Freshwater Farm Plans have been introduced to mitigate the impact of primary sector activity on New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems.
Dr Edwin Massey, General Manager of Sustainability New Zealand Winegrowers, said for almost 30 years, the wine industry has operated a unique programme that now certifies over 96 percent of the New Zealand vineyard area as sustainable.
"On a global stage we are proud to be widely recognised as world leaders in sustainable wine production. We are pleased to be working to find a pathway to integrate the new requirements into our existing Sustainable Winegrowing NZ (SWNZ) programme as much as possible," said Dr Massey.
This has meant minimising costs and providing comprehensive support in navigating the regulations. Sustainability New Zealand Winegrowers has seen this positively, as it has offered an opportunity to further enhance the industry commitment to the environment through caring for natural waterways and the supporting ecosystems.
“I am pleased to announce that funding has been received from the Essential Freshwater Fund, which is administered by the Ministry for the Environment. This will support us with Project Raumatatiki including education and on-the-ground advice to our members”, said Dr Massey.
Fabian Yukich, Deputy Chair - New Zealand Winegrowers, has led Project Raumatatiki – Freshwater Farm Planning for Viticulture, alongside representatives from three grape growing regions, as well as central and local government, to develop the project.
“We are taking a collective approach to achieve the best and most efficient outcome. Our industry prides itself on being collaborative, innovative, and forward-thinking. Working together on creating cleaner natural waterways is an evolutionary step for our industry and the SWNZ programme," said Yukich.
“Through Project Raumatatiki, we have an opportunity to embody rangatiratanga (leading the industry in this space), kaitiakitanga (positive change to sustaining natural resources) and kotahitanga (unity among the industry for a collective purpose),” said Will Macdonald, Rangitāne o Wairau, who is a member of the governance group.
‘The project name Raumatatiki derives from the kupu ‘raumatatiki which refers to unfailing and endless freshwater springs. Here, it acknowledges the importance of our water that has and will continue to sustain Aotearoa and the wine industry.'
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