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: equity investment options, the role of central government, the role of local government, and economic and social assessment parameters. 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.
This paper reviews international experience in Victoria (Australia), the UK and other European countries in the establishment of public and private partnerships (PPP) for the designing, planning, constructing, financing and/or operating and ownership of major public service infrastructures.
The reviewer notes that there is a strong interest amongst private sector players to be involved in PPP projects in irrigated agriculture, so long as the investment climate is supportive. However, the level of understanding in NZ of PPP is generally low and local experience is inadequate to give confidence that lessons learned elsewhere have been taken into account. The author concludes that the role of Government in supporting and facilitating PPP in other jurisdictions involves interventions in the legislative and control environment, and substantial support in the early stages of the PPP process. Possible ways that central and local government in NZ could facilitate development objectives are described in companion studies.
The reviewer notes, that in all of the countries where PPP has become an increasingly important method of developing infrastructure projects, policy decisions have been based on extensive analysis, and subsequent specific support and procedures developed by Government. In some cases legislative change has been necessary.
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 & 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 overview report;
Brett Gamble for contributions to field interviews in Australia with Dr Heiler for this paper;
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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