Irrigation NZ “Promote Excellence in Irrigation” Advocacy & Leadership Education & Training Research & Innovation Membership Schemes, User Groups & Individual Irrigators – 60% of NZ’s irrigated area (720,000ha) Technical & Trade – Over 150 service industries (& government)

WHERE WE IRRIGATE

CLIMATE CHANGE & DROUGHT Drought Change to “Long, dry spells are forecast to double by 2040 as temperatures continue to rise and New Zealand heads towards a more Mediterranean climate”. NIWA 2013

Existing = 720,000ha Canterbury = 65% Otago = 18% Hawke’s Bay Marlborough Tasman Wairarapa Bay of Plenty Northland Pukekohe Gisborne Manawatu Even West Coast!! Irrigation 30, ,000 10,000 50,000 30,000 10,000

CANTERBURY

Cost challenge Community infrastructure = increased cost Capital costs ($/ha) – Scheme (off farm)$5,000 - $12,000 – On-farm irrigation$4,000 - $10,000 – On-farm development? Water Charges ($/ha) – Interest & Principal$700 - $1,700 – Scheme operating costs$100 - $500 – Total$800 - $2,200 Additional gross profit required = $1,000/ha

Making irrigation pay Adding water alone not economic Need to intensify farming system – Higher stocking rate – Higher crop yields – Store => Finishing Irrigation development = rapid change in land ownership and farming systems - – Livestock => intensive cropping – Livestock => dairy farming – Mixed cropping => viticulture or horticulture

Major hurdle - can I intensify? NPS Freshwater Management 2011 Values, objectives and limits for quantity & quality Allocation for water & nutrients Irrigators need demonstrate operating to a standard – Good Management Practice Accountability – Auditable Farm Environment Plans Creates additional cost to Business-as-Usual

SMART Irrigation The system can apply water efficientlyThe use of water is justifiedProof of the above is provided Sustainably Managed, Accountable, Responsible and Trusted

System Can Apply Water Efficiently Developments and upgrades: with INZ Design and Installation Codes and Standards Consistent demonstrate Design Performance Parameters achieved Commissioned annually to ensure it continues to perform efficiently Tested

Use of Water Demonstrate responsible use annually Justified permit conditions and plan rules Compliance

Provide Proof The key to SMART Irrigation Quality record keeping = new norm

Stage Document Training & Qualifications Decision Support Design CoP & Standards Fertigation Guideline Water Measurement Guideline Installation CoP Fertigation Guideline Water Measurement Guideline Commission Guideline Irrigation Resources ‘Irrigation in a Box’ Performance Assessment CoP Design Modules & Certificate Installation Modules Commission Module Operator Modules & Certificate Assessment Modules & Certificate Natural Resource Information Design Accreditation Design Check Installation Contract Quotation Guidelines Commission Template O&M Template SMART platform = Forecasts, Water budgets, Moisture sensors, System constraints Performance Assessment Guidelines Web & App Interface A Co-ordinated Approach Design InstallCommissionOperateAssess