Thursday, 30 April 2020 10:56

Water projects will assist recovery 

Written by  Staff Reporters
IrrigationNZ chief executive Elizabeth Soal. IrrigationNZ chief executive Elizabeth Soal.

IrrigationNZ has thrown its support behind the Government’s method of regional post-COVID-19 recovery through Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) funded water projects.

The industry body believes the water projects that have been included in the $48 million loans from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) will be a step towards boosting the economy following the impact of COVID-19. 

“It is great to see the Government recognising the importance of water storage and the big role water plays in the social and economic wellbeing of our communities,” says IrrigationNZ chief executive Elizabeth Soal.

“Not only will the water projects be good for providing employment opportunities and supporting incomes during the construction phases of these projects, but also in the long term.”

Soal says having reliable access to water enhances communities’ resilience, climate change responsiveness, social outcomes, and unlocks the potential for land use flexibility.

“Investing in water projects is a sound investment for the long term economic and environmental sustainability of our country.”

Regional economic development minister Shane Jones made the PGF funding announcement this morning.

The water initiatives receiving loans totalling $48.4m are: 

• Raukokore River Water Ltd, water storage project – $10.6m

• Wairarapa Water Limited, community water storage – $7m

• Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea Trust, Awanui water storage project (Far North) – $3m

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Tukituki water storage development phase - $2.5m

• Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Heretaunga Plains water storage development phase - $1.7m

Soal says all of the projects have scope to benefit both people and businesses from the urban and rural communities.

More like this

Every exhibitor with something valuable to offer for farmers

OPINION: Welcome to the second annual NZ Dairy Expo at Matamata – an event created to bring together the best of the New Zealand dairy industry in a focused, grassroots environment where dairy farmers and rural professionals can meet, talk, compare products, and make smart decisions for their farms.

Dead in the water

OPINION: In a victory for common sense over virtue signalling, David Parker's National Policy Statement (NPS) work on freshwater is now dead in the water.

Standing up for rural people

Primary production select committee chair and ACT MP Mark Cameron recently contributed to the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill - Second Reading in Parliament. Here are excerpts from his speech:

Red meat sector battles on

It's a bloody tough year for sheep farmers, but the worst may be over, and the future looks optimistic.

Featured

LIC Space folds for good

Farmer co-operative LIC has closed its satellite-backed pasture measurement platform – Space.

Editorial: Time for common sense

OPINION: The case of four Canterbury high country stations facing costly and complex consent hearing processes highlights the dilemma facing the farming sector as the country transitions into a replacement for the Resource Management Act (RMA).

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Are they serious?

OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…

A hurry up!

OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter