Rural

Gifford-Devine

National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry

The National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) were first proposed in 2010. Following a period of consultation, the Standards came into effect on 1 May 2018, with a review due in 12 months after that (May 2019) to ascertain whether or not they are being successfully implemented.

Gifford-Devine

Tenure review of Crown pastoral land to end

The Minister for Land Information, the Hon Eugenie Sage, announced on 17 February this year that the ‘tenure review’ of Crown pastoral land under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 (CPLA) would end.

Gifford-Devine

Over the fence

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) continues to be a real concern for the farming industry in New Zealand.

Gifford-Devine-stock

Wandering stock

One of the perennial problems that farmers face is that of stock wandering or stock getting out and interfering with, or causing damage to, neighbouring properties

Gifford-Devine

Agri-tourism and food

Agri-tourism and food are growing sectors in New Zealand. We have farm tourism where tourists are shown working farms with activities such as sheep dog and shearing exhibitions.

Gifford-Devine-road

Private land with public access

Our ability to access the ‘great outdoors’ in New Zealand is seen as something of a citizen’s right. At times, however, It does conflict with the rights of private landowners when, in order to access the great outdoors, there is a need to cross their private land first.

Gifford-Devine

Biosecurity in New Zealand

Biosecurity issues never seem to be far from the news these days. The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is responsible for biosecurity in New Zealand and gets its powers in relation to biosecurity under the Biosecurity Act 1993.

contract of sale

Contract of sale: standard or specific terms?

Farmers will know that making a sale is usually a significant deal, and you’ll want to get the best deal you can for the fruits of your labour. Does this mean you have to accept the purchaser’s ‘standard terms’ in the contract of sale? What are the implications of setting your own terms in a contract of sale?

dates for farmers

Four key dates for farmers

As always, our legal champions endeavour to keep you informed of key dates ahead of time so you don’t get caught short when something changes. Here are four key dates to note in your calendar.

Gifford-Devine

Alerts for farmers: employing workers and health and safety

In these rural briefs, we’re looking at the two hot topics for farmers this summer. The health and safety act is in force and the courts are issuing hefty penalties for non-compliance. We also have a warning about hiring casual help. Read on to avoid getting burned.