Changing Drains Into Ecosystems
A drain is sometimes considered a negative word associated with depletion, exhaustion and loss of resources.
Time is closing in on the search to find the best innovation in the New Zealand irrigation industry.
Innovation, discovery and achievement making a positive contribution to irrigation and efficient water management are set to be rewarded by the industry's national body with an award that aims to uncover the industry's progressive and exciting happenings.
Entries are due to close for the 'Innovation in Irrigation' award coordinated by Irrigation New Zealand in association with Aqualinc.
The 2012 award is run in conjunction with the association's conference and expo to be held in Timaru in April. Sponsored by Aqualinc the award carries a cash first prize of $2500, as well as recognition and kudos, not only for the award winner but also those entrants selected as finalists.
The award promotes innovation and the benefit irrigation provides to communities throughout New Zealand. This second biennial award is IrrigationNZ's way to recognise new invention, ideas, systems or gadgets.
"There are a lot of good things happening in the irrigation space and IrrigationNZ is looking to recognise and reward those positive initiatives being undertaken within the industry, also identifying the wider community benefits as a result of irrigation," IrrigationNZ business manager Chris Coughlan says.
Nominations from irrigators, schemes, water user groups, environmental groups, industry, university students and researcher close on February 15.
Finalist entries will be showcased, and the official award presentation held at the IrrigationNZ conference in Timaru from April 2-4.
The primary sector is leading New Zealand's economic recovery, according to economist and researcher Cameron Bagrie.
Dairy industry leader Jim van der Poel didn't make much of the invitation he received to the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in Rotorua.
Farmers around the country are going public big time, demanding their local district, city and regional councils come up with amalgamation plans that meet the needs of rural communities and don't allow urban councils to dominate.
The battle for the rural vote is on and parties are securing high profile names to try and bolster their chances at the general election.
Horticulture New Zealand says proposed changes to the Plant Variety Rights Act 2022 will drive innovation, investment and long-term productivity.
More than 1200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services at next month’s National Fieldays, with sites nearly sold out.