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IrrigationNZ: NewsSplash
Edition No 5. 15 May 2020
FMG Insurance

From the CEO


For many, this week saw a return to “normal” as we move into Alert Level 2. For much of the primary sector and related industries, work has continued throughout the lockdown.

However, the situation for those in Hawke’s Bay is far from normal. The region is experiencing a severe drought, with lower than normal rainfall for many months and very dry soil conditions. The effects of this will continue to be felt long after the drought itself is over, with depleted aquifer recharge affecting water availability and stream flows for seasons to come.

Situations like this are likely to occur more frequently in the future under climate change, so it is critical that we take action as a country at a national level to plan and invest in water infrastructure, and not just for rural users. 

IrrigationNZ works hard to advocate on behalf of its members for policies that support the wise use and management of water for sustainable food and fibre production, and we will continue to do this in the lead-up to the election. 

Let’s hope the drought ends well before then.     

Regards 
Elizabeth 
 

IrrigationNZ: Advocacy

 

Budget 2020 'Rebuilding Together" was released yesterday which saw $3.2 billion of funding set to go towards infrastructure projects however, there was no specific allocation to water storage.

IrrigationNZ understands the exceptional circumstances of COVID-19 but believes that strategic management of this essential resource remains important and that a water strategy to guide spending would be beneficial.

Click here to read IrrigationNZ's full budget response. 

Although the circumstances of COVID-19 have limited our ability to travel and have meetings, IrrigationNZ has continued advocacy work through meeting with officials, Ministers, and other sector leaders online. 

Video Series 


Unfortunately, we were unable to host our 2020 'Water for Life' Conference that was scheduled for the beginning of April due to the unforeseen circumstances of COVID-19.

However, we still want to bring some of the Conference to you through a series of videos from speakers who were meant to present at the event. 

See our latest video below from New Zealand First Spokesperson for Agriculture and Primary Industries, Mark Patterson.
See our video from New Zealand First spokesperson for Agriculture and Primary Industries Mark Patterson.

Online Training 


Did you know you can now complete your Irrigation Operator and Manager Training online?
 

Now is a great opportunity to up-skill by completing some online training! 

This online training will fulfill your F.E.P. audit requirements and you will be issued with a Certificate of Achievement on completion via email.
The Irrigation Scheduling E-learning course covers
  • Crop and climate
  • Understanding soils
  • System type and efficiency
  • Deciding when to irrigate
As this training is online, it allows you the flexibility to fit it in around your working day.
 
For further information and registration: 
https://www.irrigationnz.co.nz/EventsAndTraining/UpcomingEvents

 

Champions Series 


Our new 'Champion Series' continues.

In 2020 IrrigationNZ launched an exciting new series called the 'Champions Series'.

The series is about celebrating those who are passionate about New Zealand, it's land and natural resources. 

This month we celebrate someone who has a passion and expansive knowledge about wetlands. You can find out more in our Winter Magazine, online and in mailboxes mid-June. 

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