Media Release
23 July 2009

Why the Hurunui Water Project is a ‘dam’ good idea

Federated Farmers argues opposition to the Hurunui Water Project is emblematic of why New Zealand is slipping backwards as a developed nation.

“If New Zealand wants to grow the economy and generate real jobs, then we need to store water,” says Federated Farmers President, Don Nicolson.

“The Hurunui Water Project would transform North Canterbury. It is a very smart project put together by some very smart people.

“It’s a best case example of using a renewable resource to grow renewable food and fibre and generate renewable electricity.

“Not to mention that the Hurunui Water Project will greatly boost access to water recreation for the many as opposed to an elite few.

“Water storage is critical to New Zealand’s economic success, as we are not farming anywhere near our potential. Water is the key.

“North Canterbury was declared a drought area in autumn when there was lower than expected rainfall. Right now rainfall is plentiful but without the means to store it, it simply runs out to sea.

“What is being proposed is the ability to irrigate 42,180 hectares of farmland with 138 million cubic metres of water.

“To put this in perspective, that’s almost enough water to supply five Wellington’s with drinking water or irrigate every single millimetre of parkland in the Auckland region.

“As the hugely successful and environmental award winning Opuha Dam project showed, the economic payback can be as high as eight dollars for every dollar invested. There’s nothing to suggest that the Hurunui Water Project won’t be as good or better.

“If the Prime Minister wants to re-energise business in New Zealand, then what better example than the multiple benefits that will flow from a water storage project.

“Bring it on - let’s do what’s right for all New Zealanders to prosper,” concluded Mr Nicolson.

ENDS

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