Calving season

Calving season generally runs from July to October and results in a number of dead animals needing to be removed from farms.

Disposing of animals on farms can negatively impact the environment, so regional rules apply.

Collection services

Deverall’s Transport have now ceased collecting cows and calves for the 2022 season. They are still collecting dead cows. Please contact them directly to make arrangements, on 07 544 0909 or 0274 191 518.

Regional rules, options and consents

Options for disposing of calves and cows from farms during the calving season:

• Burial – This is a permitted activity, provided it meets several conditions. The biggest constraint in the Bay of Plenty is ground water levels, especially around Maketū and Rangitaiki. The minimum depth is one metre between an offal pit and ground water.
• Composting – Initially this method requires consent to do this in a bunker as a controlled activity (controlling discharge from the compost). The odour must be contained and ventilation must be treated to the point where the odour isn’t objectionable or offensive to anyone.
• Burning – Carcasses can be burned but conditions apply. The fire must be at least 100m from any dwelling and there can’t be any objectionable odours. The smoke plume cannot go beyond the boundary.
• Mounded burial – This requires consent but would still need to ensure drainage / groundwater / potential engineering requirements are met.

With all of the above options, it's important to note that you can only dispose of animals from your own farm/property.

Please refer to the Regional Natural Resources Plan for more information on specific rules.