12
July 2015
WATER
CANTERBURY FARMING
The ‘Know to make it Flow’ Andrew Curtis, Irrigation New Zealand CEO
IrrigationNZ announces delivery of three new qualifications Three new irrigation qualifications IrrigationNZ has been developing since 2012 are now ready to be launched. The first qualification, ‘Irrigation Performance Assessment’, is scheduled for three days in September 2015. This level four qualification has involved a major overhaul of the previous irrigation evaluation qualification, so it is now
consistent with the new performance assessment code of practice. It is par ticularly suited to consultants and service industry personnel that specialise in identifying and resolving issues with irrigation systems, but also
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suited to irrigators that want to grow their understanding of irrigation systems. The second qualification, ‘Irrigation Manager’, is scheduled for two days in November 2015. This is a level four qualification designed for workers and managers at the coalface of irrigated properties. The qualifications focus is on practical application and ‘on job’ learning. Those that complete the qualification will be able to schedule and make irrigation decisions that optimise production — in essence become SMART Irrigators. The ‘Irrigation Manager’ qualification comes at a time when there is a need for greater accountability. The next generation of irrigators being trained and qualified will demonstrate to the regulator and public alike that the irrigation industry is serious about lifting its game. Becoming SMART Irrigators with increased knowledge and ability will not only lift irrigation efficiency, but will improve the environmental performance and productive
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Knowing how to maintain, operate and design irrigation systems form the basis of new qualifications that IrrigationNZ will launch this summer
and financial performance of irrigation. The third qualification, a revamped ‘Irrigation Designer’ qualification has been split into three training modules, which will run in January, February and March in 2016. All three qualifications have been welcomed by regulators and primar y industry alike and will further enhance the irrigation industry’s proactive stance on improving performance — the move to SMART Irrigation.
Go to our website www. irrigationnz.co.nz for more details and to register. And don’t forget bookings for the SMART Expo at IrrigationNZ’s 2016 Conference and Expo next April are now on sale. The expo is an ideal opportunity for companies and businesses that have an irrigation focus to showcase products and ser vices to delegates and other industry clients who visit the expo. Network Waitaki
has joined Anderson Lloyd, ANZ Bank and Waterforce as principal sponsors of this event. Our conference programme is now almost finalised with international speakers confirmed. There will be a mix of presentations and workshops all relevant to the issues irrigators currently face. Make sure you diary April 5–7 now, and we look forward to revealing more details of the conference programme soon.