Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers Association Newsletter
Carl O’Brien
August 2024
Water water everywhere, but not enough in the TANK
As everyone is no doubt aware, water allocation on the Heretaunga Plains is being reassessed during the replacement of resource consents and many growers are facing significant reductions in their previous allocations. If you’re in that boat, a reminder that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has requested further information response be submitted by 01 September 2024. Note they have extended the timeframe until 30 December 2024 (you should have received an email from waterpermits@hbrc.govt.nz late last week telling you this). This extension will allow more mediation to occur, and it is likely to continue for the rest of this year. . Hawke’s Bay Regional Council have released guidance on situations where additional allocation may be justified within the policy framework, and these should form the base of response. Specifically, growers should be looking at:
- The accuracy and completeness of water meter data used to inform the ‘actual’ volume. If you don’t have the water meter data, request it from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and reconcile when any verification was completed;
- Did you engage in a water sharing agreement within the 2010 – 2020 period? An agreement that involved drawing off different wells & properties may have implications on what volume was drawn from the specific consent under renewal. If you utilsied such an agreement, look at what volumes were jointly used and compare this against the actual and reasonable volume set out on the consent renewal is;
- Have you undertaken a crop rotation during the window of 2010 – 2020 and did this reduce the volume of water used?
- Was your take influenced by a low flow water ban between 2010 – 2020 and what reduction did this play in the water volume that would have been used;
- Redevelopment activities and replanting extents between 2010 – 2020 that may influence total use during that period and what the expected full demand may look like post 2020;
- Planned development and investment post 2 May 2020 – did you have any planned or programmed investment that alters the expected water demand?
The assessment process looks to bring a significant reduction in available allocation across the plains and with it potential for significant economic impacts, so AgFirst recommends putting your best foot forward in determining an appropriate allocation need for your enterprise. August has rolled around quickly and with the high degree of winter chill, comes the risk of an early season so be sure to budget the time to address Hawke’s Bay Regional Council prior to the season kicking off. If you’re unsure on what’s next or need some help, contact your rural professional for assistance.
