Media Release

21 December 2012

Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme discussed with farmers

Central Hawke’s Bay farmers and farm advisors have had the chance to learn more about the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme in a series of meetings during the last few days.

In October Hawke’s Bay Regional Council voted to move the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme forward to the resource consent application stage, with council’s investment company, Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRIC) taking over through the consenting phase. HBRIC will also work with BNZ Advisory on securing investors for the project and undertaking further activity to promote the stored water.

This week’s meetings were held in Hastings, Tikokino, OngaOnga, Waipawa and Waipukurau with around 150 farmers and farm advisors, provided more information on the scheme and the opportunities available for farmers to be part of it.

HBRC Regional Manager Economic Development Michael Bassett-Foss says there was a lot good discussion at the meetings, as well as some probing questions about the scheme.

“This is the first real step towards providing farmers and farm advisors with the information they need to make an informed decision about being part of the scheme,” says Mr Bassett-Foss.

He says more forums and field days are planned early next year to give farmers and farm advisors more opportunities to ask questions and find out more about the scheme.

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