Northland news in brief: ACC urges farmers to prioritise safety during calving season

An ACC spokesperson says agriculture remains one of New Zealand’s most dangerous industries. Photo / Catherine Fry

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) wants farmers to prioritise rest and safety as they move into the busy spring calving season – a time notorious for a spike in farm injuries. ACC says agriculture remains one of New Zealand’s most dangerous industries, with stress and fatigue major contributors. During 2024, ACC accepted 1236 claims for Northland farmers alone, costing $8.1 million.

Climate Action meetings

Climate Action Tai Tokerau is holding a series of meetings with Whangārei District Council and Northland Regional Council candidates to discuss their climate change policy. The meetings will be at Mangakahia on Monday, September 1, Central Whangārei on Saturday, September 6, Ruakākā on Thursday, September 11, Ngunguru on Saturday, September 13 and an online meeting about Māori wards on Monday, September 15. Go to tinyurl.com/TaiTokerau for more details.

Carbon forestry limits

The Government’s proposed carbon forestry limits are too weak to protect rural New Zealand, Federated Farmers forestry spokesman Richard Dawkins claims. He says the 25% Emissions Trading Scheme cap excludes most sheep and beef land, leaving productive hill country farms at risk of whole farm conversions. Dawkins says red meat farms lost to carbon forestry are “gone for good” and by failing to protect them, the Government will jeopardise its own goal to double exports by 2030.

Mouse action on island

Matakohe Limestone Island rangers reported a toxin fill completed by volunteers was going well after a mouse carcass was found on a track there. The island is a vital ecological reserve and sanctuary, acting as a kiwi creche so the young birds have a safe place to grow before they are taken to the mainland for release. Mice were tracking higher than usual on the island last month.

Electrifying start

Electrification advocacy group Electrify Te Taitokerau launched this month to a full house at McKay Stadium in Whangārei. Affiliated with the charity Rewiring Aotearoa, Electrify Te Taitokerau aims to help accelerate the transition to cheaper, cleaner, locally made, reliable and renewable energy through advocacy and education. The free event featured speakers Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey, and Glenn Sutherland of energy retailer Nau Ma Rā. For more information, visit www.rewiring.nz/communities/northland

District Plan hearings in Kaipara

Kaipara District Council will begin hearings for the Proposed District Plan on Monday. The plan is the “rule book” for the district, managing subdivision use, development activities, and Kaipara’s natural environment. The proposed plan looks to replace the current operative District Plan, which is more than 12 years old and no longer meets the needs of the growing district.