The report says pivot irrigation in the Mackenzie basin can transform the ecosystem, pushing out endemic native species. (File photo)The native dry-land ecosystem of the Mackenzie country has been seriously damaged by intensive agriculture, according to a new Government report. The basin is also home to eight threatened bird species and rare native moths, butterflies, fish, and other animals.”READ MORE:* Government buys almost 12,000ha in Mackenzie for conservation area* Report proposes 'radical shift' to save Mackenzie Basin* Mackenzie Basin ecology in race against intensificationJohn BIsset/Stuff Irrigated land contrasts sharply with the native terrain. Forest & Bird regional manager Nicky Snoyink​ said “It’s entirely appropriate that the Our Land report focused on the Mackenzie basin – this iconic New Zealand landscape is in the process of being destroyed by farming intensification”. David Walker/Stuff Forest and Bird regional manager Nicky Snoyink said intensive farming in the Mackenzie is a “trainwreck”.

Source: Stuff April 18, 2021 00:00 UTC