INZ Tech & Trade Gathers Momentum

 

Following a successful launch prior to the 2008 INZ conference of the concept of a Technical & Trade Association a steering committee has been working to develop the form and function of this association – INZ executive member Stephen McNally reports

What is clear is that there is already wide spread support for this organisation not only from several trade companies but also other individuals and organisations with an interest in the wider technical developments in the industry.

Many have indicated a commitment of time and resources to ensure the initial momentum is maintained.

Earlier we set out some fundamental objectives for this group.  These objectives have been central to the positive support received to date.

Objectives:

  • To lift the standards for design, installation, operation and on-going maintenance of New Zealand irrigation systems by adopting and promoting the Codes of Practice for Design and Evaluation [and future Codes of Practice for Installation and Operation].
  • To encourage the adoption of the NZ Certificate of Irrigation Design and Evaluation.
  • To seek compliance with the objectives of the Irrigation NZ Trade Association from like minded companies in adoption of the Codes of Practice.
  • To lobby support of consenting authorities to require acceptable standards for design, installation, operation and maintenance as minimum standards for water resource consents by adoption of the Codes of Practice and Certification.
  • To increase awareness of the economic and environmental benefits to irrigation system purchasers and operators of adoption of the Codes of Practice and Certification.
  • To inform lending institutions of this initiative to provide them confidence that funding propositions have a sound base if the Codes of Practice and Certification are adopted widely in the industry.
  • To assist with the change of behaviours in the irrigation industry towards sustainable use of the water resource taking into account a scientific and engineering approach to quadruple bottom-line reporting.

    Current issues developing in the market around efficient water use, suitability of equipment to meet industry KPI’s and specific concerns around effluent system design and performance are already suggesting a wide technical scope needs to be considered and this is helping to mould the structure of the organisation.

    It is intended that an Options Report will now be developed for presentation to the INZ Board and Trade Association Steering Committee to set out a proposed operating structure, key opportunities for technical research and development and identification of further communication strategies.

    This will allow effective and coordinated communication with those interested in the technical development areas of the industry.

    Running concurrently with the formalisation of this organisation are a number of initiatives aligned to the Trade Association objectives.

    The first block course of the NZQA approved Certificate of Irrigation Design training programme is due to be conducted by Opus Environment Training Centre in the first week of March with significant support for this training from across New Zealand.

    Also a new Code of Practice for Irrigation Installation is being developed to follow on from the Code of Practice for Irrigation Design. This project is partially funded by the MAF Sustainable Farming Fund but also has financial and time commitment from the trade.

    It is now likely that this work will extend to the development of additional material specifically around the design and operation of dairy effluent disposal systems through association with other industry organisations working in this area.