Water, water, nowhere!!

Large amounts of water are crucial to NZ's farming future, yet over the years we have failed to invest in the vital dams and irrigation infrastructure. Some parts of the country "“ like the east coasts of the North and South islands "“ are regularly hit by droughts. This year, however, it's Northland and Central Otago that are suffering. The Government, Federated Farmers and farmers around the country all agree water storage is urgently needed, yet Rural News has found that only two regional councils have made headway towards getting the infrastructure in place. Tasman District Council (TDC) is due to make a community presentation on the proposed Lee Dam, which will provide water for the Waimea Plain, on February 8. Hawke's Bay Regional Council (HBRC) has decided to begin a water storage feasibility study. TDC resource scientist Joseph Thomas says his council's project is about three years ahead of where the HBRC is at. The site, design and costing of the dam have been confirmed. The next stage is to set up a governance structure. Thomas says hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent to get the project to its latest stage. Waimea Water Augmentation Committee chairman Murray King, speaking in the latest Water for Waimea newsletter, says doing nothing is not an option. "Our region is growing and will continue to need more water," King says. "We know that weather patterns are changing and that will most likely mean extremes "“ such as more droughts. This is a long term investment that will serve us well beyond the current economic climate."