Much-maligned farm rules intended to improve waterways in wider Manawatū seem destined to once again be mired in the courts, with environmental groups saying proposed changes will not help clean up rivers and lakes. The proposed change has drawn the ire of Fish and Game, Environmental Defence Society and the Department of Conservation, who voice opposition in their submissions. The proposed plan change would not fix those issues, as the ambiguous "good management practice" gave no certainty about safeguarding the environment, she said. Any decision on court action would be made after the plan change decision was made by commissioners. Fish & Game did not provide comment to Stuff by Sunday, but in its submission signed by Wellington regional manager Phil Teal said the proposed change came at a time when intensive farming was already increasing in the area.

Source: Stuff December 07, 2019 22:41 UTC