Opinion: 'Dud' dam claims dismissed

Irrigation NZ chief executive Andrew Curtis has contradicted economist and consultant Peter Fraser, who says shortlisted Wairarapa dam sites were vastly over-hyped.

The debate over the merits, or otherwise, of building large-scale dams in Wairarapa for storing water destined to irrigate farms continues unabated.

Irrigation NZ chief executive Andrew Curtis has fired a salvo at economist and consultant Peter Fraser who recently concluded the principal dam site at Black Creek on Falloon Settlement Rd was "barely marginal" and the Tividale option "a complete dud".

Mr Curtis said Mr Fraser's view that the Wairarapa Water Use Project and other water storage developments were unviable didn't stack up with the significant amount of research already done on these projects.

"He thinks developing water storage and irrigation infrastructure in the regions is a waste of money. But evidence - nationally and internationally - is that this is an extremely successful way of revitalising regional economies.

"Undoubtedly these are costly and complex developments which take decades to scope out and build. But the benefits are unanimously recognised, and as a result, the Government has provided a dedicated fund for supporting irrigation developments.

"The need for this was mandated through the Land and Water Forum where all stakeholders agreed to back Irrigation Acceleration Fund (IAF) grants as the most effective way to investigate water solutions," Mr Curtis said.

He said attacking the Irrigation Acceleration Fund, "as Mr Fraser has done", for kick-starting irrigation infrastructure was short-sighted.

"There is already more than 50,000 new hectares of irrigated land available in New Zealand because of the Irrigation Acceleration Fund and its predecessor, with tens of thousands more hectares under investigation.

"This is about taking a long-term view to ensure the best use of our water resources, while also maximising the advantages for each regional community.

"Benefits are clear in places like Canterbury where irrigation schemes such as Central Plains, Valetta and Ashburton Lyndhurst, with support from the Government's Irrigation Acceleration Fund, have successfully delivered modern, piped irrigation schemes which bring multiple benefits to the area," Mr Curtis said.

"What Mr Fraser fails to realise is that water storage and irrigation infrastructure are not only about farming.

"These developments respond to a range of needs. They augment rivers and top up aquifers, they tackle the environmental legacies of farming, industry and population growth by boosting water supply and ensuring consistent river flows."

Mr Curtis said in many areas water storage provides recreational opportunities like kayaking, boating and fishing and contribute to socio-economic growth regionally.

He said around the world irrigation development and water storage projects create jobs and stimulate business growth.

The New Zealand Government was looking at opportunities for Northland and Bay of Plenty because of the potential to address socio-economic disparity in those areas.

"Anyone who therefore thinks that the economic model for this infrastructure will see farmers solely footing the bill just doesn't understand the nature of these projects.

"The costs involved are well outside the capacity of rural communities and with widespread benefits, there is a very strong argument for the Government to be involved as they advance the well-being of all New Zealanders."