Fonterra is investing $20 million in a conservation project
to restore waterways in Northland, Waikato, Canterbury and
Southland.
A 10-year partnership for the project was signed today
between the Department of Conservation and Fonterra.
Conservation Minister Nick Smith described the programme,
which will restore wetland habitats, better control
nutrients, reduce pests and weeds and enhance native wildlife
as a "major breakthrough".
"Fonterra's investment is the largest ever corporate
contribution to conservation work, he said.
The programme will first involve significant dairy areas
including, Kaipara Harbour in Northland, Firth of Thames and
the Areare, Ruatuna and Rotomanuka Peat Lakes in Waikato,
Lake Ellesmere in Canterbury and Waituna Lagoon in Southland.
As part of the project teams of farmers, conservationists,
local authorities and iwi will develop action plans for each
water body."
"Today's announcement is about investing time and resources
to improve their quality so that we can all enjoy our natural
environment at its best and ensure this can occur alongside a
sustainable dairy industry," said Fonterra director John
Monaghan.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.