Costs to Taranaki farmers and regional ratepayers are predicted to rise as the new Government freshwater regulations come into effect. The regulations, some of which came into effect on September 3, will require increased environmental and farm monitoring, for which the Taranaki Regional Council will need extra specialist staff and equipment, and more monitoring sites. READ MORE:* Taranaki farmers fear new freshwater rules will drive them out of business* Minister warns boycotting farmers: 'No one is above the law'* More details needed farmers say on Govt freshwater plansIn a statement, Taranaki Regional Council chairman David MacLeod said the new requirements would complicate the consenting process and make it more expensive for farmers and ratepayers. Catherine Groenestein/Stuff Farmers Mark Carter, Nicola Wicksteed and Ali Wicksteed beside a section of riparian planting on the Wicksteed's Taranaki farm. The Wicksteeds are pleased the new freshwater regulations won't force them to reduce cows or shift riparian fences out, as they had feared.

Source: Stuff September 03, 2020 07:52 UTC