More dams will protect food supply

Hort NZ chief executive Mike Chapman says “New Zealand needs to better mitigate droughts.
“Relying on water to fall from the sky simply isn’t enough. 
“Hort NZ believes we should be more proactive in capturing and storing that water to ensure sustainability of supply during times of drought.
“The best way to ensure adequate water supply to irrigate fruit and vegetable plants is to store water in dams. 
“Dams also benefit streams and rivers by reducing flood risk and keeping flows up during dry periods, which protects aquatic life.
“There are inconsistent policies across central and local government when it comes to water, land use, preparing for climate change goals and community needs. 
“We believe these should be looked at holistically,” he said.
“On the one hand the Government wants a Zero Carbon Act and to plant one billion more trees but on the other hand local authorities are increasingly putting pressure on water supplies, limiting water access for irrigation to grow food. 
“There needs to be a wider national approach to these issues and support and recognition for regions that are addressing them as communities.”
Hort NZ says it supports the Waimea Dam in the Tasman District.
“The benefits of the dam include water for food security and primary production. The Waimea Dam is the answer to everyone’s water needs in the district,” Chapman said.