October 04, 2012
Major Hawkes Bay irrigation plan needing Maori support
Maori interests have been identified as potential investors in ambition plan to irrigate the Ruataniwha Plains in the Hawkes Bay.
A feasibility study on the $600 million Ruataniwha Water Storage Project has been presented to the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
It proposes a public-private partnership to build an 83 metre high dam on the upper Makaroro River, near the Ruahine Forest Park, which would create a 6km reservoir holding enough water to irrigate 25,000ha of farm land.
Its backers say it will boost regional GDP by 4 per cent and employment by 3.6 per cent across all sectors that benefit from the growth of farming and processing.
A number of Maori organisations were involved in the planning, including Mataweka marae and Tapairu marae, the Heretaunga and Tamatea Taiwhenua as well as Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated.