Integrated Farm Planning Seminars and Focus Groups
Brought to you in conjunction with MPI Whakatāne – Boost your Farm Planning Capability is a series of integrated farm planning wānanga and focus groups, for people from all sectors – beef and lamb, dairy and horticulture. These sessions will be attended by local industry groups and local council, giving you the opportunity for introductions and questions.
Module Six: Biosecurity for farmers and growers
Field Day: Pest plant Control
10am – 1pm on the 15 July 2025 at Waiwhero Orchard – 1856 State Highway 30, Te Teko
Join us for a practical, hands-on field day all about managing pest plants and weeds on farms and orchards. This session is designed for anyone looking to better understand weed issues on their property — whether you’re tackling ongoing challenges or want to prevent future problems.
Led by expert Ben Banks, the day will offer real-world advice, tools, and techniques to help you take control of invasive weeds in a way that works for your specific context.
What we’ll cover:
- How to identify common and problematic weeds
- Effective methods to control and remove them
- Strategies to stop them from coming back
This is a great opportunity to ask questions, see different weed control approaches in action, and gain practical tips you can apply straight away.
Lunch will be provided,
The expert:
Ben Banks – Biosecurity Contractor, Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Ben Banks is a seasoned biosecurity contractor working with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, specialising in pest plant identification and control. With a strong background in on-the-ground weed management, Ben has spent years working alongside landowners, farmers, and orchardists across the region to tackle invasive species and promote sustainable land practices.
Ben brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to weed control, drawing on a deep knowledge of local pest plants and the most effective methods to manage them. His experience ranges from targeted chemical control to mechanical removal, and he’s passionate about sharing what works — and what doesn’t — in the real world.
Whether you’re dealing with persistent weed problems or simply want to prevent future spread, Ben’s insights are grounded in science, shaped by experience, and delivered in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.
Seminar: Pests, pathways and prevention
16th June 2025 at the Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall
A practical and engaging seminar designed for farmers and growers, focused on protecting your farm or orchard from biosecurity threats.
From Border to Farm Gate
How pests and diseases are managed at the border and what that means for you.Real-Life Case Studies
Insights from experts who’ve responded to major incursions like fruit fly, M. bovis, and moreOn-Farm and On-Orchard Biosecurity
Simple steps you can take to reduce risk and build resilience.NAIT and Disease Management
Updates from OSPRI on traceability, early detection, and practical prevention.Understanding the Risks
What’s at stake and why prevention matters.
The experts:
Murray van der maas – MPI on Farm Team
Murray van der Maas is a member of MPI’s On Farm Support team, providing on-the-ground assistance to farmers and growers. With a background in managing Fonterra-owned farms across New Zealand, including both dairy and dry stock operations, he brings extensive practical experience to his role. Murray is dedicated to helping primary producers navigate biosecurity challenges and implement sustainable practices. His work focuses on supporting farmers and growers to enhance resilience and productivity through tailored advice and integrated farm planning
Linda Peacock – Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH)
Linda Peacock has over 30 years’ experience in the kiwifruit industry and has been with Kiwifruit Vine Health (KVH) since 2011. She works closely with growers and packhouses across the country, supporting on-orchard biosecurity and Psa management. Linda also helps coordinate industry responses through groups like KiwiNet and the Psa Steering Group. With a strong practical background, she’s passionate about helping growers apply simple, effective biosecurity practices.
Module Five: There's something in the water
Field Day: Water quality testing and edna sampling
9 April 2025 at Wardlaw Glade, Waimana
A practical on-farm/orchard field day where we applied what we learned at the seminar with Fran van Alphen from Landcare Trust.
Participants gained hands-on experience with:
SHMAK Water Quality Testing – Assessing water quality using simple, effective monitoring techniques.
eDNA Testing – Wilderlab kits to identify the species living in your waterways.
Macroinvertebrate Sampling – Understand how the presence of certain aquatic insects indicates waterway health.
Seminar: Understanding freshwater ecology on your property
19 March 2025 at the Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall
An informative and practical seminar designed for farmers and growers who want to better understand and protect their waterways. With expert speakers Kelly Hughes, Paul Scholes, and Fran van Alphen, we explored key topics including:
- Freshwater species and lifecycles
- Fish passage and stream connectivity
- Understanding water quality testing results
- Macroinvertebrates and what they reveal about water health
With growing emphasis on freshwater protection, this seminar providesd valuable insights into what we’re protecting and how to measure progress.
About the Experts:
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes is a Senior Environmental Scientist at Bay of Plenty Regional Council, specialising in water quality and lake management. He has worked on key projects, including the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy and the Summerset Rotorua Project. Paul has led research on eutrophication, water monitoring, and environmental impact assessment, contributing to the sustainable management of freshwater resources. His expertise includes environmental analysis, lake restoration, and water quality assessment. With extensive experience in the field, Paul plays a vital role in protecting and improving water quality across the Bay of Plenty region.
Fran van Alphen
Frances (“Fran”) van Alphen is the Bay of Plenty Catchments Groups Coordinator for the NZ Landcare Trust, based in Whakatāne, New Zealand. In her role, she supports catchment groups in the region, facilitating community-led initiatives to improve water quality and land management practices. Fran also serves as the Chairperson of the Manawahe Eco Trust, reflecting her commitment to environmental conservation. She holds a degree in ecology and is dedicated to fostering sustainable land use and environmental stewardship in the Bay of Plenty region.
Kelly Hughes
Kelly Hughes is the Managing Director of ATS Environmental, specialising in innovative solutions for fish passage and waterway connectivity. Describing himself as an “inadvertent ecological engineer,” he utilizes baffles, ramps, ropes, and fish-friendly floodgates to restore aquatic habitats. Kelly has shared his expertise through webinars on fish passage and has developed devices like the Fish-Friendly Floodgate in collaboration with organisations such as the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and NIWA. His work has significantly contributed to the restoration of fish passage and the reconnection of waterways globally.
Field day fOUR: ETS and GHG INSIGHTS DAY
25 February at the Barr's Dairy Farm
This Field Day was done in collaboration with Te Uru Rākau at the Barr family farm. There was in-depth discussions around the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) as well as sector-specific discussions on greenhouse gas (GHG) management plans.
Viv, Matt and Genna Barr are leading the way in efficient and profitable farming.
With mature woodlots planted on the dairy platform, along with a separate 112 ha block planted with pines registered in the ETS and 17ha of that in natives registered with the QE11 Trust, the decisions for harvesting replanting and long term transition to natives were discussed.
The Barrs have achieved impressive efficiency in tackling greenhouse gas emissions without compromising profitability, offering a fantastic example of balancing environmental responsibility with business success.
Amy Smith, a Senior Forest Advisor based in Whakatāne, brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the table. Having been involved with the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) since its inception, Amy is highly knowledgeable, articulate, and passionate about helping landowners navigate the complexities of the ETS.
GET THE GOSS... ON GREENHOUSE GAS
sEMINAR fOUR: Market Driven Greenhouse gases (GHG) and the Emissions Trading scheme
23 October at the Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall
The seminar was a unique opportunity to hear from key industry leaders and experts, including presentations from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Fonterra, the Meat Industry Association and Zespri who provided valuable insights into the market drivers influencing emissions reduction in agriculture and horticulture.
Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how these drivers are shaping sustainable approaches across the sectors. In addition, Te Uru Rākau and Toitū Envirocare offered practical advice on how landowners can effectively utilise the ETS to reduce emissions and enhance environmental stewardship on their properties
Field Day three: Biodiversity bites
5 June at Mountfort Farm and Whiritoa Orchard
seminar three: Biodiversity bites
21 May 2024 at Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall and then Otipa Arboretum
With biodiversity expert Wayne O’Keefe and local biodiversity ranger Bill Clarke
About the experts:
Wayne O’Keefe is a trustee with Tane’s Trees and has a passion for the unique biodiversity that we have in NZ. He works in the community conservation space supporting and guiding conservation groups and landowners to achieve their conservation goals.
Bill Clark is highly regarded for his active involvement in community projects and initiatives. He is often seen volunteering his time for local clean-up campaigns, tree planting events, and educational programs focused on environmental stewardship. He is well known for his unwavering dedication to community development, environmental conservation, and his pivotal role in the preservation of the Onepū Wetland
Biodiversity resources
Farming with Native Biodiversity Resources
Throughout this 20-month pilot project, the goal was to distribute valuable knowledge to aid farms in their decision-making processes. The emphasis lay in fostering skills so that farms could develop practical, eco-friendly practices that also proved economically viable. The one page information sheets below that were created as part of this project.
Halo Project Resources
The Halo Project is dedicated to various activities including predator control, restoration of forest and seabird habitats, and freshwater enhancement spanning from the source to the sea. The resources below created as part of this project.
Field Day Two: VisuaL SOIL ASSESSMENTS (VSA)
21 March 2024 at Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall
With VSA expert Graham Shepherd
The day started with a presentation at Woodlands Hall to give an introduction to VSAs then, after lunch, we headed out to a property nearby where Graham demonstrated how to complete a VSA on both a farm and an orchard
About the expert:
Graham Shepherd is a VSA expert, soil scientist and agricultural consultant. He is the director of the company Bioagrinomics who specialise in linking soil conditioning, soil function, plant nutrition, animal health, farm productivity and a farm’s environmental footprint with smart fertilisers and smart farm management practices.
Seminar Two: Soil matters
5 March 2024 at Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall
With soil experts: Nick Collins and Murray McEwen (Rere Ki Uta, Rere ki Tai) and Phil Carter (Biostart)
About the experts:
Nick has been immersed in farming throughout his entire life, growing up on a sheep and beef farm north of Auckland. For seven years, he worked as a shearer in both Aotearoa and abroad.
He eventually accepted a job milking cows, which ended up with 18 years of farm ownership. Throughout this period, he operated under the Fonterra Organic program.
Six months after taking over the farm, he made the decision to convert to organic farming, driven by a commitment to stewardship of our land and water. His primary focus was on nurturing the soil microbiome and establishing diverse pasture swards. Additionally, he planted 20,000 trees on the property to serve various purposes, including riparian protection, shelter, shade, fodder, habitat creation, ecosystem restoration, and carbon sequestration.
Murray possesses a diverse professional background, having engaged in various facets of the agricultural industry. His experience includes roles as a stock agent, wool classer, and involvement in export, as well as hands-on experience in dairy farming and milk processing.
Throughout his career, Murray has been actively involved in fertiliser application, farm nutrient management (including the use of Overseer), and the design and management of dairy effluent systems. Drawing from practical experience, he has worked in both conventional and organic agricultural production.
Phil is the Horticulture Territory Manager at Biostart, overseeing the regions of the Bay of Plenty, East Coast, and Lower North Island with dedication spanning eight years.
Raised on a poultry and sheep farm in the Wairarapa, Phil brings a wealth of agricultural knowledge to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Postgraduate Diploma in Horticultural Science from Massey.
Prior to working at Biostart, Phil has held pivotal roles, including serving as the Horticultural Sales Representative and Kiwifruit Export Representative for Wrightsons, as well as the Williams & Kettle Horticultural Representative and company fertiliser co-ordinator . His expertise further extends to overseeing Fruitfed Hastings representatives, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of diverse crops.
What was covered:
- Basics of soil
- What is soil and where does it come from
- Soil structure and properties etc
- Identifying land units, mapping, and finding the soil type
- What soil is, and the difference between dirt & healthy soil
- Soil & pasture management
- How to treat and influence soil functionality health
- How to assess and measure it.
- Rere Ki Uta Rere Ki Tai trials basics and some results
- Soil interaction with pasture & root diversity
- Soil & pasture management
Focus Group One - Mapping Workshop
16 November 2023, at Whakatāne Library
seminar one details- Introduction to farm planning
26 September 2023, at Edgecumbe War Memorial Hall
Presentations from the Seminar:
