A damn load of emotional effluent
The Ruataniwha water storage scheme saga has gone far beyond soap opera territory: fantasy has long since replaced fact, the noisy quashing any sense.
The future of the controversial Ruataniwha water storage dam in central Hawkes Bay is in limbo, following the recent local body election.
The promotor of the scheme, the Hawkes Bay Regional Council, has newly elected members opposed to the dam and another opponent as its new chairman, Rex Graham.
The new council met for the first time last week, after which Graham told Rural News of a “change in sentiment” about the project. Two councillors are opposed to the dam, but favour water storage, and he described the rest as “sceptics”.
“It’s too early to say if we would put a hold on the scheme and it’s also too early to speculate on what any outcome might be. The majority around the table are sceptics and I guess those of us who are elected are conscious of the fact that the public want to know more,” Graham says.
“Some people are really anti the dam and we have to be conscious of and respect that. During our discussions the question was raised as to whether there ever was a mandate for project.”
Graham says councillors recognise that the project is a long way down the track and the thought of going back to basics would be interesting. The councillors need to know the risks and benefits of the project before they make any further moves.
“The only thing I can tell you is what was absolutely clear: a majority of councillors are cynical about the process and the dam, but where to from here nobody is sure.”
Meanwhile, the local president of Federated Farmers, Will Foley, says he personally remains supportive of the dam project as necessary for the health of the Tukituki River and the economy of Central Hawkes Bay.
A lot of work has already been done and money spent on the project and he predicts it will take time for the new council to reach a decision.
“The community is still very much behind it and is getting a bit frustrated with the delays. The one thing the new council will achieve will be to further delay it even it does go ahead,” he says.
Foley says while the delays continue, the investors and construction firms are waiting to see what might happen.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.
Nationwide rural wellbeing programme, Farmstrong recently celebrated its tenth birthday at Fieldays with an event attended by ambassador Sam Whitelock, Farmers Mutual Group (FMG), Farmstrong partners, and government Ministers.
Six industry organisations, including DairyNZ and the Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ) have signed an agreement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to prepare the country for a potential foot and mouth outbreak.
OPINION: ACT MP Mark Cameron isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he certainly calls it how he sees it, holding…
OPINION: Did former PM Jacinda Ardern get fawning reviews for her book?