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THE HUNT IS UNDERWAY for examples of innovation within New Zealand's irrigation sector as industry body IrrigationNZ gears up for its bi-ennial conference in Hawkes Bay.
Entries have just opened for IrrigationNZ's 'Innovation in Irrigation Award' in association with Aqualinc, which will be presented at the conference and expo next April, being held in Napier for the first time.
The prestigious award, which comes with a $2500 prize, celebrates, encourages and promotes innovation within New Zealand's irrigation industry.
Nominations close January 31 with entries required by February 14, 2014. Nomination forms are now available on the IrrigationNZ websitewww.irrigationnz.co.nz/events-and-training/innovation-in-irrigation-award/
IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis says the category is extremely broad and encompasses technical innovations by industry, initiatives which protect the environment and innovative thinking where irrigation has helped create resilient communities.
Past winners of the award include the North Otago Irrigation Company in 2012 which used its prize to re-establish the North Otago Sustainable Land Management Group (NOSLAM) to promote responsible farming in its area.
In 2010, Fielding-based Precision Irrigation won for its variable rate irrigation systems, which uses GPS to more effectively target water application. The company has since been purchased by multinational Lindsay Corporation and has sold over 160 variable rate irrigation systems throughout Australasia.
IrrigationNZ is also calling for nominations for the Ron Cocks Memorial Award with nomination forms also available on the IrrigationNZ website www.irrigationnz.co.nz
The award recognises a person who has made a significant contribution to irrigation within New Zealand. 2012 recipient was Brian Cameron from Ashburton. Nominations close February 11, 2014.
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:
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