John Wright
GENERAL MANAGER
Consultant Melius Limited / Methven Farmer
I lead the development of the Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation scheme in Mid Canterbury and the acquisition of the Rangitata South Irrigation Scheme from its private developer. I have also been involved in the governance of North Otago Irrigation Company and the Irrigo Centre admin and enviro service to irrigation schemes. I recently spent a year in Uzbekistan advising the government on modernising irrigation infrastructure.
The Waimea Community Dam will be a significant asset for the region for well over 100 years. A reliable water supply from the dam will give water users the confidence to invest and provide resilience in their businesses. I look forward to helping shareholders get value from their investment.
Murray King
Chairman
Dairy farmer / Company Director / Agribusiness investor
Previous dam groups / organisations I have been involved in:
I have previously been involved in the Tasman Regional Water Study, Lower Confined Aquifer Chair, Waimea Water Users Group, Dry Weather Taskforce, Waimea Water Augmentation Committee, Waimea Community Dam Limited, and Waimea Irrigators Limited – all in voluntarily roles.
What the dam going ahead means to me personally:
I have been involved in Waimea water management for longer than the age of all my children but ultimately for the long term benefit of them and their children's children.
For me, the dam going ahead is a long term strategic solution with a one hundred year time horizon to solve the very real acute water shortage in our region. The whole community will benefit through environmental, recreational, urban , rural and regional economic gains.
Dick Bennison
Director
Registered Valuer, specialising in Rural property
Previous dam groups / organisations I have been involve in:
Waimea Community Dam Limited, Waimea Irrigators Limited– both voluntarily roles.
What the dam going ahead means to me personally:
I have no direct beneficial interest in the dam. My wife and I own and live on a small rural holding in the dam zone that we don’t currently irrigate.
I am however passionate about the need for a sustainable long term source of water to meet the needs of the entire community. Reliable water is fundamental to meeting the economic social and environmental needs of the whole district.
The dam will provide that reliable source of water that will not only sustain the horticultural businesses that are vital to the economic well- being of the district but also the long term needs for urban water as well as restoring the water flows in the Waimea River enhancing recreational and environmental values.
Julian Raine
Director
Horticulture / Dairy Farmer / Company Director
Previous dam groups / organisations I have been involve in:
Served on the Dry Weather Taskforce for nearly 15 years. Chair of two water zone committees (Golden Hills Subzone and Hope Minor). Member of Waimea Water Augmentation Committee.
What the dam going ahead means to me personally:
Building the dam will guarantee the future of the Waimea Plains as a food bowl for the generations to come.
Nelson’s unique climate and limited high quality soil produce outstanding quality fruit and vegetables, the only ingredient missing has been a reliable water supply.
Alongside this is the need to support urban water needs and associated food industries. Water quality and quantity will at last be assured with the construction of the dam.
Mark O’Connor
Director
Managing Director, Appleby Fresh Ltd
What the dam going ahead means to me personally:
The dam going ahead means security for the future of our regions businesses.
Matthew Hoddy
Director
Business Manager Vailima Orchard Limited
What the dam going ahead means to me personally:
Water security is important to enable our business to produce premium quality fruit for international markets, offer employment to many locals and continue spending in the local community.