Horticulture – agrichemical use in Northland

Agrichemical products (such as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides) can pose environmental and community risks if not managed carefully. Spray drift can damage neighbouring crops, affect human health and contaminate waterways.

All horticultural operations that apply agrichemicals must comply with the permitted activity criteria for Agrichemical Use. The permitted activity rules are covered in C.6.5.1 of the Proposed Regional Plan for Northland

For ground based & aerial applications you must:

• Prepare and follow an Annual Spray Plan. 
• Notify neighbours at least 24 hours before spraying.
• Complete the H.10.2 Agrichemical Risk Assessment in our Regional Plan and meet buffer/wind restrictions. 

How NRC monitors horticulture spraying

Northland Regional Council reviews Annual Spray Plans, audits orchards (with priority on high-risk sites), and may observe selected spray events. This programme helps us support sustainable horticulture while protecting sensitive areas and communities.

Send us your Annual Spray Plan

NRC are requesting Annual Spray Plans from commercial horticulture operations across Northland to prioritise monitoring based on environmental risk and community protection. 

How to submit your plan:

• Upload your Annual Spray Plan via the Horticulture — Annual Spray Plan portal.
• You can use your own template as long as it covers the checklist items or download our template (see spray plan template and checklist below).
• Deadline: Annually by 1 April.

Report spray drift or issues

If you’re concerned about spray drift, lack of notification, or spray damage, contact the 24/7 NRC Incident Hotline: 0800 504 639.

Spray plan template and checklist

Download the following documents to help you prepare and submit your plan

Annual Spray Plan Checklist (PDF 205 KB)

Annual Spray Plan Template (PDF 123 KB)

Contact us

If you need assistance with your spraying activity or spray plan, please email us at agrichemical@nrc.govt.nz or call 0800 002 004 and request to speak to our Compliance Team.