Robust systems will give public confidence

Robust systems will give public confidence

Federated Farmers’ water spokesperson Chris Allen says water measurement in New Zealand is still in its infancy but those involved in Canterbury irrigation are working together to make sure systems are robust.

"New Zealand is pioneering real-time, large-scale, data collection and measurement to regulators.

"There have certainly been teething problems with the collection of data. This highlights the need for robust systems so the consent holder is reliably informed of their water use and the community has confidence that limits are being upheld.

"Farmers have invested approximately $50 million over four years for the implementation of these new systems and technologies. They also spend $2 million annually in operating these systems. It has been an ambitious and costly exercise for farmers but one most have embraced and see as an important step forward to delivering greater public assurance.

"If someone is breaking the rules they will need to face consequences defined by the regulator," said Mr Allen.

ENDS

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