increase font size
IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.
The decision by Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) to invest in the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme is the best outcome for the Hawke's Bay community, says IrrigationNZ.
HBRC has voted to confirm its $80million investment in the scheme after agreeing that all four of the conditions required for investment had been met.
The decision sets the Hawke's Bay community up for a positive future as access to reliable water will be a game changer for the region, says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.
"It's well proven when water storage schemes proceed, the whole community benefits hugely. We're not just talking about new jobs and employment, but greater social, recreational and environmental opportunities as well. Look at Ashburton District, built on a strong farming hinterland underpinned by irrigation," he says.
"A new swimming pool and sports stadium, arts gallery, events centre and museum have all been funded by ratepayers in recent years.
"This is amazing when you consider there's only 33,000 people that live in the district. Irrigation supported by water storage, allows growers and farmers to ride out global market conditions and climatic stresses like droughts. The Hawke's Bay can expect to see increasing interest from a wider range of fruit, vegetable and arable producers now reliable water is on its way," says Mr Curtis.
Additionally, the role of water storage in promoting sustainable river flows and boosting groundwater supplies can't be under-estimated.
"Water quality issues can also be addressed through water storage as it provides the ability to maintain regular flows and augment streams that are struggling.
"On top of this, water storage allows groundwater users to move away from deep bores this means less pumping and so less energy use, it will also help improve river and stream flows during the summer.
"We're already seeing this transition occur in Selwyn District prompted by Central Plains Water and this could be a key feature of the new Ruataniwha scheme."
Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead up to the season.
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) says access to reliable irrigation water is essential for a thriving horticultural sector.
A 100-year-old Canadian irrigation district has taken inspiration from Canterbury irrigation company Central Plains Water's success in converting from an open race irrigation system to a gravity-fed piped system.
Effluent is a valuable source of nutrients.
Precision Slurry says they are effluent application specialists who pride themselves on leading the way in cleaning out any system - fully utilising the nutrients often seen as a problem on farms.
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?
