Federated Farmers: Federation launches Team Water

Cathey Begley

I've always had a passion for water management, so when I was presented with the opportunity to work for Federated Farmers and lead a new Water Team I jumped at it.

My connection with Federated Farmers is deep-rooted with both my parents having been long-time members. I also have a strong background in all things related to water.

Throughout my career I've been in water management from a variety of angles and perspectives. When I was working at a multinational consultancy, many of my clients were farmers.

More recently, I was involved with Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and their policy team on water management in the South Island.

The primary sector faces a number of challenges in the next few years and especially around water management.

Some will be well aware of those challenges, if not feeling as if you are drowning in them. For others the pressures won't be so pressing, yet.

Those farmers who have had first-hand experience of water management, understand its complexity, and realise how technically challenging it is. The Federation has identified this as a significant issue which is why it made the decision to take a team approach.

Team water is made up of Federation staff, along with national board members, provincial presidents and executive members.

From the outset a decision was made that the team would not have governance role. It would, however, be a skills-based team with a robust geographical and farming systems spread.

Joining me on the team is Chris Allen (national board member with the water portfolio), Ian Mackenzie, Jamie Fallon and Bernadette Weller, along with Paul Le Miere, Elizabeth McGruddy and Lionel Hume.

I do not envisage that membership of the group will be fixed and I'm looking forward to being able to 'co-opt' others to fill skills/knowledge gaps.

At the moment the team is focusing on two main work streams. First, at national level Ministers Nathan Guy and Nick Smith have reignited Land and Water Forum (LaWP).

LaWP consists of 51 organisations from Forest and Bird and other 'Green' NGOs to primary sector organisations such as the Federation.

Why is LaWF important? This is where Ministers Guy and Smith go to get their advice on water management at a national level.

Thus it is vital there is a strong primary sector voice within this forum. From my observations of LaWF, I firmly believe the Federation is in a strong position to provide that voice.

The second work stream provides a 'hands-on' approach and support to provinces that are facing water management issues now.

This is a key role and it is anticipated the support we provide will assist and empower provincial presidents, regional policy advisors and the wider executive with the best advice and tools to address water management issues.

It doesn't mean we will be coming and 'camping out' within your region.

Rather, you have a team of people you can trust to help you on a 'whenneeded basis' in a way that is useful to you.

Ideally, my vision is to empower all Federation members with the relevant support so that you can be influential and effective with water management in your province.