Remember all the stories in the paper from the politicians listed above, containing endless reasons to not build the dam. Often these same politicians then go on to talk about lack of job growth in Hawke's Bay and the need to use our water to add value but that is another story for another day.
Bottom line. This project continues and is very close to being finalised. The months after it gets the green light, new job ads will be in Hawke's Bay Today, confidence will increase, Central Hawke's Bay will have an almost instant uplift, food processors in Hastings will begin planning and investing for more production, longer seasons and more jobs.
The bankers and accountants across the Bay will upgrade their models of economic activity. The port will evaluate their planning and investment to accommodate so much more freight. Social commentators will comment on how the new jobs assist people into independence and are the key to many social ills. The Ruataniwha project continues in spite of the many hurdles, some of which I have listed below:
- Scientists don't agree with the model: Wrong, scientists have presented their positions to courts and the scheme continues.
-It will be built on a fault line: That's just silly, New Zealand is on a fault line, as are many decades old existing dams. The Ruataniwha will be built to modern standards and probably be the safest dam in New Zealand.
-There is no large investor: Would it have really got this far if there was not interest from investors?
-Only 150 farmers will benefit: Utter nonsense. Those who sign up are locked in to make payments for nearly 30 years to use the infrastructure!
-There's nothing in it for small businesses: Utter nonsense. The 18,000 small businesses across Hawke's Bay are linked to the success of our core strength, produce from the land.
-Local Maori don't want it: Rubbish, one iwi has an option to invest $20 million into the project.
-Farmers aren't signing up to achieve the 40 per cent take-up target: So once the 40 per cent is exceeded will the objectors stop using this line?
-The business case does not stack up for farmers: Wrong. Farmers and not politicians, will and are perfectly able to make their own decisions about their own business case
I think you get the point, in spite of all the howls of outrage and opposition the Ruataniwha project continues to make progress. Combined with the TPPA, and other free trade agreements Hawke's Bay is on the brink of an unprecedented period of growth.
So, MP Stuart Nash, Meka Whaitiri, Councillors Barker, Belford, Bevin and Graham, will you stop your objections.
-Craig Foss is the MP for Tukituki and a government minister.
-Business and civic leaders, organisers, experts in their field and interest groups can contribute opinions. The views expressed here are the writer's personal opinion, and not the newspaper's. Email: editor@hbtoday.co.nz
