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The Rural Guardian


Stockwater exit sparks debate over creek flows
Methven farmer John McCaw fears the council’s stockwater service exit could come at the detriment of a natural waterway intertwined in the network. McCaw said he supported Ashburton District Council's decision to end the service in Mid Canterbury, but warned that a full closure “represents a grave threat to the future of the Mount Harding Creek”. “It’s more than just a water race." He is happy to see the end of the stockwater service but wants the water to still be used to ma
Dec 28, 20254 min read


RMA consent extensions a major win for farmers
Farmer David Clark said the overhaul was a "tremendous success" for rural communities and their farmers. Anisha Satya A six year extension on farming consents has ended “a period of uncertainty” for Mid Canterbury farmers. The extensions were revealed as part of the Resource Management Act (RMA) replacement announcement, which saw the Act ditched for two new bills that separately regulate land use and environmental impacts. The expiry date for current consents has been extend
Dec 11, 20252 min read


Canterbury in a 'nitrate emergency': what does that mean?
Environment Canterbury Councillor Vicky Southworth put forward the motion to declare a nitrate emergency in Canterbury. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon As one of the final acts of the term, Canterbury Regional councillors declared a nitrate emergency. Few deny a problem , but some labelled the move as "meaningless" and marks a deepening a divide between town and country. LDR reporter Jonathan Leask looks at the murky issue. The declaration In a slim margin, Environment Canterbur
Oct 9, 20254 min read
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