Cure Worse Than The Cause?
Bromoform is ozone-depleting, classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC), and in some jurisdictions like the USA, is banned from use in livestock destined for human consumption. Here in New Zealand, these products are restricted from use in breeding or dairy cattle.
The Methane Science Accord has fears around food safety, questions about animal welfare, and doubts that such intensive, expensive interference in the natural biogenic rumination process is either necessary or justified.
'The mere fact it has been suggested these products be used only on prime stock destined for slaughter, and not on lactating or reproducing animals, is concerning in itself,' says Smith.
A slow-release methane-reducing bolus developed by Ruminant BioTech and backed by AgriZero, (a joint taxpayer-industry venture) reportedly show methane reductions of up to 70 percent over 100 days. Ruminant BioTech's other investors include Rosrain Investments and NZ Green Investment Finance (a government-backed fund set to be shut down).
One product, called Emitless, is designed for cattle weighing between 350 and 450 kilograms. A second product, Calm A Cattle Bolus, aims to reduce methane emissions for up to four months. These contain a halogenated methane analogue (three bromines replacing hydrogens on methane). It has strong anti-methanogenic properties and inhibits methane production by interfering with enzymes in methanogenic archaea in the rumen (particularly methyl-coenzyme M reductase).
The Environmental Protection Authority said the active ingredient fits within existing veterinary standards and does not require individual approval under hazardous substance law, however the product still awaits sign-off under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act.
The Methane Science Accord states that not only is the cost of these is unknown but there is no measurable benefit to global climate temperatures and the return on investment is far outweighed by a myriad of risks.
'Having to round up stock every 120 days to force a bolus down their throat raises serious issues around safety for our farmers, particularly as there is absolutely no calculable gain to be achieved by this proposal', states Jane Smith.
Methane Science Accord (MSA) co-founder Owen Jennings questions 'Why would we interfere with the natural biogenic process of rumination, why would we risk our naturally pasture-raised global status, why would we add further stress, risk and cost to our farmers and their livestock?'
AgriZero CEO Wayne McNee admits 'farmers will need financial incentives to adopt them'.
Smith suggests 'there are a lot people set to make a lot of money out of selling methane mitigation pills and potions into our sector, at the cost to the taxpayer, farmers and the risk to our naturally-raised livestock status. I'm assuming this is a knee-jerk reaction to justify the millions of taxpayer and ag sector dollars that have been squandered so far on these products.'.
'The lack of public transparency around safety, testing and environmental modeling is concerning not only for the farmers themselves but our sensitive global markets such as the EU don't even allow for grain-feeding. The cure is certainly worse than the cause'.
A survey carried out by NZ Farming, The Methane Science Accord and Groundswell in May 2025 showed that 95% of the 1460 farmer responses would not use methane mitigation boluses, vaccines or feed additives in their livestock.
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2 days ago
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Cure Worse Than The Cause?
'We are going down a dangerous and totally unnecessary road using bromoform', said Jane Smith, leading North Otago farmer and environmentalist. Jane is a co-founder of the Methane Science Accord that questions the promotion of methane-reducing products containing tribromomethane (bromoform) — a chemical compound found in seaweed and chlorinated water — now set to be unleashed on pastoral farming. Bromoform is ozone-depleting, classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC), and in some jurisdictions like the USA, is banned from use in livestock destined for human consumption. Here in New Zealand, these products are restricted from use in breeding or dairy cattle. The Methane Science Accord has fears around food safety, questions about animal welfare, and doubts that such intensive, expensive interference in the natural biogenic rumination process is either necessary or justified. 'The mere fact it has been suggested these products be used only on prime stock destined for slaughter, and not on lactating or reproducing animals, is concerning in itself,' says Smith. A slow-release methane-reducing bolus developed by Ruminant BioTech and backed by AgriZero, (a joint taxpayer-industry venture) reportedly show methane reductions of up to 70 percent over 100 days. Ruminant BioTech's other investors include Rosrain Investments and NZ Green Investment Finance (a government-backed fund set to be shut down). One product, called Emitless, is designed for cattle weighing between 350 and 450 kilograms. A second product, Calm A Cattle Bolus, aims to reduce methane emissions for up to four months. These contain a halogenated methane analogue (three bromines replacing hydrogens on methane). It has strong anti-methanogenic properties and inhibits methane production by interfering with enzymes in methanogenic archaea in the rumen (particularly methyl-coenzyme M reductase). The Environmental Protection Authority said the active ingredient fits within existing veterinary standards and does not require individual approval under hazardous substance law, however the product still awaits sign-off under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act. The Methane Science Accord states that not only is the cost of these is unknown but there is no measurable benefit to global climate temperatures and the return on investment is far outweighed by a myriad of risks. 'Having to round up stock every 120 days to force a bolus down their throat raises serious issues around safety for our farmers, particularly as there is absolutely no calculable gain to be achieved by this proposal', states Jane Smith. Methane Science Accord (MSA) co-founder Owen Jennings questions 'Why would we interfere with the natural biogenic process of rumination, why would we risk our naturally pasture-raised global status, why would we add further stress, risk and cost to our farmers and their livestock?' AgriZero CEO Wayne McNee admits 'farmers will need financial incentives to adopt them'. Smith suggests 'there are a lot people set to make a lot of money out of selling methane mitigation pills and potions into our sector, at the cost to the taxpayer, farmers and the risk to our naturally-raised livestock status. I'm assuming this is a knee-jerk reaction to justify the millions of taxpayer and ag sector dollars that have been squandered so far on these products.'. 'The lack of public transparency around safety, testing and environmental modeling is concerning not only for the farmers themselves but our sensitive global markets such as the EU don't even allow for grain-feeding. The cure is certainly worse than the cause'. A survey carried out by NZ Farming, The Methane Science Accord and Groundswell in May 2025 showed that 95% of the 1460 farmer responses would not use methane mitigation boluses, vaccines or feed additives in their livestock.
Otago Daily Times
08-08-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Farming background handy with rural clients
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It was to give him a good grounding and not just in finance. In his first week, local publican Dave Weyer handed him a tam-o'-shanter and informed him he was on a curling team and his job was to bring the flagons of beer to the curling rink in Naseby every Monday. The learning curve of curling was steep, particularly with the sport's "own unique language", but living in the sports-mad Maniototo also meant that a passion for all sport was necessary. The hotel, bank and radio station formed the hub of the community and he could receive a phone call on a Saturday morning from someone at the service station whose eftpos card was not working; there was an expectation he would be able to "fix it on the spot". From there, Mr Smith returned to Dunedin and worked at various branches of the BNZ before shifting to Wellington to continue working for the bank. It was an "outstanding" time and he enjoyed the pace of life in the city. Clients were also busy people who made decisions quickly. But when a job opportunity arose in Dunedin with BNZ private banking, there was a lure to return given his fondness for hunting and fishing in the back country. Following some changes by BNZ in 2018-19, Mr Smith and colleague James Hunter decided they needed to find a new home to support their high-net-worth clients with the right level of research. They saw Jarden as the right fit for them and both resigned about a week before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, an unsettling period as they attempted to find somewhere to start an office under Covid restrictions. Ironically, the challenges of Covid turned into opportunities and allowed them to spend time building a business, getting the platform right and then opening the door to their Vogel St office to past and new clients, Mr Smith said. UK-born Mr Hunter moved to New Zealand with his family when he was 12. Initially, he thought he wanted to be a lawyer and he got into second-year law at the University of Otago but he realised that it was the financial papers he was doing on the side that he particularly enjoyed. Graduating in 2005, he got an entry-level job with BNZ in Wellington and when his now wife got a job opportunity in Sydney just before the Global Financial Crisis, they moved across the Tasman. His first role was with Macquarie Private Bank and he then moved to ANZ, then to CBA Institutional Bank and then CBA private banking. Sydney was a "fantastic" city to live in for a decade but it was also a bit of a rat race and he and his wife decided to return to New Zealand to be closer to family, Mr Hunter said. As both sets of parents were living in Queenstown, Dunedin was a natural fit to move to and also to start a family and Mr Hunter joined BNZ again. Mr Smith said the decision to establish the Jarden, now JBWere, office had paid off. 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NZ Herald
04-08-2025
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How Wellington Council's spending is derailing the city
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Staff costs alone grew 48% (nearly three times wage inflation), with the number earning over $200,000 almost doubling. Such escalation is unheard of in the private sector and yet the promised infrastructure gains have been modest at best. Debt has also soared. Council gross debt was $0.6 billion in 2019 and it's now over $2 billion, and growing. In 2019, $1 in every $12 of rates serviced the council's debt interest, today it's $1 in $6. We are mortgaging our city's future; coming generations will pay the bill. Where has all this money gone? It hasn't flowed into suburbs like Newlands, Strathmore, Newtown, or Karori. Instead, nearly $1 billion has been lavished in and around Civic Square: the Town Hall, the rebuilt library, purchase of a parking building, the Takina convention centre, a $40 million fit-out of council offices (in a prime location), demolition of buildings, and modest city centre upgrades. Going forward there's around $600 million on social housing upgrades and completion of a $400 million project building the planet's most sophisticated sludge plant to reduce human waste to dry pellets. Nice. This might have been bearable if the money was spent on the 'bones' of the city —water pipes, streets, parks - the infrastructure that truly underpins public and economic wellbeing. But too little has. The pipes are still leaking profusely – 44.3 million litres per day. That's more than 17 Olympic-size swimming pools of precious, treated water being wasted every day. How did we get here? The drift from infrastructure to ideology Much of the increase in spending — past and projected — has been disproportionately directed toward initiatives aligned with the 'four wellbeings' (social, cultural, environmental, and economic). These priorities relate to the 2019 amendments to the Local Government Act, which shifted councils' focus from the delivery of 'good quality local infrastructure and services' to a much broader and more ambiguous mandate. Wellington City Council embraced this with unbridled and well-meaning enthusiasm. See the projects above and the continuing commitments to cycleways, the Golden Mile, organic waste collection, a huge expansion in the parks and reserves budget to take on running Crown - iwi land on Miramar peninsula, commitments to the living wage for employees, contractors and employees of contractors. All earnest, but all expensive — and all paid for, ultimately, by the same number of ratepayers. A new vision So what now? First, Wellington must axe poor-value spending. Every dollar spent by the council must deliver measurable public value. Too often, this hasn't happened: from a $3m purchase of EV chargers languishing in a warehouse, a $0.6m bike rack hardly used, $2m on golf club subsidies, to poorly evaluated mega-projects whose business cases look shakier year by year. Second, the core must come first. That means pipes, parks, roads, lighting, litter, and keeping our city clean and tidy must be at the very centre of council's mission. Distractions, no matter how fashionable or well-intentioned, must not be allowed to take precedence. Third, we need a 'course correction' on future spending, targeting large savings that enable genuinely lower rates. Options could include a sinking lid on staff numbers, deferring non-essential capital projects until business cases and central government guidance are clear, and pitting every dollar of planned expenditure against an ironclad test: does this build basic infrastructure, or support a well-maintained, safe, attractive city? Some big questions must be asked: What are the 'wellbeing' consequences to all ratepayers of our Long-Term Plan expenditure: $152 million funding Takina's losses? over $900 million on social housing? Can a city of 75,000 households afford to subsidise a zoo by $120 million? Do our ratepayers have the financial capacity to spend a further $173 million maintaining and building new cycleways? The council must also pursue new revenue and efficiencies. There are plenty of opportunities: selling surplus road reserve to residents, revisiting unduly generous rates remissions, rethinking unprofitable venues, and abdicating strategies, like social housing that duplicate central government's role. A different future is possible — our modelling suggests $2.8 billion could be saved out to 2034, if all levers are pulled. This could help freeze or even roll back rates, giving households, businesses and those looking to make Wellington their home, much-needed breathing room. This is not about mindless austerity, its about restoring trust, accountability and efficiency. Importantly, leaving more money in ratepayers' pockets is key to restoring confidence. Infrastructure is not glamorous, but it's (almost) everything Cities thrive or falter on their infrastructure. The pipes, roads, lighting, and public facilities are the quiet enablers of everything else we call wellbeing: jobs, affordable housing, a vibrant arts and cultural life, hospitality, and above all, a sense of safety and pride. Neglect infrastructure, and everything else starts to fray and becomes unaffordable. Focusing on the basics isn't nostalgic conservatism - it's a radical act of care and hope. It says to existing and future residents, business owners, and investors: Wellington is a place that works, a city where the fundamentals are solid and reliable. Wellington can be a place to establish a life and family, pursue meaningful work, and build a business with confidence. Only with the essentials secure can 'wellbeing' be more than an empty slogan. Opportunity through affordability Wellington's unique blend of natural beauty, creativity, and accessibility remains its greatest asset. But none of it can be leveraged if costs chase away the next generation, if businesses decide expansion is too risky, or if the basics become unaffordable. By fiercely refocusing on infrastructure and reigning in spending, the council can set Wellington back on a path to prosperity — a city where 'live, work, play' is not just a catchphrase, but a genuine, affordable possibility for all. It's about unlocking our potential. A vibrant Wellington cannot be built on affordable rates alone - but affordability unlocks opportunity. Wellington must actively foster a business-friendly environment. Our businesses are engines of growth, innovation, and employment. Reducing the punitive commercial rates differential is critical — Wellington's future depends on a council that anticipates and supports business needs through sensible policy, efficient consents, robust infrastructure, and openness to innovation. As the capital city, Wellington's greatest strength should be its close connection to the Government - the region's largest employer and economic driver. It is vital, therefore, that the council cultivates a strong, collaborative relationship with ministers of all stripes. Wellington is uniquely positioned to capitalise on national initiatives aimed at boosting investment, productivity, and infrastructure development. Recent reforms and Budget 2025 measures, including tax incentives for capital investment and streamlined business compliance, demonstrate a clear commitment to economic growth. The current seismic review is particularly pertinent to our city's future and affordability. The council must actively leverage these policies, advocate for fair and adequate funding — particularly for social housing and key infrastructure — and avoid duplicating functions that drain resources or hinder private sector dynamism. Why does Wellington not have, as a city and a region, a deal in front of the Government for discussion? By aligning with Government priorities and making the city hospitable to business growth, Wellington can spark new jobs, stimulate housing development, and elevate living standards. A productive, respectful partnership between local and central government, alongside a council that values economic vibrancy as a means to social wellbeing, can reverse our drift and secure Wellington's reputation as a sustainable, livable, and prosperous capital. No one loves Wellington more than Wellingtonians*. It is that deep-rooted passion and pride that fuels our collective courage to demand better — better leadership, better stewardship, and a better city where affordability, infrastructure, and opportunity come together to create a thriving home for all who live, work, and build our futures here. * Paul Ridley-Smith and Louise Tong are two such fervent Wellingtonians. This article was written in a personal, not professional capacity and crafted on a best-efforts basis with regard to the accuracy of the facts and figures presented. This article is a synthesis of content from presentations at the Vision for Wellington event 'A Capital Challenge', available here.
