Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Since Sept 27, 1879
Retail $1.80 Home delivered from $1.15
THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY
Bringing out the big guns Snowmaking machines are churning out white gold around the clock as Mt Hutt opening day nears. FULL STORY
New bridge: what will we pay? P3
PHOTO GREG YOUNG, MT HUTT
M. bovis decision a bold call – Silva BY COLIN WILLISCROFT
COLIN.W@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ
s D V D n wi
P4
The decision to continue to try and eradicate mycoplasma bovis from New Zealand is a bold call, Ashburton agribusiness lawyer Tim Silva says, but if it can be achieved at the forecast cost then it has to be the best outcome. However, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome if that is to happen. Silva, of Tavendale and Partners, said the biggest challenge will be in the plan’s execution and what the situation is in spring and beyond, which will come down to the Ministry for Primary Industries. “First and foremost, buy in must be achieved,” he said. “That will be tough
in our region, given widely held sentiment that M. bovis is too far gone to eradicate. “This is where unity with the industry groups and, more importantly, the availability of information to support eradication becomes crucial. “We have to have faith in the technical advisory upon which the decision has been made, but faith should be based on more than ‘just trust us’.” Silva said from his experience, MPI has to lift its game within the farm gate. “Talking to numerous affected farmers and having been on-farm at the time of NOD (notice of direction) delivery shows a consistent structural lack of information for those affected,” he said.
A community built around people.
“I have farmers who were given no plausible reasons at the time of NOD delivery and have been waiting for over a week to understand why they have been targeted. That is not ok. “Fixing these types of problems will take more than just resource – it also needs a wholesale change from a militarised structure to one of collaboration and respect, where the affected farmers are put at the forefront through information and truly effective support from MPI.”
CONTINUED
P2
Ph 03 307 7900 to subscribe!
SERVICED APARTMENTS NOW AVAILABLE Don’t miss out on your opportunity to join the Rosebank village community.
www.guardianonline.co.nz