IrrigationNZ provides a leadership role in the recognition, facilitation and promotion of innovative and practical solutions for the New Zealand irrigation industry.
Current initiatives include -
- Auditeed Self Management – ASM focuses on irrigators controlling their own destiny. Establishing cost-effective resource management systems that provide value to irrigators whilst satisfying compliance requirements and demonstrating responsible water use to the wider community.
- What is Irrigation Efficiency? – There is much mis-understanding and misuse of the numerous irrigation efficiency definitions. This initiative will work with community stakeholders to put everyone on the same page.
- Fish Screens - There has been limited work to date on actual fish screen performance in NZ. Therefore, ther is a need to better quantify fish screen efficacy in differing environments and with differen species to better inform decision mkaing for future fish screen installations.
- Irrigator User Groups - The individual irrigator approach to water resource management can never unlock the true potential, particularly in fully or over allocated catchments. Irrigators need work together at the catchment level to both secure long-term access to the resource and maximise it's potential.
- Variable Rate Irrigation – IrrigationNZ is a strong supporter of the potential for this technology. NZ soils are not uniform. Ultimate management therefore requires variable application rates, to suit the soils water storage capacity. Simple gains can also be made from avoiding off-target applications, for example not irrigating races on dairy farms. This reduces the amount of water pumped as well as animal health problems.
Current IrrigationNZ projects
Innovative ideas, as well as challenges in need of solutions are always welcome – contact acurtis@irrigationnz.co.nz