IrrigationNZ e-news update
SMART IRRIGATOR Edition No. 45, June 2018

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Advocacy update 

We are continuing to work as part of the Land and Water Forum. A paper is being prepared to meet the Minister's objectives to cap further nutrient discharge and halt waterway degradation. Once this is public we will share this with our members - if you would like more information on this please contact Andrew Curtis - acurtis@irrigationnz.co.nz

Along with other Primary Sector Partners we have also been working to launch the Good Farming Practice Action Plan for Water Quality last week. 

The aim of the plan is for all farmers and growers to develop a Farm Environment Plan over time, and for those using irrigation to reduce nutrient discharge and use water efficiently as part of these plans. Many irrigators will already have Farm Environment Plans in place. 

The next step planned is to look at how to achieve greater consistency in Farm Environment Plan measures and templates to make future reporting easier and allow each farmer or grower to just have one plan in place. 

New National Planning Standards

The Ministry for Environment has just released a Draft National Planning Standards document which will adopt standard definitions across a range of planning documents like Regional Plans.

IrrigationNZ will be reviewing the definitions used relating to irrigation. We will advise members if we identify any issues of concern which will impact on irrigators or schemes. 

New irrigation apprenticeship coming! 

We are pleased to announce that NZQA have approved and listed our new Irrigation Engineering Apprenticeship. 

The apprenticeship will provide a pathway for young people to become an irrigation service technician. This four year qualification will start from 2019. To find out more about the apprenticeship visit our website or contact sbreneger@irrigationnz.co.nz

Water Meter Verification Training

We are hosting a training day to assist people completing NZQA Water Meter Verification workbooks in Lincoln on 18 July. 

The session will cover regulation, verification methods, maths for determining compliance, key concepts and steps to avoid bias. To find out more see our website

Water Measurement (Telemetry) Master Class

Join us for a two day Master Class on 7 and 8 August at Lincoln to identify how to improve water consent data transfer processes.

The Master Class is aimed at telemetry installers and technicians, data hosts and regulators - mainly regional councils. The aim of the class is to share knowledge to ensure better installation, servicing and monitoring practices are in place. This will enable data transfer to occur in a timely and accurate way. We will also update the Code of Practice and seek feedback on accreditation categories.

Irrigator Operator & Manager Training 

Two irrigation operator and manager training sessions are planned at Lincoln and Ashburton in September. 

The sessions are a mix of classroom learning and in the paddock practical application, covering regulations, irrigation scheduling, operation and maintenance and assessing irrigator performance. This will show you how to get more crop for each drop, and meet regulation and health and safety requirements. A toolkit is included to use on the farm.

News 

Water action plan welcomed
Alarm over applications to draw Ruataniwha groundwater
Government expects action over waterways
Falls Dam project team exploring funding options
Swimmable Rivers not just a rural issue, says Minister 

Water Meter Verification Workbook Training - Lincoln, 18 July 

Water Measurement (Telemetry) Master Class - Lincoln, 7-8 August  

Irrigation Operator and Manager Training - Ashburton 6 September

Irrigation Operator and Manager Training- Lincoln, 27 September




 

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