NZ’s Green Investment: $36M Boost for Sustainable Farming and Water Quality

The 2024 Budget earmarks these funds for the Ministry for Primary Industries’ regional staff, who provide essential support to these groups.

The New Zealand Government has pledged a substantial $36 million over the next four years to fortify land management and environmental sustainability, as unveiled by Agriculture Minister Todd McClay. This strategic move aims to empower locally led catchment groups with a direct infusion of $7 million, bolstering the nation’s commitment to ecological stewardship.

The 2024 Budget earmarks these funds for the Ministry for Primary Industries’ regional staff, who provide essential support to these groups. This initiative complements the existing investment in 46 catchment-based projects, which collectively assist over 9,000 farmers and 290 groups.

Breaking down the funding, Tairāwhiti catchment groups will receive $2 million, the Manawatū River Catchment Collective is allocated $980,000, and the Ōtūwharekai/Ashburton Lakes Catchment Group, in collaboration with the Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective, will benefit from $950,000 over four years.

Minister Mark Patterson, overseeing Rural Communities, emphasized the crucial role of catchment groups in rejuvenating New Zealand’s export economy. Associate Minister of Agriculture Andrew Hoggard echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need for tailored local solutions to address unique catchment challenges.

The announcement precedes the national Fieldays event in Waikato, where further significant updates on the Government’s support for the primary sector are anticipated by Minister McClay.