to the pests sharpening the antlers and strengthening the in your region if necessary. neck muscles. Good weed control will ensure that seedlings will survive even during drought in the first Mitigation options: year. Control pasture grasses as well as weeds • Feed the deer well around the seedling, as they suck up the available soil moisture. Check if herbicides • Provide stags with alternatives such can be used both pre and post tree planting, as scrub, large branches, stumps, and ensure herbicides are suitable for the logs, posts or drums, or trees such as particular species being grown as some are pine sensitive to post-planting sprays. • Protect trees with fences, corrugated iron, netting, branches or concrete posts • Consider protecting trees with electric fences, but take care as fatalities can occur with electric outriggers. Some farmers move the hot wire in, by placing the insulators directly onto the posts • Avoid large mob sizes and high stocking densities • Use paddocks with fence line screening and varied topography • Install rubbing posts mid-paddock, or old posts driven in just off the fence • Locate stags away from unprotected trees during the velvet growing period

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 63 Production on all farms is part of a complex biological system. Understanding the role of Carbon carbon is important for farmers to allow them to play their part in managing the carbon emissions that are part of greenhouse gas production. Emissions reductions can be made by: GMP – Maximise farm resources • Adopting good management practices to to ensure output efficiency is the whole farming system optimised. • Continually making on-farm efficiency Farmers should consider the gains: input versus output net mitigation benefit of all farm • Maximising forge crop quality practices, looking at efficiency in production and how to retain • Optimising fertiliser usage carbon through vegetation • Optimising Nitrogen usage per hectare capture to offset against carbon and/or per animal loss through resource use. • Optimising animal performance i.e. Increasing soil carbon benefits reproductive rates, animal health, growth soil quality and function as well rates and maximising lifetime productivity as meeting requirements for reducing emissions. • More effective management of animal waste Key points for consideration: • Using other mitigation technology as it is • Retain forest areas, both in developed production forest and native bush where possible and look Carbon cycling at carbon credits for these Carbon cycling is the continuous process of areas exchanging carbon between organisms and • Retain wetlands as they are the environment. The living plant absorbs major carbon sinks carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, • Replant areas in exotic trees in processes it into the food chain, and returns it a production forest system to the atmosphere via respiration and decay of animals, plants and organisms. Plants • Limit the amount of time and trees absorb carbon dioxide and are a paddocks have bare soil as this common way of offsetting carbon emissions is when the most carbon is lost when in plantations and forestry blocks. Soil • Avoid overgrazing also contains carbon produced by organic matter like roots and plant litter, but the • Ensure consistent grass covers carbon dioxide it releases via soil bacteria • Increase/maintain soil carbon remains relatively stable. However, there will levels at optimum levels for be subtle changes in soil carbon levels if there your soil type are changes in fertiliser policy, stocking rate • Optimise cultivation and productivity on farm and in cropping frequencies to avoid management practices. unnecessary soil disturbance

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 64 Measuring carbon Reducing emission intensity All New Zealand businesses, including • New Zealand agriculture produces 49% farmers, are being encouraged to identify of all New Zealand greenhouse gases. In their business’s carbon footprint and create an contrast the OECD average is 12%. emissions inventory. A good range of carbon • New Zealand produces 0.2% of total calculators are available from a variety of global greenhouse gases and about 0.6% New Zealand organisations and businesses of the total global agricultural emissions. for farmers to calculate the scope of their emissions. • Dairy, beef and sheep make up 97% of all agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in Check with MfE for further information on New Zealand. carbon calculators. • New Zealand farmers need to be responsible global citizens helping to Carbon trading reduce greenhouse emissions and the risk The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme of climate change. (ETS) is a way for New Zealand to meet its • On average, greenhouse gas emissions international obligations for climate change. per unit of meat or milk have dropped It puts a price on greenhouse gases to about one percent per year for the past provide an incentive to reduce emissions and 20 years. encourage tree planting, and trades on these emissions using New Zealand Units (NZU). • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can Landowners can earn carbon credits from have other on-farm benefits, i.e. improving eligible forests in return for storing carbon. productivity and water quality. Farmers with scrubland, regenerating bush, • The New Zealand livestock sector will or exotic forest should be banking credits and have to make some contribution to liabilities, and on-selling via carbon traders to reducing greenhouse gases as part of generate cashflow, or offset emissions from New Zealand’s obligations to the Paris energy use. Agreement targets. www.climatechange.govt.nz/emissions-trading- scheme www.mfe.govt.nz/climate-change/why- climate-change-matters/global-response/paris- agreement

Sources: NZAGRC: Fact Sheet; What We are Doing

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 65 Regulations

No two farms are alike; each farm has unique Resource Management Act 1991 landscapes, natural resources, farming (RMA) practices and goals. How each farmer The purpose of the Act is to promote the manages their land and environment is also sustainable management of natural and individual, but developing a system or plan physical resources. The Act has implications with achievable timeframes is a practical and for any activity that uses or impacts in some helpful way of identifying those needs and way on natural resources. A key intention tracking progress. is that “every person has a duty to avoid, An Environment Management System (EMS) remedy or mitigate any adverse effect on the recommended for deer farmers, which is also environment arising from an activity carried being used on New Zealand sheep and beef on by, or on behalf of, that person”. properties is the Land and Environment Plan New Zealand’s local councils are responsible (LEP) or FEP, developed by Beef+Lamb New for environmental sustainability and Zealand http://www.beeflambnz.co.nz resource management, with the statutory 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800-233-352). function of managing land use activities New Zealand has statutory requirements that under the Resource Management Act 1991. regulate how farmers manage their farming Responsibilities include responding to climate environment. The Resource Management change, natural hazards, pest management, Act 1991 (RMA) is New Zealand’s fundamental waste management, soil conservation, air legislation that sets out how we should quality and water management. manage the impact of land use activities Contact your council for specific information on our environment. Management of farm on land management issues for your area chemicals is also governed by the HSNO Act (refer Chapter 12, Links for your local council). 1996. Codes of Animal Welfare set standards for animal care. A full copy of these Acts is available from the New Zealand legislation site www.legislation.govt.nz

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 66 National Policy Statement for Key requirements of the Freshwater NPS Freshwater include: • Consider and recognise Te Mana o Te Wai What the Freshwater NPS is about in freshwater management The National Policy Statement for Freshwater • Safeguard fresh water’s life-supporting Management 2014 (Freshwater NPS) capacity, ecosystem processes and sets out the objectives and policies for indigenous species freshwater management under the Resource Management Act 1991. It came into effect on • Safeguard the health of people who come 1 August 2014. The amended Freshwater NPS into contact with the water superseded the original 2014 version on 7 • Maintain or improve the overall quality September 2017. of fresh water within a freshwater management unit National policy statements are issued by central government to provide direction to • Improve water quality so that it is suitable local government about how they carry out for primary contact more often their responsibilities under the Resource • Protect the significant values of wetlands Management Act 1991 when it comes to and outstanding freshwater bodies matters of national significance. • Follow a specific process (the national The matter of national significance to objectives framework) for identifying which the Freshwater NPS applies is the the values that tāngata whenua and management of fresh water through a communities have for water, and using a framework that considers and recognises specified set of water quality measures Te Mana o Te Wai as an integral part of (called attributes) to set objectives freshwater management. • Set limits on resource use (e.g., how much What it requires water can be taken or how much of a contaminant can be discharged) to meet The Freshwater NPS directs regional councils, limits over time and ensure they continue in consultation with their communities, to set to be met objectives for the state of freshwater bodies in their regions and to set limits on resource use • Determine the appropriate set of methods to meet these objectives. to meet the objectives and limits • Take an integrated approach to managing land use, fresh water and coastal water • Involve iwi and hapū in decision-making and management of fresh water

The above list is not exhaustive. For more detailed information about the requirements of the Freshwater NPS see Guidance on implementing the Freshwater NPS or read the Freshwater NPS itself. http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/fresh- water/national-policy-statement-freshwater- management-2014

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 67 How it is being implemented 2017 changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management The Freshwater NPS must be fully (Coalition Government 2017) implemented no later than 31 December 2025 (or 31 December 2030 in certain The changes adopted in September 2017 are circumstances). aimed at ensuring freshwater quality improves over time. This includes: If regional councils cannot implement the Freshwater NPS by the end of 2015 they must 1. Supporting the Coalition Government’s have prepared a progressive implementation national swimming targets programme of time-limited stages to meet the The Government has set a new target 2025 date, and make this publicly available. to make 90 percent of New Zealand’s They must report annually on the status of rivers and lakes swimmable by 2040 their progressive implementation programme. and requires regional councils to The Ministry for the Environment and the improve water quality and to report on Ministry for Primary Industries are providing contributions to achieving regional targets guidance to support councils, iwi, and every five years. other people involved in implementing the 2. Monitoring requirements Freshwater NPS in their local communities. In addition to the existing monitoring The guidance includes a range of: requirements, regional councils are now • Online resources that explain what needs required to monitor progress towards to be done at different stages of the freshwater objectives and values using freshwater planning process macroinvertebrates, indigenous flora and fauna and mātauranga Māori. They • Publications that provide more detail for are required to establish methods for the people involved, to help them through responding to monitoring and to make the various stages monitoring information publicly available. 3. Managing nutrients in rivers There are new requirements for regional councils to follow when managing the level of nutrients – such as nitrogen and phosphorus – that can go into waterways. Regional councils are now required to specify the nutrient levels they are aiming for in their regional plans. 4. Te Mana o Te Wai The concept of Te Mana o Te Wai recognises fresh water as a natural resource that is integral to the social, cultural, economic and environmental well-being of communities. The Freshwater NPS has been updated to clarify the meaning of Te Mana o Te Wai in freshwater management.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 68 5. Economic well-being Hazardous Substances and New Changes make it clear that regional Organisms Act (HSNO) 2015 councils should consider the economic This Act controls the import, manufacture, well-being of communities at all stages use, handling and storage of hazardous of decision-making under the Freshwater substances in New Zealand. The NPS, as well as the environmental, social Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and cultural well-being. It makes it explicit (www.epa.govt.nz) administers the rules and that this consideration is within the qualifications needed to transport, use and context of setting environmental limits. store hazardous substances safely and issues handling certification for chemical use. 6. Maintaining or improving freshwater quality Animal Welfare (Deer) Code of Welfare New provisions clarify requirements for regional councils about maintaining or 2007 improving overall water quality, to make The Ministry for Primary Industries the requirements clearer. (www.mpi.govt.nz) administers this code, intended to encourage all those responsible 7. Infrastructure exceptions to national for deer welfare to equal or exceed the bottom lines minimum standards of husbandry, care and There are minor changes to the handling (https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection- Freshwater NPS to clarify how it applies and-response/animal-welfare/codes-of-welfare/) in cases where national bottom lines for water quality are unable to be met Industry codes because of significant infrastructure (e.g., The New Zealand pastoral industry also hydro dams). has Industry Standards, Quality Assurance 8. Coastal lakes and lagoons Processes and Codes of Practice to provide There are minor changes to clarify guidelines and best practice on specific farm the requirements for coastal lakes and topics. lagoons which are sometimes seawater These include the Code of Practice for and sometimes fresh water. Nutrient Management, (http://www.fertiliser. Link http://www.mfe.govt.nz/fresh-water/ org.nz/Site/code_of_practice/default.aspx) national-policy-statement/about-nps produced by the NZ Fertiliser Manufacturers’ Research Association and the Codes of Practice on fertiliser quality and fertiliser spreading (Fertmark and Spreadmark) administered by Fertiliser Quality Council. (http://fertqual.co.nz/understanding-the- marks/spreadmark/) and (http://fertqual.co.nz/ understanding-the-marks/fertmark/) The deer industry is an active participant of the Sustainable Agriculture Management Systems Network, an information hub on sustainable management systems (SMS) in the agriculture and horticulture sectors in New Zealand. More information on the Deer Industry’s QA System is available through Deer Industry New Zealand. (www.deernz.org)

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 69 Department of Conservation Links Administers the Natural Heritage Fund and Biofunds. AgRecovery Responsible for managing natural and historic Provides a rural recycling programme. heritage. Ph: 0800 247 326 Ph: 04 471 0726 PO Box 1216, Hastings 4156 PO Box 10420, Wellington www.agrecovery.co.nz www.doc.govt.nz

AgResearch Deer Industry Environmental Awards Undertakes research into pastoral farming, NZDFA and DINZ award to recognise deer including deer. farmers who are farming productively and in Ph: 07 834 6600 harmony with their local environment. Private Bag 3123, Hamilton 3240 Ph: 04 473 4500 www.agresearch.co.nz PO Box 10702, Wellington 6143 www.deernz.org Auckland Council Provides technical assistance and advice on Deer Industry New Zealand sustainable land management. May have Responsible for promoting and assisting the funding assistance for environmental works. development of the New Zealand deer industry. Ph: 09 301 0101 Maintains Deer QA Systems. Private Bag 92300, Auckland 1142 Ph: 04 473 4500 www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz PO Box 10702, Wellington 6143 www.deernz.org Bay of Plenty Regional Council Provides technical assistance and advice on Ducks Unlimited sustainable land management. May have Assists with conservation projects. funding assistance for environmental works. www.ducks.org Ph: 0800 884 880 PO Box 364, Whakatane 3158 Environment Canterbury Regional Council (ECan) www.boprc.govt.nz Provides technical assistance and advice on sustainable land management. May have Beef+Lamb New Zealand funding assistance for environmental works. Provides Land and Environment Plan Ph: 0800 324 636 information and template. PO Box 345, Christchurch 8140 Ph: 04 473 9150 https://www.ecan.govt.nz/ PO Box 121, Wellington 6140 www.beeflambnz.com Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Administers the rules and qualifications Climate Change NZ needed to transport, use and store hazardous substances safely, and issues handling Offers information about climate change certification for chemical use. impacts and implications. Ph: 04 916 2426 Ph: 04 439 7400 PO Box 131, Wellington 6140 PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143 www.epa.govt.nz www.climatechange.govt.nz

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 70 Environment Southland GROWSAFE Provides technical assistance and advice on Provides Agrichemical use training to meet the sustainable land management. May have Industry Standard, NZS8409 – Management of funding assistance for environmental works. Agrichemicals. Ph: 0800 76 88 45 Ph: 0508 476 972 Private Bag 90116, Invercargill 9840 www.growsafe.co.nz www.es.govt.nz Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Federated Farmers of New Zealand Provides technical assistance and advice on Farmer lobby group. sustainable land management. May have Ph: 04 473 7269 funding assistance for environmental works. PO Box 715, Wellington 6140 Ph: 06 835 9200 www.fedfarm.org.nz Private Bag 6006, Napier 4142 www.hbrc.govt.nz The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand Maintains a Code of Practice For Nutrient Horizons Regional Council Management. Promotes and encourages Provides technical assistance and advice on responsible and scientifically-based nutrient sustainable land management. May have management. funding assistance for environmental works. Ph: 04 473 6552, PO Box 11519, Ph: 06 952 2800 Manners Street Central , Wellington 6142 Private Bag 11025, Palmerston North 4442 http://www.fertiliser.org.nz/ www.horizons.govt.nz

Fish and Game Council Irrigation NZ Assists with conservation projects. Irrigation NZ is a membership-funded national Ph: 04 499 4767 industry body that promotes excellence in PO Box 13-141, Wellington 6440 irrigation. https://www.irrigationnz.co.nz/ www.fishandgame.org.nz

Land and Water Forum Gisborne District Council A collaborative process looking at managing Provides technical assistance and advice on water in New Zealand into the future. sustainable land management. May have Ph: 04 471 0341 funding assistance for environmental works. Ph: 0800 653 800 PO Box 10822, Wellington 6143 PO Box 747, Gisborne 4010 www.landandwater.org.nz www.gdc.govt.nz Landcare Research Greater Wellington Regional Council Provides the Land Use Capability (LUC) survey handbook. Provides technical assistance and advice on Ph: 03 321 9999 sustainable land management. May have funding assistance for environmental works. PO Box 40, Lincoln 7640 Ph: 04 384 5708 www.landcareresearch.co.nz PO Box 11646, Wellington 6142 www.gw.govt.nz

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Lincoln University Native Forest Restoration Trust Offers specialist land-based tertiary training. Assists with conservation projects. Ph: 03 325 2811 PO Box 80-007, Green Bay, Auckland Ellesmere Junction Road, Lincoln 7647 www.nznfrt.org.nz www.lincoln.ac.nz Nelson City Council Marlborough District Council Provides technical assistance and advice on Provides technical assistance and advice on sustainable land management. May have sustainable land management. May have funding assistance for environmental works. funding assistance for environmental works. Ph: 03 546 0200 Ph: 03 520 7400 PO Box 645, Nelson 7040 PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240 www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz www.marlborough.govt.nz New Zealand Biodiversity Massey University Is responsible for the New Zealand Biodiversity Offers an Advanced Sustainable Nutrient Strategy, 2000. Management Course. www.biodiversity.govt.nz Ph: 06 350 5701 Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442 New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association www.massey.ac.nz Assists in maximising sustainable benefits for all deer farmers and links agricultural industry and MetService the public. Latest New Zealand weather forecasts, Ph: 04 473 4500 including tides, snow reports, radar maps and PO Box 10702, Wellington 6143 NZ weather maps. www.deernz.org Ph 04 470 0700 www.metservice.com New Zealand Farm Environment Trust (NZFET) Ministry for the Environment Promotes sustainable farm management and Responsible for the Resource Management Act administers environment awards, including the Ph: 0800 499 700 Ballance Farm Environment Award (BFEA). PO BOX 36071, Christchurch 8146 PO Box 10362, Wellington 6143 www.nzfeatrust.org.nz www.mfe.govt.nz www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1991/0069/ latest/DLM230265.html New Zealand Farm Forestry Association Provides guidelines on tree choice and Ministry for Primary Industries establishment for New Zealand farms. Administers Codes of Animal Welfare. Ph: 04 472 0432 Offers information on carbon. Manages the PO Box 1122, Wellington Sustainable Farming Fund. www.nzffa.org.nz Ph: 0800-008-333 PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140 www.mpi.govt.nz

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 72 NZ Landcare Trust Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society Provides information on landcare management Assists with conservation projects. practice. Ph: 04 385 7374 Ph: 0800 526 322 PO Box 27420, Wellington 6141 PO Box 4305, Hamilton, 3247 www.forestandbird.org.nz www.landcare.org.nz Taranaki Regional Council NIWA Provides technical assistance and advice on Produced report on How clean are our rivers? sustainable land management. May have Provides detail on constructed wetlands. funding assistance for environmental works. Ph: 09 375 2050 Ph: 06 765 7127 Private Bag 99940 Private Bag 713, Stratford 4352 Newmarket, Auckland 1149 www.trc.govt.nz www.niwa.co.nz Tasman District Council Northland Regional Council Provides technical assistance and advice on Provides technical assistance and advice on sustainable land management. May have sustainable land management. May have funding assistance for environmental works. funding assistance for environmental works. Ph: 03 543 8400 Ph: 0800 002 004 Private Bag 4, Richmond, Nelson 7050 Private Bag 9021, Whangarei 0148 www.tasman.govt.nz www.nrc.govt.nz TB free New Zealand (formerly the Animal Otago Regional Council Health Board) Provides technical assistance and advice on Runs the National Tb Control Programme. sustainable land management. May have Ph: 0800 482 463 funding assistance for environmental works. PO Box 3412, Wellington 6140 Ph: 03 474 0827 www.Tbfree.org.nz Private Bag 1954, Dunedin 9054 www.orc.govt.nz Waikato Regional Council Provides technical assistance and advice on OVERSEER® sustainable land management. May have Provides OVERSEER – a nutrient management funding assistance for environmental works. tool to estimate nutrient cycles within a Ph: 0800 800 401 farm system, to optimise production and Private Bag 3038, Hamilton 3240 environmental outcomes. www.waikatoregion.govt.nz www.overseer.org.nz West Coast Regional Council QEII National Trust Provides technical assistance and advice on Administers open space covenants to protect sustainable land management. May have significant natural and cultural features. funding assistance for environmental works. Ph: 04 472 6626 Ph: 0508 800 118 PO Box 3341, Wellington 6140 P.O. Box 66, Greymouth, 7805 www.openspace.org.nz www.wcrc.govt.nz

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 73 Glossary

BFEA Ballance Farm Environment EMS Environmental Management Award, administered by the System – an internationally NZ Farm Environment Trust. recognised system for implementing sustainable Biodiversity The number and variety of management on farm. organisms found within a specified geographic region. Ephemeral An ephemeral waterway flows only on occasion, not Biophysical The biophysical environment permanently. is the biotic and abiotic surrounding of an organism Erosion Physical removal of soil or population, and through surface detachment consequently includes the of individual particles by factors that have an influence wind, rain and frost, gullying in their survival, development by surface and subsurface and evolution runoff, deep-seated mass movement by earthflows Constructed A man-made wetland area and slumps, shallow mass wetland made to improve on-farm movements by slips as water quality. channelised mass movement by debris flow. CSA Critical source areas for phosphorus loss. Run-off EurepGAP Fresh produce food standard during storm events results set by Europe food retailers in significant phosphorus loss to give their customers more from CSAs. assurance on food safety, through Good Agricultural % DM Percentage of dry matter in Practices (GAP). stock feed. Fertigation – the injection of fertilisers, soil amendments Deer Industry Biennial Award to recognise and other water-soluble Environmental deer farmers who are products into an irrigation Awards farming productively and system in harmony with their local environment, funded by the GPS Global Positioning System. NZ Deer Farmers’ Association and Deer Industry New GROWsafe A training programme to Zealand. promote the safe use of agrichemicals. Demeter A worldwide certification system used to verify Geotextiles Fabric used for the production by biodynamic construction of porous methods. sediment traps.

The Deer Industry Environmental Management Code of Practice 2018 74 HACCP Hazards Analysis Critical SAMSN Sustainable Agriculture Control Point. A system Management Systems for assuring food safety, Network. documenting organisational Information hub on structures and procedures sustainable management and design and construction systems in agriculture. requirements for food handling premises. SMP Sustainable Management Plans – a form of planning for HSNO Hazardous Substances and implementing sustainable New Organisms Act, 2004. farm management.

ISO International Standards SNA Significant Natural Area – Organisation. protection of ‘significant indigenous vegetation ISO 14001 International Environment and significant habitats of Standard. indigenous fauna’ as a matter of national importance. Land and A government-supported Water Forum stakeholder group to Mitigating To make good damage that consider new ways to has occurred. manage water issues in New Zealand. NMP Nutrient Management Plan – documents and monitors LEP Land and Environment management of nutrient Plan – a planning process for inputs and outputs to implementing sustainable optimise productivity and farm management, minimise adverse effects on sometimes called a Farm the environment. Environment Plan (FEP). Waterways The course that naturally LUC Land Use Capability – the occurring water takes in types of uses land is capable defined channels, creeks or of sustaining. streams or across pasture on its way through the New Zealand Refers to the New Zealand catchment. Waterways may Biodiversity Biodiversity Strategy to halt be ephemeral (occasional) Strategy the decline of indigenous during rain events or wet flora and fauna at risk. periods of the year, or perennial/permanent. Riparian Land surrounding waterways often retired from grazing. Wetland Permanent or intermittent wet areas, shallow water RMA Resource Management Act. and land water margins supporting a natural ecosystem of plants and animals adapted to wet conditions.

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