M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
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.
Following recent storms in the region, the 69th edition of the Tour of Southland cycling event has been postponed.
A function at Parliament on 7th October brought together central government decision-makers, MPs, industry stakeholders and commercial partners to highlight the need for strategic investment in the future of Fieldays and its home, the Mystery Creek Events Centre campus.
The Government's revised 2050 biogenic methane target range of 14-24% by 2050 is being welcomed by dairy farmers.
An increasing number of students are doing agricultural and horticultural degrees at Massey University by distance learning.
ANZ New Zealand is encouraging farmers and businesses impacted by the recent extreme weather that hit Southland and South Otago last week to seek support if they need it.
When Professor Pierre Venter takes up his new role as vice chancellor at Massey University next February it will just be a matter of taking a few steps across the road to get to his new office at the Palmerston North Campus.

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