New irrigation head pledges sustainability

The Geraldine-based farm consultant and farmer is confident that the irrigation sector can meet the higher water quality standards demanded by the wider community.

He acknowledges that increasing demand for irrigation water is placing New Zealand's water resources under increasing pressure.

"Government has made it clear that irrigation can expand, but only if it meets much tighter water quality limits. The key to irrigators minimising the impact of their activities is a commitment by the community for sound science applied to better understand the issues and develop the technical solutions. IrrigationNZ has a role in this process and the dissemination of the information to irrigators," he says.

Donkers, who served as vice chairman of the irrigation body for seven years took over its chairmanship from Graeme Sutton last month.

He notes that during the past decade, IrrigationNZ has gained and maintained an influencing position in regard to water policy and irrigation infrastructure development through engagement with central and local government.

The national organisation has approached its business in clearly identified areas – leadership and advocacy, technical developments, communication with members, increasing membership and corporate revenue growth and liaison with other industry-related groups.

"I look forward to continuing this work and building on the momentum that IrrigationNZ has gained as a national body representing all irrigation interests nationwide, earning a credible and respected reputation as the nation's unified voice on all irrigation matters," Donkers says.

"I am keen that IrrigationNZ builds on the relationships that have been developed with other primary sector groups, particularly Federated Farmers. The agricultural sector needs strong and effective leadership and this is best achieved by utilising the strengths of existing organisations, not replicating them."

He says IrrigationNZ is dedicated to adding value to individual irrigators' businesses and committed to lifting the general level of knowledge for sustainable community outcomes from water use and future management in terms of both quantity and quality.

Donkers is part owner and manager of a number of irrigated farming operations in Canterbury. He is a director of Central Plains Water Limited, which is on the cusp of starting construction of a community water scheme that will irrigate 60,000 hectares of central Canterbury. He was instrumental in establishing the Dunsandel Groundwater Users Group and has also been active in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) as a community appointee on the regional committee.

South Canterbury sheep, beef and arable farmer and farm management consultant Nicky Hyslop replaces Donkers as the vice chairman. Hyslop is chairman of Levels Irrigation Company Ltd and a director with Opuha Water Ltd.

"New Zealand has an abundance of water that has the opportunity to provide positive economic, social and environmental outcomes, and with good leadership I believe the infrastructure challenges and environmental expectations surrounding these water opportunities will be achieved," Hyslop says.

Two new members are: Central Otago farmer and associate solicitor Mary Flannery, and Waitakai Irrigators Collective policy manager Elizabeth Soal.