IrrigationNZ sees National’s re-election as opportunity to progress water infrastructure
IrrigationNZ congratulates the National Party on winning the 2014 general election.
“National’s re-election is an opportunity to develop the infrastructure New Zealand needs to provide surety of water for
agriculture, town drinking water supply, waterways, recreational use and to future proof the country from climate
change,” says Andrew Curtis, CEO of IrrigationNZ.
“The RMA reforms proposed by National will allow irrigation schemes to get up and running without further delay,” says
Nicky Hyslop, IrrigationNZ acting Chair.
These schemes include Ruataniwha in the Hawke’s Bay, Hurunui in North Canterbury, Hunter Downs in South Canterbury and
the Wairarapa.
“This is not about opening the floodgates to massive dairy conversions,” says Mrs Hyslop. “This is about progressing the
nation as a whole and carefully balancing environmental imperatives with the needs of a growing population and economy.
Sensible, well designed water infrastructure is one of the most viable ways we can add value to our economy. In most
parts of the world, irrigation and water storage are recognised as socio-economic development tools.”
IrrigationNZ also believes that National’s re-election provides an opportunity to review current nutrient management
policy, but re-iterates that farmers still need to operate within strict limits.
“As we have said before, the future of irrigation in New Zealand is about using SMART practice,” says Andrew Curtis. “I
would like to make clear that irrigation development does not mean a free for all; farmers will still need to work
within Farm Environment Plans and will be under pressure to manage their environmental footprint.”
“But at the same time, in terms of nutrient management, we can’t expect our farming community to run before they can
walk. With this election result, we have an opportunity to revisit existing nutrient policy. There is an urgent need to
come up with a nationally consistent and robust approach which would give irrigating-farmers more certainty going
forward,” says Mr Curtis.
IrrigationNZ also believes that as the New Zealand public increasingly realises the importance of water infrastructure
development, that there should be public contribution to the cost, “just like in other developed nations like Tasmania
(Australia) and Alberta (Canada),” says Mr Curtis.
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