Cows on move from prime land
Changes being made by O¯ taki farming trust in an effort to minimise environmental impacts
The owners of a prominent 200 hectare dairy farm between O¯ taki and O¯ taki Beach have cited kaitiakitanga as the key reason behind moving their cows off the land to another dairy farm.
The O¯ taki and Porirua Trusts Board (OPTB), which has managed dairy farming operations in O¯ taki for more than 100 years, has made a decision to cease dairy-farming on its Tasman Rd block, in an effort to minimise environmental impacts.
The last of the herd of more than 500 dairy cows would be moved from the land, which has wetland and waterways running through it, by the end of the current farming season on May 31.
The proactive decision comes as the O¯ taki-based iwi trust board makes significant changes in 2021 to its landbased farming operations, which it said reflected its commitment to the environment and to future generations.
OPTB chairwoman Rachael Selby said strategic planning over the past three years had reinforced a commitment to kaitiakitanga following a growing appreciation of the sensitivity of land located between the town and the beach.
Selby said in the past three years, in developing a strategic plan, the board had researched land use options across all its holdings.
“It is now in a position to implement significant changes,” she said.
Ms Selby said the negative environmental impacts that result from current farming practices on whenua owned by the OPTB will be reduced.
The board can exercise kaitiakitanga of the land, respect to the iwi owners and the community by proactively reducing the impacts of dairy farming in O¯ taki, she said.
“We expect the iwi and the community will recognise the growing acceptance of the need for all landowners to take meaningful steps to restore the environment for future generations,” she said.
“The board is conscious of its responsibilities to protect land and water, environmental health and the wellbeing of its people that include the beneficiaries, stakeholders and wider community.”
Selby said the board also recognised its financial responsibilities and requirement to provide educational scholarships to students.
Its current core business was landbased asset management, including dairy farming, land leases and rental properties.
Income generated is used as
scholarship funds. Those funds make available scholarships for postprimary education to members up to the age of 20 who whakapapa to the three iwi of Te A¯ tiawa ki Whakarongotai, Nga¯ti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Nga¯ti Toa Rangatira.
General manager Troy Hobson said the board will relocate its dairy operation and 500 cows to another farm in an established dairy farming area at Manakau.
He noted the board is demonstrating both its commitment to Te Mana o te Wai and to managing its environmental footprint into the future.
Hobson supported the board’s decision and commented that it reflects a broad attitude of doing no harm to the land, water and environment.
“It’s a brave decision for a traditional farming entity and is a proactive step towards reducing the negative environmental impacts from our commercial activities.”
Hobson said the cows would be moved to a farm in a recognised dairy farming area with “less sensitive soil types and less waterways”.
“At peak, we will have relocated 500 cows to a more traditional farming area,” he said.
Hobson said increasing urbanisation on Tasman Rd could see some form of land use change that
may include the provision of housing solutions, like kauma¯tua housing.
“There is a lack of aged care options for kauma¯tua in O¯taki,” he said.
The board has noted that iwi members have increasingly called for environmental sustainability and support proactive changes that reflect human relationships with the land.
Hobson said the trust board was now looking at other uses that would best benefit the iwi while making prudent use of the land.
The O¯ taki and Porirua Trusts Board is a registered charitable nonprofit organisation created under the O¯ taki and Porirua Trusts Act 1943.
The board has 10 members who are appointed by the governorgeneral, of whom five represent the Diocesan Trusts Board, four represent the Raukawa Marae Trustees, and one represents the Ministry of Education.
We expect the iwi and the community will recognise the growing acceptance of the need for all landowners to take meaningful steps to restore the environment for future generations
Rachael Selby