Trans-Tasman irrigation Memorandum of Understanding signed

29 November 2016 – for immediate release

Trans-Tasman irrigation Memorandum of Understanding signed

In a significant move that will strengthen the relationship between the irrigation industries in New Zealand and Australia, industry bodies, IrrigationNZ and Irrigation Australia, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The MoU formalises the relationship between the two industry bodies and will have significant long-term benefits for their membership and the irrigation sectors in general, according to Nicky Hyslop, IrrigationNZ Chairperson, and Andrew Ogden, Irrigation Australia Chairperson.

“This cooperative approach will benefit irrigation in both countries and allow us to share our areas of strength and expertise” said Mrs Hyslop. “A good example is our irrigation knowledge resources. As part of the MoU we have agreed to share these resources, which means that our members and the wider irrigation sector will have access to a unique information bank that has been developed by the industry for the industry. And, importantly, sharing resources will avoid duplication and drive efficiencies – a real win for our members,” she added

The MoU sets out a number of key benefits for the organisations and identifies opportunities for cooperation. “One of the areas that Irrigation Australia has traditionally has been particularly strong in is our advocacy for and development of professional development and industry certification. The MoU ensures the expansion of this focus with an agreement for both bodies to work together to develop training qualifications that are mutually recognised,” said Mr Ogden.

Under the MoU, the industry bodies have agreed to co-operate in developing and reviewing any standards that have an impact on their irrigation industries. “Standards underpin the quality of installations and level of professionalism in the industry, and both bodies have worked on developing them and promoting industry awareness of their importance,” said Mr Ogden.

Another opportunity identified in the MoU is helping with and attending each other’s major events such as conferences and exhibitions. “We have also identified that there is an opportunity to put together joint study tours and similar activities designed to improve access to up-to-date information and technology,” said Mrs Hyslop.

Mrs Hyslop and Mr Ogden said that their organisations were looking forward to working together in the future and that the MoU will be an efficient and effective way for them to maximise the benefits for their membership and the irrigation industry generally.

ends

© Scoop Media