Irrigators drawing upon the Heretaunga aquifer and waterways are unifying in a new lobby group, Heretaunga Sustainable Water (HSW).
Initially motivated by frustrations with the HB Regional Council’s implementation of new water allocation rules, growers are moving toward a more comprehensive long-term agenda regarding water use and security for the central part of the region.
Three key elements of that agenda seem to be:
- Securing buy-in from as many irrigators as possible to a ‘global’ water consent framework, modeled off a very successful group consent pioneered by growers in the Twyford area. By shifting water according to immediate need amongst participants in the group consent, Twyford growers have both reduced water consumption and avoided irrigation bans. Expanding this framework across the plains seems to offer nothing but advantages to both users and the ecosystem.
- Possible support for a 27 million cubic metre storage dam on a tributary of the Ngaruroro River above Whanawhana. This project is now undergoing full feasibility analysis led by HBRC, but the Council has signaled its intention to quickly pass further development of the initiative into the hands of a commercial entity. That entity would be governed by a triumvirate with representation from Hastings/Napier councils, iwi and irrigators. More information is now available on the project’s website, for now embedded in the HBRC website.
- Collaboration with iwi. Various iwi groups in the region have had major involvement in the rules – still in contention in the Environment Court – currently governing Heretaunga water quality and use. Any viable long-term water strategy will require iwi interests – both environmental and economic – to be incorporated. HSW seems committed to that. Māori consensus-building on such matters is no less complicated than within the pakeha community – indeed many would argue more so! So this is a process that will require deft management on all sides.
Overall, Heretaunga Sustainable Water looks promising as a constructive vehicle for progressing wise water use across the Heretaunga Plains. And hopefully one to which additional elements can be added compatibly, such as water conservation and endorsement of water quality standards. Stay tuned.
Quite a contrast to the shambles surrounding water planning in Central Hawke’s Bay.
Good grief! Some sense being shown – maybe there’s less involvement by the Regional Council which is likely to be a major plus!
This sounds amazing.. well done to those who are showing leadership, care and involvement of all of our community. Best wishes.
Great to see irrigators around the Ngaruroro and Heretaunga Plains taking real responsibility for how they use water. These farmers know their land and are leading the way with practical, collaborative solutions such as shared consents and smart water use that works with the environment, not against it. It’s encouraging to see a positive, forward-thinking approach taking shape, with room for long-term planning, storage options, and respectful collaboration, including with iwi. A strong step in the right direction for the whole region.