Agrichemicals are chemical substances used in farming, horticulture, agriculture, forestry or other related activities.
They're often applied by spraying to modify or control insects and other pests, weeds or plant diseases. Agrichemicals include conventional and organic sprays, but they don’t include fertilisers.
Minimising spray drift
Agrichemicals need to be used safely and responsibly.
Spray drift can be a problem, caused when spray drifts away from the target area beyond the boundary of the target property. Spray drift has the potential to cause injury or damage to human health, plants, animals, property or the environment.
Application of agrichemicals
Here's information on how the Tairawhiti Resource Management Plan (TRMP) affects users of agrichemicals.
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The TRMP requires operators to have a GROWSafe qualification and prepare the spray plan.
Visit the GROWSafe Website to download spray templates and resources.
A neighbour's rights
Spraying is permitted, but the spray is not allowed to drift.
Your neighbour needs to notify you that they have a spray plan for each new growing season. If you could be affected, ask for a copy of the spray plan.
You can ask your neighbour to inform you of the spray type, before it’s applied, and who will be applying it. You can also ask for telephone confirmation of each spray application or the ones that concern you.
Notification must be no less than 8 hours before each spray (but no more than 4 weeks before spraying).
Precautions to take while your neighbour is spraying
Some things you can do to prevent contact with any spray drift:
- Close windows, and make sure children and pets are indoors
- Take any washing off the line
- If you rely on rainwater for your drinking water, disconnect the downpipes or install a 'first flush' diverter on the downpipe, here's information on rain harvesting.
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Or see our page on Tips for a Safe Water Supply
Take note of any incident. If you're concerned that you've been exposed to spray drift approach the property owner and let them know your concerns.
Contact us - we need to know:
- If you were notified that they had a spray plan.
- Who was carrying out the spraying, the date and time.
- What's being sprayed and the method. If it’s by helicopter, note the colour and any identifying marks or features.
Contact your doctor if your health has been affected by the spray.