Water allocation, usage tops hort sector concerns
Water allocation and storage has been a hot topic of discussion during HortNZ’s grower meetings held recently around the country.
“It is encouraging that the Wairarapa Water Storage project has moved to the next stage with two possible sites selected for water storage,” says Curtis.
“To maintain this momentum it is important that any outstanding issues are worked through in the next 18 months before the consenting stage. This will avoid lengthy and costly processes at that point which can jeopardise the project.”
Over the last four years the Wairarapa Water Storage Project leaders have engaged with the community so all stakeholders are taken into consideration.
In addition to this, there is collaborative work being done, through the Ruamahanga Whaitua zone committee, on freshwater management in the catchment.
Both of these, plus clear national policy guidance on water, should result in an optimal outcome for all, including sensible nutrient limits to protect local rivers, says Curtis.
“The potential for the Wairarapa is huge. Introducing a reliable water supply is a big economic driver – as has been demonstrated in other regions like Mid-Canterbury which is thriving and has very low unemployment – and there are many communities in the Wairarapa in great need of similar wealth and job creation.
“This can be done by further agricultural growth and diversification. There are already the beginnings of a significant viticulture and horticulture sector in the Wairarapa and with reliable water, production can be extended to vegetables and seeds.
“The government has just allocated new money to the Irrigation Acceleration Fund and it is being put to good use funding important community infrastructure projects like this one, which will bring much needed, long term and sustainable growth to this large and important region on the outskirts of New Zealand’s capital,” he says.
