June 28, 2009
The most crucial aspect of biological farming is the creation of humus. Humus is the dark brown, biologically rich earth that healthy soil microbes create. It improves soil water holding capacity, provides a home for microbes and a savings account for soil nutrients. Without humus we have degraded soil that cannot support healthy plants. Building [...]
June 28, 2009
Forty percent of the economy of Hawke’s Bay is based around agricultural production. But agriculture is (deservedly) getting a bad rap these days. We are contributing to fertiliser and pesticide pollution of water, and aquifer drawdown. We’re burning up soil carbon and contributing to green house gasses. Production seems to be slipping compared to inputs, [...]
June 27, 2009
Top priorities in Hastings District Council’s Planning for a Sustainable Future are “protecting the productive capacity of the Heretaunga Plains soils” and “maintaining healthy soils.” Council’s strategy for achieving those objectives is by “developing a new District Scheme, having greater interaction with stake holder groups on land use issues, and by forming a partnership with [...]
June 27, 2009
The current urban development strategies for the Hastings District Council and the Napier City Council have less than 10 years to run. These authorities along with the HB Regional Council have committed to jointly develop the Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy (HPUDS). Full credit to them for working cooperatively on this important initiative. A strongly [...]
June 27, 2009
As someone involved with the pip fruit industry for decades, I believe the industry has steadily evolved for the better. The whole world is talking about sustainability. At times, I feel the producer is given a hard time by well-meaning individuals who have scant appreciation of the industry and the progress it has made over [...]
June 27, 2009
If the rumours are true (they’ve even popped up in my daughter’s high school economics class), the infamous Golden Arches of McDonald’s are soon to “grace” one of the main entry points to Havelock North. Two properties have been sold to McDonald’s, just off the roundabout after Havelock Road crosses the Karamu Stream, intersects with [...]
June 27, 2009
The Land Protection Society has members across the spectrum – retirees, growers, retired farmers, business operators and city people – who share concerns about the loss of one of the major resources we are lucky enough to have in Hawke’s Bay. The newly-formed Society was created to coalesce three small groups all acting over these [...]
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