The process undertaken on the Ruataniwha project resulted in widely divided views on just about all aspects of the project. Despite these divisions I am yet to meet anybody that does not support winter storage of water to arm ourselves against climate change and to improve water quality. It is now time to be brave and set up a process to achieve this publicly supported goal. While many people had concerns about the Ruataniwha project we should use this setback to create an opportunity. As my parents used to say, "If at first you don't succeed, try again".
The impact of climate change over the next decades will force us to store winter water for use over the dry summer months, including on the Heretaunga Plains. Just like coastal erosion we need a long-term view on how we store water to support our economy, jobs and environmental values.
We know that horticulture is on an exponential growth path on the Heretaunga Plains and will provide thousands of new full-time jobs in the next few years. Over time this high-value production will extend to the Ruataniwha Plains. We also know we can produce some of the highest quality food in the world.
I was recently briefed on technology advances in horticulture, including the potential to lift apple yields from 80 tonnes per hectare to one hundred and 180 tonnes per hectare. This will provide a further boost the economy with a production system that is environmentally sustainable and job-rich.
Undoubtedly this will require extra water but this should be problem we solve, rather than limit ourselves or future generations. The TANK process is a great place to start in gaining a common and agreed understanding on how we all work together to manage our water resources, including priority use discussions.
I have significant respect for all parties who are involved in freshwater management including Hawke's Bay Regional Council, Forest and Bird, Fish and Game and Iwi interests. The trick is get all these parties together working to deliver winter stored water in a way that supports economic growth and the environment concurrently. Based on the people I know in these organisations I believe this is possible.
A new approach will require a blank sheet of paper approach, including investigation of on-farm storage, off-river storage, augmentation of aquifer and river systems and realistic options of how such things can be paid for and a robust analysis of the environmental merits of each. Much of the work already paid for in the Ruataniwha project will readily assist such a process. Equally, we should not constrain ourselves to previous levels of investment if a different approach yields a better outcome despite costing more.
Previous generations have built roads, stop-banks, a port and airport. It is now time for this generation to add water storage security to the mix of key regional assets. I am completely optimistic that this can be achieved despite previous setbacks and as an MP would do all I could to facilitate this as a top priority.
Lawrence Yule is the National Party candidate for Tukituki in the general election. He is currently on unpaid leave from his role as Mayor of Hastings.
