Progress for irrigation in Otago and Rangitikei

31 October 2013

Progress for irrigation in Otago and Rangitikei

Federated Farmers congratulates the Government on their commitment to sustainable irrigation in New Zealand.

“The Government’s $850,000 investment into the Central Otago and Rangitkei projects, through their Irrigation Acceleration Fund, will go a long way to improving these provinces economically and socially. It also bodes well for getting it right from the beginning,” says Ian MacKenzie, Federated Farmers Water Spokesperson.

“The potential for these provinces to develop and profit from a more reliable irrigation source is huge – with only two percent of our rainfall used for irrigation right now. It also will play a major part in reaching the goal to double our exports by 2025.

“What is so fundamental about this investment is that it is about ensuring that the projects are feasible in terms of environmental sustainability, economic viability and ensuring it’s technically possible.

“The Manuherkia Catchment in Central Otago currently irrigates 15,000 of 60,000 hectares of irritable land. This investment is likely to reach a further 20,000 hectares in the catchment, which will give farmers a better chance at handling those especially dry periods from January to March.

“The investment into the Rangitikei project is great news for farmers, as it will establish the availability and reliability of their water sources. With the drought this year it really has emphasised that investment in water is crucial for our agriculture and trade industries going forward.

“Our future is heavily reliant on getting water infrastructure, supply and management right. We also need to realise that investing in water storage is not just fundamental for agriculture and trade it is securing a rich economy for every New Zealander,” concluded Mr MacKenzie.
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