Moving Day heralds the start of the dairy season each year on 1 June (King’s Birthday) and South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) asks farmers to follow guidance when relocating animals on this day and any time that stock is being relocated. This is to protect residential zones and paper roads that can be impacted by this event.
“Moving Day is an incredibly important activity for farmers each year and we want to remind farmers to move the cattle in a respectful manner and be aware of the impact that moving day can have on the community so that people’s property and safety are protected as well as the community’s infrastructure,” says Stefan Corbett, Group Manager of Infrastructure & Community Operations for South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC).
“There have been some difficulties on occasion and we want to see a smooth transition of farm animals from one property to another when they walk through the community.”
Moving day goes more smoothly with sufficient numbers drovers on hand to help control the gentle movement of stock around the village on paper roads and some residential streets, says Corbett.
South Wairarapa District Council – Check list for farmers moving stock
Alert the community – about moving day when and where possible, as outlined in our guidance.
Be aware of the impact – that moving day can have on the community.
Cattle – can cause damage to berms, paper roads and even properties, if there have been heavy rains, if gates are open or plants are on the walking route of the stock.
Drovers – can help to control the movement of the stock and the council asks those in charge of moving days to ensure they have sufficient numbers of people on hand to guide the stock.
Etiquette – is important to keep in mind so that the community feels aware of the challenges of moving day for farmers and the stock each year.
Facebook and flyers – are a good way to let residents know that stock may be heading down residential streets so that those living on the streets can close gates where possible. Flyers can be dropped in people’s letterboxes prior to Moving Day on 1 June (and / or any time that stock are being moved) to advise residents to close their gates and be aware of stock moving.
Media contact
Email media@swdc.govt.nz
