Media Release
11 January 2013
Irrigation bans in place as Hawke’s Bay continues to dry out
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council continues to see river flows and ground water levels drop and now advises bans and warnings
on rivers in the region.
Irrigation bans have been put in place in parts of the Ngaruroro, Waipawa and Tukituki Rivers and without significant
rain more warnings will be implemented on these rivers over the next week, affecting more than 200 consent holders.
HBRC Group Manager Resource Management Iain Maxwell says while rain over the Christmas/New Year period gave some relief
to the dry conditions, Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay is still very dry with little respite forecast.
“This is an important time of year for Hawke’s Bay cropping farmers so as you can imagine this is a very stressful
situation for all farmers,” says Mr Maxwell.
HBRC compliance staff will be monitoring irrigation throughout the summer by checking irrigators’ water meters and using
aerial monitoring. Irrigators should be clear about the conditions for their water takes, particularly when low flow
bans kick in, so they can keep compliant.
“Our message to farmers and croppers is to keep an eye on the environmental data on HBRC’s website and make sure that
you can abide by consent conditions when bans come into force.”
The ‘Environmental Data’ links are in a prominent place on the homepage of the Regional Council’s website, www.hbrc.govt.nz – look under “Low Flows” tab. Live “River Level” data is also on this home page section, for people who want to see
general trends. Lower down the home page under Quick Links, farmers can log in and get more details.
Any enquiries about low flows or possible illegal irrigation can be made to HBRC throughout the holiday period on the
Council’s hotline 0800 108 838.
Site NameLow Flow LimitStatusNgaruroro River at Fernhill 5000 Ban Ngaruroro River at Fernhill 2400 Warning Raupare Drain at Ormond Road 300 Warning Waipawa River at Waipawa SH2 3000 Ban Waipawa River at Waipawa SH22300 Warning Tukituki River at Tapairu Rd 3000 Ban Tukituki River at Tapairu Rd 1900 Warning
ENDS