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IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.
A project presenting new ways to improve water quality in New Zealand rivers opened to the public this month.
IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis says the Hinds/Hekeao managed aquifer recharge project will take clean Rangitata River water and put this into the aquifer, helping solve water quality problems and improve stream flows.
"The recharge project in combination with improving farm environmental performance -- through nutrient limits and audited farm environment plans -- will allow waterways in the zone to regenerate and thrive," he says.
Water will come from the Ashburton District Council's stock water allocation via the Rangitata diversion race and Valetta irrigation scheme.
"Managed aquifer recharge is used successfully in the US and Europe to replenish aquifers for domestic and agriculture water supply, and for ecological purposes. This project is a first for NZ; a successful trial would mean other catchments could also benefit from similar projects.
"It is clear the public wants improved water quality in lakes and rivers. This is a great example of the local community coming together to make positive change.
"Politicians have called for a national approach to managing water quality, but there are many variables and complex issues. We need to be creative, innovative and work together to meet stated community needs."
Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead up to the season.
Irrigation New Zealand chief executive Vanessa Winning is stepping down after four years in the role.
IrrigationNZ submitted a briefing last month to the new Government this week on how water capture, storage, and efficient use can grow economic prosperity, support New Zealand's exports, and ensure long term regional resilience. Here's part of what Vanessa Winning, chief executive of IrrigationNZ, said:
IrrigationNZ has released its election manifesto, calling for policies that secure water for growing food.
The first two bills in the RMA reform package simply are not good enough.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
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