Molesworth Station, for instance, is owned by DoC but is managed by Landcorp (trading as Pāmu).
Molesworth is New Zealand’s biggest station and covers 180,787 hectares, about 30% of which is protected.
On farms, over 180,000ha of land has been put into the QEII trust, and about 17% of all New Zealand’s native forests are under farmer protection.
Further, farmers have fenced and planted waterways to ensure that biodiversity is maintained and, where possible, enhanced.
Ministry for Primary Industries estimated in 2017 that the cost of riparian planting for plants, ground preparation and labour, using native flax and sedges, was about $3.67 a linear metre; with another $4.90 a metre for two-wire electric fence, or double for four-wire (and $20 for deer fencing).
Post-Covid and inflation, the current estimate for farm fencing has more than doubled — even before the transport and land-preparation figures are calculated.
The Department of Conservation has income from the Government (taxpayers) and visitors.
Farmers do their work as part of operation and commitment to the future.
The investment they make is possible when the basic costs of production are covered by the prices they are paid for the product.
Last year, the average pay was less than average production costs whichever sector is considered.
This year, few farmers feel off the hook.
And that means agribusinesses are also feeling tight.
Machinery is not flying off the forecourt and the number of shop fronts in small towns with for lease/sale notices in windows has increased.
Despite this, the rhythm of the countryside has continued — the herds moving to be milked once or twice a day, excess pasture being conserved as silage or hay, ripe grain and seed being harvested.
The daily, seasonal and annual cycles are in constant play as farmers adjust their plans to meet the latest weather forecast — and then adjust again in the event of what actually happens.
They are supported in this by the rural professionals — unsung heroes working through the public holidays and good weather to ensure that veterinary services are provided, samples are analysed, nutrients are spread, machinery is mended, vehicles are fixed, and vats stay cool.
Tankers have been active in collecting milk and delivering fuel to keep the farms running, and stock trucks (and agents) have been on the road relocating animals to new homes.
Biosecurity professionals have been checking traps and ensuring that the borders stay as secure as possible, answering questions from the public and helping people make preparations for what might be required in a biosecurity lockdown. (Schools and uneaten fruit are now on the education visit list in South Auckland.)
The police have been active, too, and the road toll is down.
Contrary to public perception, this is not because people have been driving less.
The latest quarterly fuel consumption (September – released in December) indicates domestic land transport fuel use in New Zealand had increased from the previous year in the first and third quarters (despite the number of electric cars on the road).
Listen to Jamie Mackay interview Dr Jacqueline Rowarth on The Country below:
In contrast, commercial transport fuel consumption has decreased (by 25% in the September 24 quarter in comparison with the previous year; and 15% for the first quarter of the year).
Dog and Lemon Guide editor Clive Matthew-Wilson (editors and journalists have been working through the holidays as well) has done the analysis of the road toll data over a century and shows trucks are responsible for 20% of road deaths.
When they aren’t on the road, he says, the road toll decreases.
Further, Ministry of Transport data from 2020-2022 shows speed was a factor in 11% of cases, whereas alcohol and drugs were responsible for 46% (half connected with speed as well).
Matthew-Wilson also points out two-thirds of fatal accidents occur on rural roads, generally involving driver impairment and lack of seatbelts (emergency services and health professionals have been working through the summer as well).
The take-home message (as well as drive sober, without substance abuse in well-maintained vehicles — and wear your seatbelt) is not to let the beautiful New Zealand panoramas, nor the rhythm of the countryside distract the driver.
Overseas tourists have been known to stop where they are for a selfie with the view; not, apparently, realising the traffic impediment they might be creating.
Sometimes a tractor might be around a corner.
Paul Evans’ 1959 song sums it up:
Keep your mind on your drivin’
Keep your hands on the wheel
Keep your snoopy eyes on the road ahead….
The passengers can extoll the beauties and admire the workforce.
The combination keeps the New Zealand economy alive.
Through wind and rain, drought and flood, heat and cold, the primary sector and the economy is growing — and growth allows environmental protection.
It is a good combination.
