Preface
This Paper is one of a series of jointly funded reports commissioned to investigate impediments and opportunities for the development of large scale water enhancement projects in New Zealand, with a primary focus of providing water for community irrigation schemes. Other reports cover the areas of: international models and experiences, equity investment options, the role of central government and the role of local government. An overview and commentary document summarises the key issues raised in the reports.
The future use of water, in the South Island especially, is a critical issue for regional and central government and private investors. As water is a finite resource that has multiple uses and development requires significant, long-term, investment flows.
These reports, which consider the use of water for irrigation, arose from feasibility studies by a number of farmer groups (many of whom have contributed to funding of these reports) into large community-wide irrigation projects. The feasibility studies highlighted the need for information to assist co-operative action for the financing, building and running of irrigation schemes.
The terms of reference for this paper asked the researcher to report on the economic returns from a national, regional and individual viewpoint and the social changes that might occur with community irrigation development. The researcher was asked to report on the socio-economic impacts of established irrigation schemes. The report presents an assessment framework and tools for determining parameter values of potential irrigation projects.
In the present environment there is a need to establish a range of tools to determine parameter values for the assessment of irrigation schemes on a multi-objective basis. Assessment parameters include a range of qualitative and quantitative measures. While the researchers found that these cannot be incorporated in one overall benefit assessment, they conclude that it is possible to include them in an overall framework to assist decision-makers to evaluate the worth of various community irrigation schemes.
The social impacts reported in this study do not provide quantitative data suitable for extrapolation into other project areas. However the results reported are indicative the likely social impacts of irrigation developments as long as they are reported alongside assessment of other community changes that are occurring.
I would like to acknowledge the experts who wrote these reports, the reviewers who made their contribution, and the many people in the farming community and local government who have made their views known. This report reflects their views and will be a useful contribution to government policy analysis.
Alan Walker
Director, Policy Information and Regions
MAF Policy
Acknowledgements
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry would like to acknowledge the assistance of:
Dr Terry Heiler for helping to shape the original concept of this project and
for his comments throughout the project;
The principal authors of the reports: Dr Terry Heiler; Brett Gamble, Bruce
Irvine, Geoff Butcher, Stuart Ford and Wayne McClintock;
Dr Nick Brown for peer review of the draft reports for the studies and
preparation of the synopsis of the reports;
Dr Robin Johnston for peer review of the section on economic indicators.
Dr Willie Smith for comments on the section on social indicators for this
report.
Eddie Thomas, Central Plains Water, for his administrative support.
The following organisations for grants for the research of the study briefs and the preparation of the reports and the final commentary:
Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT)*
Ashburton Water Trust
Central Plains Water Enhancement Committee
Clutha Development Board
Farmers Irrigation Group, South Canterbury
Hawkes Bay Regional Council
Marlborough District Council
Masterton Business Enterprise Board
Tasman District Council
Waimate District Council
Ministry of Economic Development
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
* The Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust (AGMARDT), earns income from funds invested from a share of the monies arising from the winding up of the Phosphate Commission in 1987. This income is used for promoting and encouraging excellence in New Zealand's land-based industries. Grants are made for farmer projects involving grass-roots problem solving and opportunity development, industry support, conference sponsorship, doctoral scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships. Farmer groups are encouraged to seek details on AGMARDT's applications process by accessing the website on www.agmardt.org.nz or contacting the Secretary Manager, P.O. Box 399, Shortland St, Auckland, Tel. (09) 373 3370, Fax (09) 373 3488.
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