Correction

In our March issue, we outlined new rules for the Waikato but made an error with the date. The plan was notified in October 2016 and the rules around land use changes already apply. Waikato rural land owners can’t change their land use to a more intensive one if their property is greater than 4.1ha. You need to talk to the Waikato Regional Council if you are planning to move from trees to livestock, sheep and beef to dairy, or any land use into commercial vegetable production.

Also, freshwater issues vary across the country. Not all councils will set limits for nitrogen loss for individual properties, and not all councils will require farm plans.

Where plans are required, the lower size limit also varies across the country.