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Please note our Whitianga office will be closed to the public on Tuesday, 16 September and Wednesday, 17 September 2025. You can still contact our staff on freephone 0800 800 401 or via an online form.

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Farmer's guides

Farmer’s guide to environmental rules in the Waikato region

Up-to-date information about the rules for the activities that farmers commonly undertake, and whether these activities are permitted or need a resource consent. This guide replaces the 'Farmer's guide to permitted activities'.

Critical Source Areas: Identifying risks on farm

A critical source area is anywhere on a farm that is at risk of losing contaminants. They are often called “hotspots” for contaminant loss. The four main contaminants that affect water quality are bacteria, sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen.

This guide should help you identify where you might find areas of risk around your farm and how you might mitigate these areas.