Next week’s ‘Great Irrigation Challenge’ in Ashburton marks two professional milestones for the irrigation industry, says IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis.

The irrigation industry is rapidly moving away from a ‘No 8 wire mentality’ as next week’s Great Irrigation Challenge in Ashburton will demonstrate, says IrrigationNZ – but more ‘owner operator’ irrigators need to rise to the challenge.

Cantabrians should be celebrating the announcement of Government funding to progress the Central Plains Water scheme – as agriculture like no other industry – has the ability to help fund Canterbury’s rebuild, says IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis.

The latest water report from Environment Canterbury demonstrates irrigators in the region are using water responsibly.

IrrigationNZ has praised a grant announced today by the Irrigation Acceleration Fund (IAF) - supporting a study into new water infrastructure for the Wairarapa.

IrrigationNZ says last minute changes to the Land and Water Forum’s Third Report, ‘Managing Within Limits’, have weakened its integrity.

Passionate irrigation advocate, Graeme Sutton, has retired from IrrigationNZ, after more than a decade with the organisation, seven of those as chairman. 

Free workshops starting this week - updating Canterbury irrigators on policy changes affecting them - are even more relevant given recent water management announcements, says IrrigationNZ.

Irrigation New Zealand has come out in support of the retention of the Environment Canterbury Commissioners - but asks whether this means water management plan deadlines can be re-negotiated.

Instead of knocking the productive use of water for activities such as irrigation, it’s time all New Zealanders accepted and celebrated how water adds value. Water is New Zealand’s strategic advantage. Permanently ‘locking up’ its use through outdated and divisive processes, such as Water Conservation Orders, is not beneficial – not even to the river.

The North Otago Irrigation Company’s (NOIC) ground-breaking Audited Self-Management System has taken out the prestigious 2012 IrrigationNZ Innovation Award at its biennial conference in Timaru last night.

With less than a week to the IrrigationNZ Conference and Expo in Timaru the three finalists in the IrrigationNZ 2012 Innovation in Irrigation Award in association with Aqualinc have been announced.

Twenty-first century success will depend on the mindsets and possible courses of action irrigators adopt rather than technology, costs, or regulatory environments, according to internationally renowned futurist and strategist Peter Ellyard, who will deliver a keynote address at the IrrigationNZ Conference in Timaru next week.

The establishment of a regional water entity could well be the way forward for Canterbury - and the place to debate this will be the IrrigationNZ conference in Timaru. Regional, community driven solutions for water supply, must be delivered in a timely fashion if the Christchurch economy is to get the stimulus it needs post earthquake.

Time is closing in on the search to find the best innovation in the New Zealand irrigation industry. 

New chairman appointed for IrrigationNZ

IrrigationNZ welcomes government’s “open for business” status of the Irrigation Acceleration Fund (IAF), marking a new era of community irrigation infrastructure development in New Zealand

IrrigationNZ has today released an official list of accredited service providers for the water measurement and reporting programme. Accredited service providers will be easily recognised by the introduction of the IrrigationNZ "blue tick‟ logo.

New Zealand’s first certified irrigation designer has been recognised by IrrigationNZ.

The decision by recreational groups to withdraw their application for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River has been applauded by Irrigation New Zealand.

A knowledge centre launched this month by Irrigation NZ will serve as the hub for irrigation information in New Zealand.

Water measurement is consistent with the future direction of the irrigation industry. As from November 10, 2010, national regulation will involve some on-farm changes, and consequently additional costs, for many farmers

With increasing expectancy for efficient use of water, the need to make irrigation pay has never been greater. Today efficient irrigation is a requirement not an option.

With the extent of damage to irrigation wells, pipelines and systems yet to be fully revealed in the wake of the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Canterbury at the weekend, IrrigationNZ cautions farmers to take extreme care.  

Government’s approval for a moratorium on water take consent applications for the Hurunui River demonstrates common sense in a case where no proper water plan exists says Irrigation NZ chairman Graeme Sutton.

Irrigation NZ is pleased to announce a seasonal water allocation method is all go for Canterbury.

Irrigation NZ has welcomed the review of dam safety regulations that has put more sense into the proposed scheme.

South Canterbury businessman and public face of South Canterbury Finance Allan Hubbard was honoured this week for his outstanding leadership in irrigation.

The world’s limited water resources are increasingly under stress. The potential use for productive and non-productive purposes is severely restricted because of limited water availability and decreasing water quality.  Ecosystems are under threat and climate change adds to these challenges that have far-reaching consequences for the livelihood of an increasing population.

Irrigation NZ supports government’s decision to oust Environment Canterbury councillors and the consequent appointment of commissioner leadership to address Canterbury’s lack of a proper allocation plan and failure to progress opportunities for optimal water management.

A specialist body with a total focus on fresh water is the way forward to create opportunity in a fresh start for the Canterbury region says the major leader of irrigation farmers in New Zealand.

Innovation, discovery and achievement making a positive contribution, impact or benefit to irrigation is set to be rewarded by the industry’s national body.  

Irrigation New Zealand invites members to participate in an interactive workshop focusing on Automated Control Systems for Schemes. Automation is one of the key components to driving water use efficiency for schemes. Whether you're thinking about automation or well down the track with it, this workshop is a must. The interactive environment will allow questions to be answered as well as enable the sharing of valuable knowledge and experiences with others.