12 | Better irrigation Flood water releasing over downstream weir. Photo by Opuha Water. Kim Newth • from page 10 IRRIGATION » Opuha Water / Waimakariri Irrigation Ltd Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL), one of the largest run-of-river irrigation schemes in the South Island, is reporting that farmer shareholders’ efforts to actively manage irrigation are paying off with smarter irrigation practices benefitting both farm performance and the environment. According to WIL’s Year in Review 2022 report, considerable progress has been made on achieving improved irrigation practices that go hand in hand with respon sible environmental stewardship. All up, 99% of the total 30,536 hectares on the scheme achieved A and B audits. WIL Chairman Hugh Martyn described that as “an incredible result” that reflected the commitment, energy and investment of shareholders over the past six years. Shareholder farmers on the scheme have been embracing technology in order to adapt to both market demand and changing environmental regulations. This played a big role in reducing the severity of the May 2021 floods that affected the region. “At the height of that rainfall we held back 450 cumecs per second. Had that 450 cumecs been in the lower reaches there would have been considerably more damage done in those areas. “So, it’s a good asset in that regard.” It is also a fantastic fishing resource and recreational lake that is enjoyed by the community year-round. “So, it’s awesome to see the community getting the benefit of that.” And there are ongoing economic benefits from the scheme, which irrigates 16,000 hectares of land growing pasture for livestock farms, and also crops such as potatoes, onions, blackcurrants, barley and wheat. And most of that produce ends up in Washdyke, Timaru to be processed, creating hundreds more jobs. “In terms of South Canterbury, I think Opuha has played a really massive part in terms of regional prosperity,” Andrew says. The company is continuing to develop its assets to protect them into the future. “The assets we’ve got we view as intergenerational assets. They need to be here for well over 100 years. “We’ve certainly got work planned over the next 10 years to enhance the dam, power station and irrigation schemes.” There is a big biodiversity project planned that will involve the protection of existing native biodiversity areas and further planting of natives. The company is mapping the area with a view to creating a rich biodiverse corridor from the lake catchment to the ocean, centered firstly on shareholder properties, but also working with community stakeholders and other local groups. “It’s working out where to start the spending over the next few years - considering where’s the best bang for buck.” Planting out the island in the lake was also in the long-term plans, Andrew says. The whole biodiversity enhancement is a long play - 20 to 30 years to complete these projects. “But if we don’t start now, it’ll always be 20 to 30 years away.” Overall, Opuha has added “massive value” to the area, both environmentally and economically and plans to keep adding value to the environment and community. They are using data from weather stations, flow meters and moisture monitors to support irrigation scheduling and are making good use of a mobile app that provides daily, weekly and monthly recommendations on whether to irrigate. “For the environment, this means less nutrient loss while at the same time farmers are saving money on irrigation during the shoulder seasons,” observes WIL’s chief executive Brent Walton. “We are continuing to work towards a future where individual farmers actively manage irrigation, applying precisely the right amount of water at the right time. Because of this our farmers will be able to increase their yields, reduce their fertiliser and energy usage, while at the same time achieving improved environmental outcomes.” Supporting innovation in farming is an ongoing commitment for WIL, which has partnered with the Waimakariri Landcare Trust and the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to examine how the next generation of farmers is using innovation to improve farming practices. The project is supported Our Resource Management Team is proud to provide legal support to Opuha Water Limited. www.gressons.co.nz Timaru Motors 207 Hilton Highway | Timaru P 03 687 4133 | timarumotors.co.nz Proud to supply New Vehicles to Opuha Water Farmer shareholders’ efforts to actively manage irrigation are paying off with smarter irrigation practices Driveways • General Earthworks • Irrigation Machinery Hire • Shingle Supply • Tracks & Lime 021 991 865 garyolivercontract@gmail.com Proud to support Opuha Water
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