DripFeed Re-launched

It's been a while since the last edition. Behind the scenes IrrigationNZ has made some essential technology changes, Dripfeed being one, with the goal of greater efficiency and effectiveness. This ensures your membership $$'s are spent where it counts....... working for irrigation interests.

You can now subscribe to Dripfeed on-line, so please send the new look e-mail newsletter to all friends, associates and work colleagues that would benefit from the latest irrigation news.

Schemes & User Groups

IrrigationNZ encourages all scheme and user group members to annually send us updated contact lists, including e-mail addresses. This ensures we inform the full membership of the latest challenges facing the industry alongside upcoming events.

We need each IrrigationNZ magazine sent to reach its destination in a cost effective manner - returned magazines cost the membership money! Marilyn will be in touch with you all, or alternatively e-mail her your updated contact lists admin@irrigationnz.co.nz

IRRICALC..... ALL SYSTEMS GO!

IrrigationNZ has been chomping at the bit to inform the Canterbury membership that the IRRICALC seaonal water allocation method has been approved for use by Environment Canterbury. This is good news for all Canterbury irrigators. 

The IRRICALC seasonal water allocation method is availble on the IrrigationNZ website for irrigators and consultants to use - although please be aware the files are very large. We are currently working on how to cost effectively make CD's easily accesible to the membership.

The press release can be found on the IrrigationNZ website

Financing Water Infrastucture

IrrigationNZ in partnership with MAF, Investment NZ & Treasury are running a 'Financing Pathways for Rural Water Infrastructure' workshop on 24th - 25th August 2010.

The workshop will cover 3 critical areas for enabling the financing of irrigation schemes -

• A Standardised Framework for the Economic Analysis of Rural Water Infrastructure
• Managing Risk (Risk Analysis)
• Financing Options for Rural Water Infrastructure

Outputs from the workshop will include a report to better inform schemes and policy makers which will include an action list.

To control numbers the workshop is by invitation only and focused on developed and developing schemes. A limited number of 'experts' have also been invited. If you feel you or your organisation can add value but have been overlooked, please contact acurtis@irrigationnz.co.nz

Water MeTering Regulation

Most of you are aware that a regulation on water measurement will come into force in the spring. A press release outlining the likely content of the regulation can be found on the IrrigationNZ website. IrrigationNZ are currently engaged in the drafting process for the regulation.

IrrigationNZ is also working with the Ministry for Environment on the implementation of industry-led standards and an associated quality assurance program for equipment specification, installation, verification and data format and provision, for both pipe and open channel scenarios. The goal of this program is two fold - to give certainty for consent holders in tandem with driving cost efficiencies. Look out for further announcements in the near future.

Making Irrigation Pay 2010

Due to the success of lasts year, IrrigationNZ will again run its annual irrigation workshop roadshow in October.

Marlborough 5th, Tasman 6th, Wairarapa 7th, Manawatu 8th, Hawke's Bay 9th, Culverdon 11th, Gore 12th, Alexandra 13th, Waitaki 14th, 28th Ashburton & 29th Dunsandel.

This years program will include -

• Reducing your Energy Bill (sponsored by EECA)
• The Water Metering Implementation Program
• Launch of the Farmers Guide to Successul Irrigation Design and Installation