Heretaunga Sustainable Water (HSW), self-described as the “unified voice for irrigators and water users on the Heretaunga Plains”, has reported to members on its activities, effectively previewing the ‘water security’ issues ahead for 2026.
The report is brief and to the point, so here it is without embellishment, as presented by Greig Taylor, Chair and Freshco director.
| Globalisation Working Group HSW supports global consenting as a smarter, more effective way to manage freshwater and we have spent considerable time detailing what this could look like when applied to the Heretaunga Plains. Hawke’s Bay has already seen success with this model via Twyford Cooperative Company, where a global consent delivered water-use efficiencies as well as more effective management of environmental impacts. It is our belief that a global consent for the Plains would provide commercial water users confidence, and support investment and growth. It would provide greater water security and flexibility, lower compliance costs, and support long term sustainability. We’re keen to share our vision for this with you and have attached here a summary on globalisation and potential benefits to members. Our goal is to have participation of at least 50 percent of irrigators on the Plains and 30% of commercial water users. The group is currently preparing an application for public funding to assist in the establishment and management of this system, and you can expect to hear more from us on this front with workshops and meetings in the new year. |
| Heretaunga Water Storage Limited (Whanawhana Dam) The Alternative Delivery Vehicle (ADV) for the investigation and feasibility work of the Whanawhana water storage project has incorporated as Heretaunga Water Storage Limited. Xan Harding has been appointed as a sole director (to facilitate incorporation) and tasked with driving the project forward under the direction of the Heretaunga Water Storage Project Committee. A shareholder constitution has been signed, and plans are underway to appoint further directors, in time, for a full transition of the project from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council in January. This includes secure funding agreements and the transition of key project contracts. One director will be appointed by each of the shareholder groups, (HSW, Mana Whenua and Councils), with a technical director and an independent Chair likely to be added in due course. Collaboration with the Tukituki Water Security Project and due diligence are ongoing. |
| RMA Developments Existing and expired resource consents are now automatically extended to the end of 2027, providing an extended timeframe for the HSW work programme. Passed under urgency in Parliament last week, the Resource Management (Duration of Consents) Amendment Bill automatically extends existing or expired consents to the end of 2027, allowing those operations to continue lawfully while the new Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill bed in once they have become law. While this is an excellent first step and one that HSW has been advocating for, we must use this extra time wisely, ensuring we are strategic and considered as we plan for the next 100 years of water management in Hawke’s Bay. Please note, the regional council has responsibility for updating expiry dates and notifying consent holders. |
| Hydrology & Recharge Further hydrology investigations will begin in the new year, with HSW keen to understand the role that harvesting water may play within water security and HSW’s 100-year vision. Earlier hydrology work highlighted differences between modelled and actual water use, providing information for Horticulture New Zealand’s evidence for the TANK Environment Court hearing. HSW has provided evidence in support of Horticulture NZ for the hearing. HSW is also working with HBRC on understanding the possibilities for aquifer recharge across the plains and the influence of river management on aquifer levels. Further updates will follow as that work progresses. |
| Wetlands & Environmental Engagement Community engagement is underway as HSW investigates the development and benefit of wetland sites across the Heretaunga Plains. Discussions have been held with Karamu Catchment Group and HBRC and are ongoing with the local communities. Technical and economic considerations also continue to be discussed, with timeframe for this work yet to be determined. |
This HSW report previews well the Heretaunga ‘water security’ issues and debate that will unfold in 2026. At the 50,000 foot level, there would appear to be heaps that different players (users, Māori, environmentalists, councils) might agree to, depending upon the balances struck (or not). But as usual, the devil will be in the details.
A little more stress on the environment would be a plus