Wednesday, 16 September 2020 10:21

Plant producers want priority access to water

Written by  Staff Reporters
NZPP is calling for an independent assessment of New Zealand’s water infrastructure. NZPP is calling for an independent assessment of New Zealand’s water infrastructure.

Priority access to water heads the NZ Plant Producers (NZPP) election manifesto released today.

The peak industry body for plant producers and their industry partners represents more than 100 plant producers and businesses in New Zealand.

The organisation produces plants for a diverse range of purposes, including food for local eating and exports, regenerating New Zealand’s forests, and urban and domestic planting.

The first point in NZPP’s election manifesto is guaranteeing priority access to water for plant producers.

“Primary industries rely on our production, and many families need our plants for food and wellbeing. Access to water is critical to Government plans for more horticulture, forests, and greener living spaces,” it says in the manifesto.

“We support DairyNZ, NZ Beef & Lamb and Horticulture New Zealand’s request for, and assessment of, New Zealand’s water infrastructure and investment in viable water capture and storage.”

NZPP wants an independent assessment of New Zealand’s water infrastructure to ensure it is able to fulfil future needs and to identify regions at risk of water shortages.

“A National Water Strategy, backed by credible investment, is needed to guarantee a reliable supply of water,” it says.

NZPP’s eight points are:

1. Plant producers must get priority access to water

2. New Zealand needs access to the World’s best plant varieties

3. The RSE scheme must be expanded with access to key workers from overseas

4. The Review of Vocational Education must be prioritised

5. Regulation and legislation must be reviewed and rationalised

6. Biosecurity must be strengthened and supported

7. Investment in planting must be targeted at our most efficient producers

8. New Zealanders deserve more green spaces in our urban areas

 

More like this

From Advocacy to Action

For years, IrrigationNZ has called for a coordinated national approach to water security, backed by enabling regulation, strategic infrastructure investment and sound technical practice. As the 2026 general election approaches, many of these priorities are now reflected in political commitments and legislative reforms. That represents significant progress, but the real measure of success will be turning policy into practical outcomes, says IrrigationNZ principal technical officer Stephen McNally.

Freshwater Farm Plan Changes Welcomed by Primary Sector

There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's announcement on changes to freshwater farm plans that come under the Natural Environment Bill, which is now set to replace the existing RMA.

Hawke's Bay Needs Water, and the Numbers Prove It

OPINION: New economic modelling confirms what many of us in Hawke's Bay have long understood - getting water security right for this region is one of the most important decisions we face as a community. Not just for farmers, but for everyone who lives, works and builds a future here.

Featured

Editorial: Support Dairy

OPINION: Political parties are getting plenty of advice and recommendations from sector groups as the election approaches.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

'LinkedIn Greens'

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…

UK Warning

OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter