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Irrigators say they are looking forward to continuing to develop a constructive and productive working relationship with the new government.
IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis congratulated Prime Minister-elect Jacinda Ardern and the new government. He noted that speaking to media this morning Ardern wouldn’t confirm the details of the coalition agreement but stated that NZ First leader Winston Peters had been very firm in his opposition to the water tax.
“Irrigation is essential for the production of many foods and helps keep food affordable. Investment in irrigation infrastructure improves our resilience by helping protect New Zealanders from drought related food shortages and food price spikes,” says Curtis.
“As proposed a water tax would not be an effective way to improve rivers as the regions with the least swimmable rivers – Auckland, Northland and Waikato would receive minimal funding as they have little irrigation.”