Friday, 31 January 2020 11:22

$12.7m to help ease Northland’s water woes

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size

Parts of Northland are facing extreme heat and poor grass growth.

The Government is giving $12.7 million to make Northland more resilient in the face of extreme weather.

The Northland Regional Council is getting $12m for the Northland Water Storage and Use Project and Kaipara District Council $745,000 for Kai for Kaipara Water project.

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says water is critical for Northland’s economy and wellbeing but is increasingly under threat from floods and drought, declining rainfall and river flows and rising temperatures.

“There are also increased demands on water resources from a growing population and economy.

“We are providing up to $12.7m through the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to ensure the region has a reliable water supply which can be used to develop underutilised land, grow new markets, create jobs and put more money into the local economy,” Peters said.

Last week Minister for Primary Industries Damien O’Connor visited Northland farmers reeling from weeks of dry weather.

Parts of the region are facing extreme heat and poor grass growth, forcing dairy some farmers to dry off cows early.

More like this

DairyNZ Resilient Pastures Trial Expands Across North Island

Farms across the upper North Island are trialling different pasture mixes as part of a research programme that aims to build greater resilience into farming systems.

Opuha Dam Commissions New Valve in Major Flood Safety Upgrade

Opuha Dam's ability to protect South Canterbury communities from major flooding has taken a significant step forward, with Opuha Water Limited (OWL) successfully commissioning a new outlet valve capable of releasing record volumes of water from the dam ahead of a weather event.

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.

Ballance Urges Farmers to Plan Ahead for El Niño

With forecasters advising El Niño conditions will develop through winter and strengthen into spring and summer, Ballance Agri-Nutrients is encouraging farmers and growers to think ahead about nutrient planning and be prepared to work around challenging weather conditions.