Latest news with #EnvironmentalProtectionAuthority
Perth Now
6 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Mystery green balls wash up on beach
Months after an epidemic of 'grease balls' washed up along the coastline, dozens of mysterious green balls have perplexed locals along a beach on NSW's south coast. Mel Christensen took her dog to Culburra Beach, about 100km south of Wollongong, where she was greeted with dozens of the strange-looking, mosslike balls. Green and velvety in appearance, the phenomenon littered the coast. 'We just headed to the beach for a morning walk this morning at about 8am and noticed dozens, and dozens of balls along the beach,' Ms Christensen said. 'And of course, my dog ran for one only to discover that they weren't actually tennis balls.' The said her dog, Gypsy, 'was in doggy heaven' upon finding the mystery balls. These mysterious mossy green balls washed up on a NSW beach, Mel Christensen Credit: Supplied 'On closer inspection, they were soft perfectly spherical and made of what felt (and looked) like moss. 'The strong southerly wind was blowing them up the beach and it looked kind of crazy with all these balls rolling around everywhere.' Ms Christensen said the balls had spread almost a kilometre up the beach. The balls are believed to be a phenomenon known as 'Neptune Balls', these ones being marimo — a rare velvety form of algae. A local newsletter asked locals if they had seen the 'weird little moss balls' which it said are more commonly found in lakes and rivers in Japan and Northern Europe. 'But right now they can be seen on Culburra Beach.' Ainu people in Japan hold a festival for the marimo moss balls each year at Lake Akan, a Japanese lake known for growing large marimo. Ms Christensen's dog Gypsy was delighted with the tennis ball-like phenomenon. Mel Christensen Credit: Supplied The mossy wash-up comes just months after the emergence of mysterious black balls, which closed nine beaches in NSW. Following an extensive investigation from the state's Environmental Protection Authority they were revealed to be debris from nearby sewage networks. 'While we are yet to determine exactly what caused the pollution incidents to occur when they did, we can say the composition and the characteristics of the debris balls are consistent with a land-based sewage source,' EPA director operations Adam Gilligan said at the time. The balls first appeared in Sydney's eastern suburbs in October last year, but an expanded investigation was launched as they started popping up on the state's south coast and northern beaches.
NZ Herald
29-07-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Opinion: Why cancelling regional councils would be a very bad idea
Imagine what would happen if regional councils were no more. For a start, we could expect more environmental degradation. Regional councils are responsible for controlling discharges of contaminants to air, land and water, and the taking and diversion of water. They identify and monitor contaminated land, and control land for the purpose of soil conservation. They manage the use of land in the coastal marine area. And they are involved in waste minimisation. Neither district councils, nor the national Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), are positioned to take on those roles. They simply do not have the capacity, capability or mandate. We might also expect increased dysfunction in infrastructure and growth planning. Regional councils have many development functions. They have a vital role in the provision of public transport and land transport planning more broadly. Some are involved in community infrastructure like stadiums and parks. Councils are involved in waste minimisation. Photo / Western Bay of Plenty Regional Council They have strategies for regional economic growth and are heavily engaged in spatial planning, urban expansion and infrastructure alignment. This regional level has been vital to bring councils together to spatially plan metropolitan areas across district boundaries. And what about people's health and safety? Regional councils make bylaws for navigation safety, appoint harbourmasters, and respond to emergencies like oil spills. They are a core part of civil defence emergency management groups, which combine councils, emergency services and other organisations. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of dams under the Building Act. As catchment authorities, they actively manage rivers to prevent flooding and erosion to protect infrastructure and property. We have seen how important this function is in the wake of devastating flooding over the last couple of years. In this context, the Cabinet has confirmed an important role for regional councils in the new resource management system. In many respects, the new system has been designed specifically around regional councils, which will be responsible for setting environmental limits, identifying protected areas and undertaking regional-level spatial planning. Axing regional councils now, therefore, makes absolutely no sense. Regional councils actively manage rivers to prevent flooding and erosion to protect infrastructure and property. Photo / Taranaki Regional Council That said, our system of local government is not perfect. Reform is needed. But it must be more nuanced than just putting regional councils on the chopping block. New Zealand is highly governed. We have 11 regional councils and 67 city, district and unitary councils. Governance is also inconsistent. The Auckland Council governs 1.7 million people, while 77 councils are responsible for the rest of the country. Auckland is a unitary council, combining both regional and city functions in one entity, as are Marlborough, Nelson, Gisborne and Tasman. Therein lies a possible way ahead. Amalgamating regional, city and district councils at a regional scale makes sense as a starting proposition, especially when some councils have such small populations that they lack an adequate rating base to properly undertake all statutory functions. Amalgamation would minimise the loss of institutional knowledge and retain the broader catchment-based boundaries so vital to environmental management. This was one option put forward in an independent panel's 2023 report on The Future for Local Government. A rethink of the structure, functions and features of the EPA needs to happen at the same time and in a complementary way. Institutional reform needs to be free from knee-jerk and haphazard policy shifts that have so far characterised this Government's approach to resource management reform. Local Government Minister Simon Watts seems to be aware of the need for care, and such voices need to be heard.
NZ Herald
23-07-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Agribusiness and Trade: Drones transform NZ farms from above
'Ag drones have been in the background for a couple of years,' he says. 'But we have recently hit a sweet spot where they are able to carry enough liquid and fly long enough to make them genuinely effective. That's when the market really took off.' Drones fill a practical niche between ground-based equipment and helicopters, and their rise is changing how agricultural contractors operate. They can open up access to land that might previously have been too steep or too wet for traditional agricultural machinery, or that require immediate attention and more precision. Fieldays 2025 Drone Zone. Photo / Danielle Zollickhofer 'If you've got 100 hectares to do, a helicopter is always going to be the best choice,' he says. 'And if you've got lots of ground, it is dry, not steep, and you have got plenty of room to move vehicles, then a tractor or a truck is going to be better. New Zealand's geography makes drones particularly well-suited. 'We farm intensively and make the most out of small holdings,' says Simpson. 'We've got a lot of arable land but not a huge amount of it is flat. Even with beef and sheep, we run stock on quite steep country. A drone is a real nice fit.' This is opening up new possibilities. 'Some farmers never dealt with gorse on steep blocks because the only option was spraying with a backpack. A helicopter wasn't economical. Now a drone contractor can do the job at a reasonable rate.' Urgency has also become a significant factor in the technology's uptake. Simpson points to Wairarapa, which has had to deal with heavy rain this year. 'There is a point at which you can't use a vehicle. In the past you might ring a helicopter provider and be told there is a four-week wait. Meanwhile, the fungus gets a foothold. 'A drone provider might be the same price, but they can be there the next day. You can deal with the problem faster and ultimately use less chemicals.' Safety is another driver of demand. 'Why drive a quad bike or a vehicle across a steep hillside when you can instead fly over it with a drone and keep everyone safe?' says Simpson. Given the compliance requirements, most agricultural drone users aren't farmers themselves, but agricultural contractors. 'Since an ag drone is over 25 kilos, you need a certificate with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),' says Simpson. 'You're also required to deal with the Environmental Protection Authority for chemicals, WorkSafe for health and safety, as well as local councils for regulations – that's a lot for one person in a ute with a drone.' The Agricultural Drone Association has grown to around 60 members – even more since Fieldays – and will play a crucial role in advocating for New Zealand's agricultural drone operators and enhancing skills and knowledge within the industry. 'The association is aimed at drone users,' says Simpson. 'They needed a community, and it means that we can speak to regulators with a collective voice.' Fieldays 2025: Craig Simpson, president of the Agricultural Drone Association and founder of Aerolab. Photo / Danielle Zollickhofer He says the CAA has been a constructive partner. Certification wait times have fallen from 18 months to about eight. 'That is a real improvement – but it is still a barrier. If the industry keeps growing, that bottleneck could get worse. 'We'd like to see the regulator continue working closely with industry so we can maintain momentum. This is a great farming technology, and it's important we don't let red tape slow down its potential.' Simpson says that with their speed, precision, and ability to tackle challenging terrain, agricultural drones are on their way to becoming a familiar sight on New Zealand farms – not just a novelty attraction at Fieldays.
Scoop
23-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
EPA Approves New Fruit Fungicide
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a fungicide with a new active ingredient that controls blackspot and powdery mildew on apples and pears, and Botrytis on grapes. UPL New Zealand Limited applied to import or manufacture Rhapsody, a fungicide containing 218 g/L ipflufenoquin, a chemical new to New Zealand. UPL says Rhapsody gives growers an alternative to other products that may be becoming less effective due to increasing resistance, gives another option for late season use, and is lower risk to human health. "This approval means growers will have access to an innovative tool with a new mode of action, helping protect crops vital to New Zealand's primary sector," says Dr Lauren Fleury, EPA Hazardous Substances Applications Manager. The apple industry contributed almost $2 billion to the New Zealand economy last year, and the wine export value reached approximately $2.4 billion. The decision to approve Rhapsody was made following a rigorous assessment and consultation process, says Dr Fleury. "As this product contains an active ingredient that is new to New Zealand, we assessed the scientific data and evidence, as well as economic and local information, to enable access to new chemistry while continuing to protect people's health and our unique environment." Ipflufenoquin has been approved in other countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA. This decision is the latest for the EPA, which has reduced the queue of hazardous substance release applications by almost 21 percent since 1 July 2024. The EPA has set ambitious assessment targets for the coming year, including increasing the number of assessments for substances containing new active ingredients. "We understand the importance of timely access to new products. Continuing to reduce the queue and assess new active ingredients is a top priority for us." The substance can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, and users must comply with specific controls. As an agricultural compound, Rhapsody must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before it can be used in New Zealand. Note:
Scoop
22-07-2025
- Science
- Scoop
EPA Approves Two Biological Controls To Combat Noxious Weed
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a rust fungus and a flower weevil to control Darwin's barberry, a spiny invasive shrub. Environment Canterbury, on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, applied to use two biological control agents to combat Darwin's Barberry ( Berberis darwinii) in New Zealand. Those biocontrol agents are a rust fungus ( Puccinia berberidis-darwinii) and the Darwin's barberry flower weevil ( Anthonomus kuscheli). Darwin's barberry is a resilient noxious weed found in disturbed forests, pastures, shrubland and short tussock-land. It is a threat to indigenous ecosystems throughout the country, as well as to pastures where livestock graze. Standard control methods such as herbicides or weeding are often costly, impractical and harmful to the environment. It is native to Chile and Argentina and was introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand as a garden plant in the 1940s. Fruit-eating birds deposit seeds far from the parent bush, increasing its spread. The plant can be found throughout New Zealand - particularly in the Canterbury, Otago, and Wellington regions. These biocontrol agents could also be used to target Darwin's barberry elsewhere in the country. Both the flower weevil and the rust fungus proposed for introduction are native to South America. All organisms new to New Zealand must receive approval from the EPA before being released into the New Zealand environment. "The independent decision-making committee approved the introduction of these two organisms following a rigorous, evidence-based assessment," says Dr Chris Hill, General Manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms at the EPA. "The applicant's risk assessment showed that these agents are highly unlikely to harm native plants or animals. The weevil does not bite or sting, so there is no health risk to people, and the rust fungus is also benign." Dr Hill says the decision followed public consultation, engagement with mana whenua, and consideration of international best practice. "New Zealand has a strong track record of using biological control agents to manage invasive weeds with minimal impact on native ecosystems," he says. In recent years the EPA has approved other biocontrol agents for weeds such as purple loosestrife, old man's beard, Sydney golden wattle and moth plant.
