Far North avocado orchardists say jobs are being lost because of the delay in processing their water resource consents. READ MORE:* Northland drought: New dam will boost drought resilience and high-value farming* Vandal attack on Northland avocado orchard linked to water row slammed by locals* Rising demand for avocados could threaten water levels in Aupōuri, NorthlandThe landowners' applications were lodged between February 2018 and August 2019. The Northland Regional Council did a limited notification in late 2019. Sentiment from the community against the avocado orchardists is high, with Mapua Orchard being attacked in December. About 20 avocado trees were cut down, irrigation lines and windbreaks were cut and tagging declared the orchardists "water thieves".

Source: Stuff July 03, 2020 18:00 UTC