Growing grapes in Paparua

Press, 4 May 1978, Page 16

Growing grapes in Paparua

Critics of the Paparua County Council’s decision to make the growing of grapes a conditional use of land in certain parts of the county are suggesting that the council wants to ban vineyards entirely from these areas. In fact this is neither the council’s intention nor the effect of the proposed change. If the change is made, however, those wishing to establish a vineyard of any extent will have to seek the council s permission before they do so

This is not an unreasonable requirement. Under regulations already in force, once a vineyard has been established. those who own land nearby are required to observe certain conditions before they use sprays which could harm the vines. If vineyards are established without notice, and without allowing the council, as a planning body, to consider the effects on adjacent land, the present landowners and the grape growers may soon be in conflict. The council is acting with foresight in ensuring that each vineyard is evaluated on its merits and with reference to the

strictures that may be placed on neighbours. In fairness to those who are enthusiastic about the prospects for growing grapes in parts of Paparua County it must be admitted that the regulations concerning the use of sprays near a vineyard are not onerous and would not preclude effective control of noxious weeds on farm land. If anyone applying for a specified departure from land zoning can establish that others merely have to spray noxious weeds more carefully, the caution will be generally beneficial. Spraying has, in certain places, been unnecessarily indiscriminate. Although the prospects for winemaking in Canterbury may be attractive, and even exciting to some, the council may have to balance the cost and damage to the established produce from noxious weeds against the speculative benefits of a wine industry. The case for vineyards might fare badly. Yet there may be an outside chance of success for grapes in Canterbury and the Paparua County Council is leaving the way open.