The intention is to supply sufficient water to irrigate approximately 4000ha of land in the Kaipara and 3000ha in the Mid North.
The primary water source in both areas will be a series of water storage reservoirs, filled when the flow rate in streams are above median, developed incrementally in response to demand.
It is envisioned that the schemes will ultimately be owned by the water users (shareholders) and operated utilising co-operative principles. Water companies are currently being set up for each of the scheme areas.
This is still being established but initial indications show costs around $25,000 per share in the Kaipara, and around $30,000 per share in the Mid North.
A share will provide for access to 3,000m³ of water per annum which will be supplied at a daily volume of 30m³. These volumes are considered sufficient for a variety of horticultural uses and are in general alignment with other local schemes.
There will be annual fixed costs mixed with variable costs based on seasonal use. This will be to cover the ongoing costs of maintaining and operating the scheme.
The scheme is primarily being developed to encourage the transition to higher value horticultural land use, as well as to supplement local town water supplies. Non-commercial uses such as stock drinking water will also be considered.
The schemes will be developed in response to demand and as consents are gained. Initial stages are planned to be operational by Summer 2021/2022 with the schemes planned to be largely operational within two to three years.
Dry Shares or similar will likely be available to those who require security of supply or additional lead time for planning.
At this stage shares will be allocated to specific land parcels and will not be transferrable.