The Ruataniwha dam has been continually quoted as being a benefit for just the 200-odd farmers who sign up for the water but this couldn't be further from the truth.
Three meat plants in Hastings and Napier procure livestock from CHB.
Processing plants in Hastings buy process crops from CHB producers, and they also employ Hastings and Napier people. Transport firms in Hastings cart the produce.
The Napier port employs staff to lift the freight from trucks and rail onto ships for export.
All of this demand for processing and jobs will rise as increased produce exits the farms.
Councils, industry bodies and others will need to work together to ensure the infrastructure can cope.
In CHB the increased jobs bring demand for more infrastructure, including schools.
That requires more teachers, and so on. That is the kind of benefit that comes to farmers who may not be able to access the water.
Their country school continues to thrive or a particular shop or service in Waipukurau remains open and the locals don't need to travel further afield to support their country living lifestyle and businesses.
Rex has concerns around getting the project right and no one disagrees; the project has to work on so many levels.
He has now experienced the passion and commitment of the people of CHB.
I think it has been beneficial on both sides to hear the debate. Both sides have learnt from each other in a way that hopefully leads to constructive progress for the region.
- Will Foley is Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay president.
