‘Great Irrigation Challenge’ launches guide and contract

Media Statement

17 May 2013 – for immediate release

‘Great Irrigation Challenge’ launches guide and contract

Next week’s ‘Great Irrigation Challenge’ in Ashburton marks two professional milestones for the irrigation industry, says IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis.

Alongside two days of workshops for irrigators and industry, IrrigationNZ’s user group guide and irrigation installation contract will be launched. Both represent advances in industry practice and demonstrate the professionalism of irrigators and their support industries, says Mr Curtis.

The user group guide is the result of several months of interviews with irrigation user groups around New Zealand. Freely available on IrrigationNZ’s website www.irrigationnz.co.nz, the guide provides a ‘how to’ for setting up a user group, alongside information about the advantages of co-ordinated action.

IrrigationNZ Project Manager Paul Reese says the guide aims to improve relationships between irrigators, regulators and communities through effective communication and strong governance.

“User groups add enormous value once established because they provide a structure for irrigators to work together in a co-ordinated way. One of the most significant benefits is that the user group can act collectively on their behalf when working with regulatory authorities, responding to community concerns or dealing with the media.”

Representatives from the Ellesmere and Ashburton user groups will attend the launch, along with Federated Farmers, Landcare Research, DairyNZ and Ministry of Primary Industries staff.

Contracts expert, David Goodman, who helped draft the installation contract, says “the template is designed as a balanced and user friendly contract for farmers and irrigation companies designed for on-farm irrigation. It provides the parties with certainty and reduces the possibility of dispute”.

Copies are freely available to IrrigationNZ members and Mr Curtis is expecting strong uptake.

“The contract has been put together in such a way that it doesn’t favour either party, while avoiding legal jargon. It’s long overdue and IrrigationNZ is pleased to finally deliver a template that irrigators can adapt and use for their individual needs,” says Mr Curtis.
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