Irrigation hot topic for water meeting

SPEAKER: Sir Graeme Harrison will be the keynote speaker at the summit.

Organisers of the Wairarapa Water Summit in Masterton next week are fielding calls from throughout the country and overseas.

The summit, organised by the Wairarapa Regional Irrigation Trust, will be held on Tuesday at Copthorne Solway Park and will explore the economic and social opportunities of increased irrigation in Wairarapa and the challenges involved.

Trust chairman Bob Tosswill said so far the summit had attracted a range of interests from local and central government, and environmental, business and community interests throughout Wairarapa.

"We also have registrations from Australia and from Auckland, Canterbury, Hawke's Bay and Manawatu.

"The environmental and economic management of New Zealand's freshwater continues to be a hot topic, with the next stage of the Government's freshwater reforms announced just last week," Mr Tosswill said.

A Government discussion document is seeking public feedback on a range of proposals including a national framework to support communities setting freshwater objectives and national water standards.

Mr Tosswill said speakers who had knowledge and experience of the issues involved would share their knowledge and insights at the full-day event.

Keynote speaker, the founder and chairman of multi-national Anzco Foods, Sir Graeme Harrison, will discuss how well-managed use of water will accelerate exports and valued-added prospects for primary industries.

Ashburton mayor Angus McKay will share the experience of mid-Canterbury, while Timaru arable farmer, Tony Howey, will discuss opportunities that water provides for high-value crops and seeds.

Ngai Tahu's James Caygill will talk about how the South Island iwi has balanced water's economic, environmental and cultural values through its participation in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

Other perspectives will be given by Land and Water Forum chairman Alastair Bisley and Irrigation NZ chairman John Donkers.

An evening dinner panel discussion will explore why farmers would irrigate and the considerations involved in decision-making.

Mr Tosswill said support for the summit from the ANZ Bank, CentrePort Wellington, the Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce and the Wairarapa Water Use Project had kept the cost of attending the day to a minimum - $50 per person including lunch and refreshments.

Registration is essential and due at the end of this week. More information is available from the Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce or on its website, www.wairarapachamber.co.nz