Agrichemical & Spray Drift RulesNgā ture matū ahuwhenua, kōrewarewa rehu hoki

Agricultural use rules

Rules for the management of spray drift – both conventional and organic sprays - are contained in the Regional Resource Management Plan - (Rule 10) Please follow the wind scale guide on page 130. Organic sprays are not exempt from Council rules, small block owners, lifestylers and home sprayers also must comply with these rules.

Commercial operators need to be properly qualified/certified - check the GROWSAFE© website for these requirements. 

This website contains detailed information on how to minimise spraydrift and look after the environment.

Property Spray Plans are needed for properties where agrichemical is applied within 50m of a boundary more than twice a year. Spray plan templates are available on the growsafe website, and the Sprayplan website.

Health risks associated with spray drift include asthma, watery eyes and skin rashes, polluted waterways and harm to native wildlife.

The Regional Council is committed to looking after the community and environment, and will enforce these rules. Spraydrift prosecution 2019.

What to do if spray drift occurs around your home

• Shower and change your clothing if you have been sprayed
• Visit your doctor if your health has been affected
• Wash exposed fruit and vegetables
• Disconnect the downpipes to rain water tanks and leave disconnected until the roof has been washed.
• Re-wash any washing that was on the clothesline
• Wash down children’s play equipment
• Talk to your neighbour and ask to see their spray plan.
• You can report spray drift to the Regional Council Pollution Response Team on 0800 108 838 or ring for advice. Please video or photograph the incident where possible.

Agrichemical Storage

Based on the GROWSAFE© Code of Practice for the Management of Agrichemicals NZS 8409:1999,  the Agrichemical Storage Checklist is designed to assist farmers and growers to have a safe agrichemical storage shed. If you are storing large volumes of agrichemical also check HSNO requirements with your local council.