Livestock trader fined $10,000 for not declaring movement of 513 NAIT cattle
A livestock trader who failed to declare the movement of 513 cattle under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Act has been fined $10,000. Under the Act, all cattle or deer must be fitted with a NAIT tag and registered in the NAIT system by the time the animal is 180 days old, or before the animal is moved off farm. The animals were moved to different North Island farms from Canterbury without their movements being recorded into the NAIT system. “This was hundreds of animals, and it only takes one animal to potentially cause a biosecurity problem, as we have learned from our experience with Mycoplasma bovis,” says MPI manager of animal welfare and NAIT compliance, South, Peter Hyde. “The NAIT tag and registration system is only as effective as the information that’s entered. If you are unsure about what you need to do, reach out to our partners at OSPRI. There is plenty of information, advice and support available.”
Sheep trialled to reduce fire risk on Christchurch’s Port Hills
Christchurch City Council is turning to sheep as a natural way to manage fire risk on the Port Hills. The popular Kennedy’s Bush was temporarily closed to allow a small flock to graze down dry grass in the area — a trial inspired by local residents following recent fires. The Council reported that the suggestion came from neighbours who believed grazing could be a more effective and sustainable firebreak than mechanical mowing, especially in rocky areas that are hard for machines to reach. The Port Hills have seen several devastating fires in recent years, including one in February last year that burned for three weeks and scorched more than 650 hectares. A 2017 blaze destroyed nine homes and tragically claimed a life after a helicopter crash during firefighting efforts. If successful, the initiative could see more sheep enlisted in Christchurch’s fire prevention efforts — and may offer food for thought for councils in the Top of the South. With dry summers and fire-prone hills across Tasman and Nelson, perhaps it’s time to look south for some practical, low-cost fire prevention ideas.
TB testing will pause for Christmas break
OSPRI will not be conducting any on farm TB tests, with their technicians taking a well-deserved break from Saturday the 20th of December 2025 and returning Monday, the 5th of January 2026. So as not to be caught out, its a good idea to plan ahead - and this is especially important if your farm is in an area under livestock movement restrictions. If you anticipate the need to move cattle or deer (for example, due to dry conditions) while they’re not TB testing. Contact OSPRI now to schedule a pre-movement test in early December or for the new year. They need at least 14 days’ notice to organise pre-movement testing at your property. Livestock can then be moved up to 60 days after a clear TB test. Their Support Centre will remain open for urgent enquiries and, should a severe weather event occur over the Christmas break, OSPRI can mobilise Technicians to help farmers dealing with an emergency.
Heavy EVs to start paying Road User Charges from 2027
Owners of heavy electric vehicles (EVs) will begin paying road user charges (RUC) starting 1 July 2027, the recent Government announced. This change marks the end of a long-standing exemption first introduced in 2017. Originally set to expire at the end of 2025, the exemption has now been extended to allow for a smoother transition into the RUC system. Heavy EVs are defined as vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes, including trucks and buses. While these vehicles have so far enjoyed a reprieve from RUCs, the Government says it’s time for all road users—regardless of fuel type—to contribute fairly to road maintenance and infrastructure costs. More details on the updated RUC system can be found at the Ministry of Transport website.
Community comes together after floods
John Noakes and Ken McMiken from Gallagher took part in a wonderful community event at Lisa and Mark Quins farm in the Motueka Valley on Friday 7th November, a joint effort by the Motueka Catchment Collective, the Student Volunteer Army, Landcare NZ and Gallaghers Fencing. The aim was to get together those affected by the floods and those who helped with the clean-up, to share kai and stories, to say a big thank you, to check out the flood resilient fencing that is being trialled at the Quins place and to build on the sense of community cohesion and collaboration, felt so strongly in the aftermath of the floods. Mark and Lisa provided the perfect BBQ location and organised some warm, sunny weather and community members and local businesses provided a wonderful spread. Special thanks to Farmlands and Gallaghers for the meat, Motueka Creamery for the ice creams, Golden Bay Fruit for the juice plus all the attendees for a fab selection of salads, cheeses and desserts. Lastly, huge thanks to Annette Litherland from Landcare for excellent organisation, to Pip from the SVA for her endless energy and positivity and to Motueka Portaloo Hire for the wharepaku.
