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Introduction

1. In 2001, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) undertook preliminary work to respond to the information needs of a number of groups who were investigating and promoting communal irrigation schemes in New Zealand¹. Since that time, interest has further expanded and with it the demand for more detailed information on a number of key issues surrounding the development of large-scale water enhancement projects. In response to this interest, MAF commissioned further studies during 2002 in the areas of: international experience in the use of public-private sector partnerships; equity investment options; the role of central government; the role of local government; and economic and social assessment of community irrigation schemes. This paper provides a brief overview and commentary on the conclusions reached by these reports.

Scope and Objectives

2. Historically, the government played a pivotal role in the development of large-scale water enhancement projects in New Zealand. However, since the 1980s, there have been significant shifts in the policy and legislative environment, with the onus now being on the private sector to initiate and drive the development process under a new planning environment framed by the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).
3. This structural change virtually halted the development of large scale community irrigation schemes, with the exception of the 16,000 ha Opuha Scheme in South Canterbury and the 11,000 ha Waimakariri Irrigation Scheme, both commissioned in 1999. The success of these two developments has resulted in revitalised interest in large-scale water enhancement projects throughout New Zealand, with investigations being supported by the Contestable Water Studies fund established by Government in 1998.
4. Studies have revealed a number of common information needs relating to such issues as relevant international experience with public-private partnerships (PPP) arrangements to achieve the desired ends; more details on possible equity financing arrangements which could be applicable to these type of projects; a better definition of what role central and local governments could play to support the process; and the impacts that large scale water enhancement projects might have on the economic and social fabric of the areas in which these developments were planned. The objective of this overview and commentary was to shed further light on the common information needs and draw out key points for further consideration.

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¹ See Agriculture NZ Ltd. Irrigation Scheme Development Technical Paper No: 2001/8. MAF, Wellington

Contact for Enquiries

MAF Information Services
Pastoral House
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PO Box 2526
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND

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