Effluent ponds must meet seepage limits to protect the environment and comply with council requirements. This page explains Pond Drop Testing (PDT), how it measures leakage, what’s involved, how to interpret results, and when retesting may be needed.

The Environment Courts final decision landed on 8 June 2026 and, subject to appeals, is the final outcome for Plan Change 1 (PC1) for the Waikato and Waipā catchments, a process that started over a decade ago.

Clean and comfortable calf sheds help create a nurturing environment for calves, reduces the risk of disease and encourages high growth rates.

Senior farm systems specialist

Environment manager

Artificial surfaces in off-paddock facilities are designed to enhance cow comfort and welfare by providing a suitable environment for resting and other natural behaviours.

Having a drug and alcohol policy in place on your farm is essential to ensure a safe work environment. Learn how to develop this policy, what to do if you suspect an employee is under the influence of drugs, and where to get support.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for plant and animal growth but can harm the environment if not properly managed. There are good farming practices that can help minimise P loss and optimise farm productivity.

Catchment groups are a great opportunity for you and your local community to work together to enhance and improve the biodiversity, water quality, and community value of your catchment and downstream environment. DairyNZ can help you with your goals.

Freshwater Farm Plans are a new tool for freshwater regulation. These require a farm plan tailored to mitigate risks to land and water on farm. Many farmers already have a farm environment plan or are part of an industry programme.

Farming in the Lake Rotorua catchment means meeting challenging N-loss targets. Knowing they had to do their bit for the environment, Steve and Paula Holdem began looking at tools to reduce their N-loss from their farm.

Justin and Melissa Slattery have been on their 100 ha farm at Elstow, between Tahuna and Paeroa for 6 years.  Their approach to farming is to be good stewards of the environment through having simple systems that are resource efficient.

Dairy stockmanship covers interactions between cows and people, and when practised effectively, creates a safe and efficient work environment; it also improves animal health and production.