Information for growers affected by the Tasman area drought and fire
A medium-scale adverse event for both fire and drought was recently declared for Tasman district, unlocking Government support for farmers and growers. You may be eligible for assistance.
Below please find directions from the Tasman District Council that may be applicable to you. They relate to your water allocation and to use of machinery.
There is a separate notice about a meeting for growers we would urge you to attend if you need information or assistance or just want to connect with other growers. Please feel free to advise other growers of this meeting as our email list is not exhaustive.
Directives from the Tasman District Council
On Sunday, 10 February, the Nelson Tasman Civil Defence Emergency Management Group issued a directive under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act prohibiting some high-risk activities in a defined area for the duration of the State of Emergency in the region.
Prohibited activities include those where metal meets stone: mowing, discing, harrowing, stump grinding and cultivation.
Outdoor activities that can generate sparks or fire are also prohibited, and include gas cutting, welding, angle grinding, and all use of chainsaws and scrub/bar cutters.
You can read the directive and see a map of the area involved here. You can read questions and answers on the directive here .
You can keep up to date on Civil Defence information here.
Critical water shortage
Drought conditions mean the Waimea Plains is now facing a critical water shortage which will not improve unless the area receives a large amount of rain to replenish dwindling river and groundwater levels.
In addition to the urban restrictions, cuts apply to the following rural water zones:
- A cease take direction continues for users in the Moutere Surface Water and the Rainy River zones and is introduced for Powley Creek.
- Stage 4 restrictions, a cut of 65% in permitted allocations, apply in the Upper Catchment, Reservoir, Waimea West, Delta, Upper Confined Aquifer, Golden Hills and Motupiko Zones from Monday 18 February 2019.
- Stage 2 restrictions, a 35% cut in permitted allocations, apply in the Lower Confined, Hope Gravel, Wangapeka, Dovedale, and Residue Wai-iti zones from Monday 18 February 2019.
- Stage 1 restrictions, 20% cut in permitted allocations, continue to apply in the Moutere Western Groundwater, Moutere Eastern Groundwater, Tapawera, Glenrae, Baton and Stanley Brook zones and will apply in the Aorere and Takaka water management zones from Monday 18 February. Those consent holders in the Takaka zone who have specific conditions requiring restrictions or cease take must comply with their more stringent consent conditions.
- Water restrictions are also in place in the Riuwaka water management zone and flow sharing will apply in the Little Sydney water management zone.
Notice of grower meeting
Key local and central government people will address the meeting and guidance will be given to growers about what to do.
This is for growers only and will be closed to media.
Please feel free to pass this notice on to growers you think may not have received it.
Date: Tuesday, 26 February 2019
Time: 8.30am
Place: Grace Church, Headingly Centre, Lower Queen St, Richmond