Living Water Announces New Partnership

Living Water Announces New Partnership

Two groups committed to working to protect and enhance the environment are joining forces to help Fonterra farmers protect significant land in Living Water catchments.

Living Water, a 10 year partnership between Fonterra and the Department of Conservation (DOC), today (Tuesday March 18) announced an agreement with the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) National Trust.

The QEII National Trust helps farmers and land owners legally protect areas of natural and cultural heritage forever.

Fonterra Director Social Responsibility Carolyn Mortland says this partnership is right at the heart of what Living Water is about – working with others to enhance our biodiversity and water quality for future generations.

“Today marks the start of a significant long-term partnership to help Fonterra farmers in our five Living Water catchments preserve special pieces of their land.

“The QEII National Trust is a natural fit for us. They have a strong history of working with farmers and like us are committed to protecting our unique biodiversity,” says Carolyn Mortland.

QEII National Trust Chief Executive Mike Jebson says the partnership with Fonterra and DOC is a logical fit.

“We too are about partnerships. The Trust is looking forward to the contribution it can make to Living Water and its efforts to increase protection of land on dairy farms around New Zealand,” says Mike Jebson.

Hikurangi farmers Graeme and Sharon Gillett will be the first to work with the QEII National Trust under the new agreement.

Living Water will help the Gillett’s legally protect 12 hectares of native bush on their dairy farm, at Hikurangi in Northland, by providing some of the funding for the Trust to put the covenant in place.

The DOC Director responsible for Living Water, Andy Roberts, says protecting this native bush on the Gillett’s farm secures a home for native birds and other native wildlife.

“Living Water involves Fonterra and DOC working with farmers, iwi, conservation groups and others to increase the abundance and variety of native wildlife in five Living Water wetlands, including Hikurangi where the Gilletts farm.”

“We welcome this agreement with the QEII National Trust as it will make it easier for farmers to benefit the environment by protecting natural heritage areas on their farms,” says Andy Roberts.

ENDS

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