Irrigation NZ gets new CEO
Wairarapa sheep and beef farmer Karen Williams is the new chief executive of Irrigation New Zealand.
A recent report on water management acknowledges that the status quo of water management is unlikely to be sustainable.
The Infrastructure Commission report has the backing of Irrigation NZ.
“We are pleased the report highlights the need for a holistic and long-term strategic view of water to ensure optimal, sustainable and inclusive outcomes,” says Irrigation NZ chief executive Vanessa Winning.
“This is long overdue and something we have advocated for.”
The report is one of a series looking at the current state of key infrastructure sectors. These are based on a review of existing literature as well as interviews with experts in the sector.
It is part of commission’s work toward a 30-year strategy for infrastructure and feedback is being sought on the document.
Winning says the report signals that there is appetite for change in water management that can provide a range of social, environmental and economic benefits.
However, she adds that this cannot be done piecemeal at a regional level – the strategy must be driven from the top.
“We see positive change with the Three Waters Review and the focus on freshwater quality, and signals that we are moving toward resolution on Māori rights and interests in water.
“This is all good stuff, but, as part of this, we do also need the value of water for productive use to be part of the solution in strategic water management, rather than being identified as a problem. Irrigation - properly installed and used - is a tool for supporting communities, aiding catchment health, enabling land-uses for high value primary production, and providing access to underdeveloped land for those previously locked out.
“Well planned and executed water storage schemes can provide a range of benefits which will help us work toward a more sustainable, inclusive and productive economy.
“We agree water is an essential resource which deserves long-term planning and expertise to ensure its benefits. We look forward to seeing how Te Waihanga’s report leads to action,” says Winning.
Academic Dr Mike Joy and his employer, Victoria University of Wellington have apologised for his comments suggesting that dairy industry CEOs should be hanged for contributing towards nitrate poisoning of waterways.
Environment Southland's catchment improvement funding is once again available for innovative landowners in need of a boost to get their project going.
The team meeting at the Culverden Hotel was relaxed and open, despite being in the middle of calving when stress levels are at peak levels, especially in bitterly cold and wet conditions like today.
A comment by outspoken academic Dr Mike Joy suggesting that dairy industry leaders should be hanged for nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater has enraged farmers.
OPINION: The phasing out of copper network from communications is understandable.
Driven by a lifelong passion for animals, Amy Toughey's journey from juggling three jobs with full-time study to working on cutting-edge dairy research trials shows what happens when hard work meets opportunity - and she's only just getting started.
OPINION: Westland Milk may have won the contract to supply butter to Costco NZ but Open Country Dairy is having…
OPINION: The Gene Technology Bill has divided the farming community with strong arguments on both the pros and cons of…