Media Release - 29 May 2024
Awards Highlight the Need for Long - Term Thinking About Water
Ensuring sustainable water management practices is an intergenerational responsibility. Decisions made today will profoundly impact future generations, emphasising the need for long-term strategic thinking.
That’s the message from Irrigation NZ Chair and Irricon Resource Solutions principal Keri Johnston as entries and nominations open for the 2024 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards.
Launched in 2020, the Awards commend outstanding achievements in sustainable irrigation, spotlighting farmers who demonstrate leadership in responsible irrigation techniques, innovative water management strategies, and environmental stewardship.
“We have seen some impressive innovative farming pioneers come through the Awards over the last four years, who have an opportunity to influence future generations,” says Keri.
“These amazing farmers play a crucial role in strengthening New Zealand’s position as global leaders in sustainable and profitable farming.”
But water doesn’t just fuel agricultural prosperity. Keri believes it is the lifeblood of New Zealand, connecting communities and sustaining ecosystems.
“We all have a connection to water in some way, whether it’s sipping Central Otago Pinot Noir made from irrigated vineyards, enjoying a swim in Lake Taupo, or simply turning on the tap for fresh drinking water,” she says.
“As New Zealanders, we have strong cultural and emotional ties to our water bodies, which can evoke significant public engagement and reaction, which is not always well-informed. This means the management of this precious resource is not just a technical and education challenge; it is deeply emotional and extremely complex.
“We cannot afford to take it for granted. We all have a vested interest in water and a responsibility for safeguarding it long term, not just our farmers.”
The Trailblazer Awards have already been a catalyst for conversation about smart practices and cutting-edge technologies available to farmers to enhance irrigation efficiency and freshwater conservation.
They also champion leadership within the agricultural sector, seeking out farmers deeply committed to water management and providing them with a platform to share their experiences and insights with peers and broader audiences.
While this is important, Keri says longer-term thinking and planning by Government and learning from our overseas counterparts will also be crucial.
“We're talking 50, 100 years plus with water. Water infrastructure investment is a long-term necessity for New Zealand. Strategic planning, considering climate change impacts and future needs, is essential for addressing our country’s water management challenges.
“Last year, I accompanied 12 farmers from New Zealand and Australia on a US study tour. The State of Nebraska is an agricultural powerhouse with similar challenges to us. They are working successfully at a grassroots level and coming up with long-term solutions from the ground up rather than top-down. The key has been collaboration, involving communities and getting buy-in from stakeholders and local Government. I think New Zealand can learn from that.
“Water is not something that you can deal with on a three-year political cycle. It's way too important to us as New Zealanders and as a country.
“Water is a topic that affects us all. So, let's talk about it, participate in the conversation, and be real about it. The good, the bad, or the ugly - lay it all on the table and let's look to the future.
“The Trailblazer Awards are an important platform from which we can have these conversations. More importantly, with times still tough on farm, celebrating our farmers and lifting their spirits is more important than ever.”
Nominations and entries are now open for the 2024 Zimmatic Trailblazer Sustainable Irrigation Awards. All farmers and farming operations in New Zealand irrigating over 25ha on their property or properties are eligible. Entries close 26 July.
The judges are looking for innovation in water management, steps taken to ensure sustainable water use on farm, and an obvious passion for protecting one of our most precious natural resources.
Each category winner will receive an awesome prize pack and the Supreme Winner will also win a travel voucher to attend the next international irrigation study tour. The Awards will be held in Australia in 2026.
The Awards have been made possible thanks to the support and generosity of our New Zealand industry partners Farmers Weekly, Irricon, Vantage NZ and IrrigationNZ.
IrrigationNZ is also recognising stalwarts and innovators in the irrigation industry this year with its own awards. So, together with the Trailblazer Awards, we have an opportunity to celebrate excellence across our entire sector from industry pioneers, leaders and innovators to farmers that are leading the way in sustainable irrigation management and environmental stewardship.
For more information about both these Awards, make a nomination or enter, click here.