17 April 2013

RWSS Commercial Manager starts work

An experienced agri-business banker has been appointed to the newly created position of RWSS Commercial Manager (previously titled Irrigation Adviser).

Duncan MacLeod has been working for the Bank of New Zealand for the past 12 years and will work with farmers considering signing up for access to water through the RWSS.

The role will focus on working with farmers and their advisers to help them understand the opportunity that intensified farming systems provide. His intimate exposure to a diverse range of farming systems and irrigation will allow him to communicate the detail of the scheme from a water user’s perspective.

The appointment allows Duncan MacLeod and his family to return to Hawke’s Bay where his family have farmed in Otane for more than 50 years. He sharemilked on the family dairy farm for three seasons prior to joining BNZ

Mr MacLeod’s most recent role was Partner – Corporate Agribusiness in Waikato, where he managed the BNZ’s largest farming clients. His clients held significant diverse investments including irrigated properties in the South Island.

“My family and I are very much looking forward to returning to Hawke’s Bay and I’m personally excited to be working on this nationally significant project,” says Mr MacLeod.

“I see my role as assisting farmers to determine if this major opportunity is in their (and the community’s) best interest,” says Mr MacLeod.”

Duncan MacLeod started work on Monday attending the Central Hawke’s Bay dairy farm irrigation field day in Waipawa. Around 125 interested parties attended the field day.

HBRC Economic Development Manager Michael Basset-Foss who’s involved with business development through HBRC’s investment company HBRIC Ltd says there was good and open discussion at the field day.

“The take home message for farmers was the importance of starting to assess their options for potential irrigation water now and gain independent advice,” says Mr Basset-Foss.

From now until August 2013 farmers are being encouraged to sign non-binding Expressions of Interest in the scheme. These are intended to identify potential communities of irrigation demand and assist increase farmers’ knowledge of the Scheme details.

At this stage it is modelled that the water price will be targeted between 22 and 25 cents per metre3. Discount options are also being developed for farmers who choose to commit to the scheme early on and HBRIC Ltd is considering how farmers might also invest in the scheme with a view to having a firm proposal in place by September 2013.

A more accurate price will be available in September 2013 when the design and construction costs have been finalised.

Anyone farmers interested in finding out more about access to water under RWSS can contact Michael Basset-Foss or Duncan MacLeod.

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