2 minute read
From the Chair: Keri Johnston
Editor: Ella Stokes
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Email estokes@irrigationnz.co.nz
Irrigation New Zealand
PO Box 8014 Wellington 6143
Design: Rosie Fenton Printing: Caxton Press Distribution: New Zealand Post
Cover Photo: Bruce Richter
IrrigationNZ News is published by Irrigation New Zealand Inc four times a year. The circulation includes all IrrigationNZ members. The opinions expressed in IrrigationNZ News do not necessarily reflect the views of Irrigation New Zealand Inc. The information contained in this publication is general in nature with every effort being made to ensure its complete accuracy. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors or copyright breach that may occur beyond the control of the editor or IrrigationNZ. Permission must be sought from the Editor prior to reproduction of any material contained in this publication.
ISSN 2230-5181
Drought to flood: how quickly our conditions can change
As I write this, the rain is slowly falling, the fire is roaring, and my trusty canine sidekick is curled up in the armchair. Normally, this would be a desirable scenario for a rainy, winters day, but this is rain on the back of the absolute deluge that we received here in Canterbury in late May, with 0 even more in the forecast.
The irony of this situation is that we literally went from drought to flood overnight. The flooding came at a time where feed supplies were already low, and this has put immense pressure on many of us in what was already a tough winter.
Whether you are a climate change sceptic, or staunch believer, there is no denying that our weather patterns are changing. Water is the prime channel through which the impacts of climate change on the world’s ecosystems and livelihoods will be felt. Climate change has the potential to affect every element in the water cycle (UN-Water, 2010). Food and fibre production will be affected by increased evaporative demand, changes in the amount of rainfall and rainfall patterns, and variations in river runoff and groundwater recharge, which are the two primary sources of water for irrigation. This will negatively affect food security, drinking water supplies, and increase the vulnerability of all of our communities.
Daily Rainfall Totals (mm) – Johnston Home Farm
180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 15-12-2020 15-1-2021 15-2-2021 15-3-2021 15-4-2021 15-5-2021 15-6-2021 While there is a large range of possible response options for adapting to climate change from policies, investments, institutions, water management, farming practices and capacity development, both within the water and primary sectors and beyond. This includes advancing technology in irrigation infrastructure, water storage, capture and flood management, development of climate change resilient crops, to national water and food security strategies. How we do this needs some serious thought, and the time for that is now. Electric cars is not the answer! Kia kaha everyone. Keri Johnston, Chair of IrrigationNZ
Flooding over farms and roads near Hawkins River, Canterbury, in May 2021. (Photo: Adobe Stock)
