HAG (Horticultural Advisory Group)
The Heretaunga Sustainable Water (HSW) steering committee continues to meet on a monthly basis to review project updates and set priorities. HSW exists as a forum to advocate and coordinate work that supports long-term (100-year) water security for the Heretaunga plains.
In April the HSW steering committee met with representatives of the Tukituki Water Security project. This project has successfully secured funding to complete feasibility analysis, geo technical testing and design work. Mike Scott, former CEO of Waimea Water has been appointed as CEO for Tukituki Water Security project and Mike Petersen is Chair of the project governance group. The site of this proposed dam is the same as the former Ruataniwha dam proposal but due to changing regulation and other factors, significant changes to the original design of the dam have been undertaken.
The HSW steering committee are also receiving regular updates from the Heretaunga Water Storage project which has selected a site at Whanawhana as a preferred water storage scheme. This project has also been successful in securing funding to advance feasibility analysis including geotechnical and engineering design work and has a governance group including representatives of local government, mana whenua and industry.
Both water storage projects are progressing well at this time and are confident that they can provide viable solutions that will greatly enhance water security on the plains. The HSW steering committee will continue to engage with both project groups as further information becomes available on economic, environmental, technical and cultural factors over coming months. Other project work underway includes analysis of current water abstraction along with 3D models of the aquifer to determine locations where aquifer recharge could be possible. Members of HSW can expect a newsletter update soon including details of an AGM meeting.
Richard Pentreath
Chair of HAG
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