HortNZ welcomes focus on water security for food-producing regions

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) welcomes the focus on improving water security for New Zealand’s food-producing regions.

The National Party has announced a water and fertiliser policy for farmers and growers ahead of the General Election. (read more here)

HortNZ General Manager Policy and Advocacy Monique Andrew says reliable access to water is fundamental to producing fresh fruit and vegetables, sustaining regional economies and managing increasing climate variability.

“Water security is one of the most significant constraints on horticultural growth in many regions. A clearer pathway for water storage and irrigation development would give growers and their communities greater certainty while strengthening New Zealand’s climate resilience and future food supply.”

HortNZ has long advocated for a nationally coordinated, long-term approach to water planning and infrastructure that accounts for future food-production needs, population growth, climate change and environmental objectives.

“For horticulture, community-scale and shared storage are particularly important. On-farm options are often constrained by limited available land, while collective schemes can improve access to water for high-value food production and provide greater certainty over the long term.”

HortNZ supports initiatives including the Makauri Aquifer Recharge project in Tairāwhiti and the Heretaunga Sustainable Water Users Group in Hawke’s Bay. Both are exploring alternative, more reliable water sources for growers and demonstrate the value of collective approaches to resilient food production.

“Horticulture needs practical policy settings that allow water to be stored when it is plentiful, shared where appropriate and used efficiently when it is needed. Investment in water infrastructure must be backed by planning and consenting frameworks that enable this while maintaining sound environmental safeguards,” she says.

HortNZ will continue working with growers, communities and all political parties to advance practical solutions that improve water security, support environmental stewardship and enable sustainable horticultural growth.