A collaboration between PGG Wrightson and Nufarm saw more than 100,000 manuka trees sown for waterway protection over New Zealand last year. The level of success the initiative achieved means it is back for 2024.
With over 150 kilometres of waterways covered, the ‘Doing Wright by Waterways’ was well-received and this year the programme has been expanded to include PGG Wrightson’s Fruitfed Supplies customers. As well, all Nufarm products are now included, compared with only the purchase of phenoxy herbicides last year being eligible.
Spend $3,000 on any Nufarm product between March and May, and you will receive 75 manuka seedlings to plant on your farm or to donate to community planting projects. Eight hundred of last year’s seedlings are now thriving on Ralph and Lynne Schultz's 120 ha family beef farm located in the middle reaches of the Kaipara Harbour.
The Schultz’s have planted mixed native species in gullies and wetland areas every season for years and ‘Doing Wright by Waterways’ put that ongoing effort into overdrive last winter.
“We are grateful for the seeds as it was a bonus to be able to plant a bigger area than usual. They were really good seedlings and are powering away now. Staff from PGG Wrightson Wellsford came and helped plant them, so it was a concerted effort,” says Lynne.
With three kilometres of coastal boundary, all the farm’s catchments drain into the harbour. Lynne says regenerating natives not only helps protect the Kaipara, one of the world’s largest harbours, but enhances biodiversity and birdlife on the farm.
“It helps the whole environment. We cannot just keep farming the grassland and not give something back.”
Nufarm Marketing Manager Emma Ault says Nufarm was thrilled to be able to support PGG Wrightson’s farmers in planting and protecting their waterways.
“The other outcome we found satisfying was the number of trees donated by farmers to local schools and community plantings as a result of the programme,” says Emma.
Nga Rakau Nurseries in West Auckland is a third-generation family business. They are currently growing 75,000 seedlings ready for dispatch to farmers during early spring.
Manuka trees help increase water filtration, reduce erosion and significantly reduce pathogens and nitrates leaching into waterways. ‘Doing Wright by Waterways’ is underway now and finishes at the end of May. To learn more, visit your local PGG Wrightson store.
