The Clyde power scheme of the early 1980s is a different beast from the new proposal: it displaced orchardists and suffered large cost overruns after earthquake issues arose.
The fact the Interim Climate Change Committee suggested the scheme for Lake Onslow in Central Otago gives a degree of comfort. Not only will it supply green energy but will employ up to 4500 people at its peak.
Waikato University Associate Professor Earl Bardsley notes another benefit, saying the proposal could create even better trout fishing conditions in terms of both size and abundance depending on how any scheme is developed. He cites the artificial Lake Otomangakau in the Tongariro Power Scheme as having a reputation for excellent trout fishing.
Gerard Hutching
Wool fights back
Only 15-20% of New Zealand’s carpets are made from wool, a figure Cavalier Corporation hopes to help turn around. It has decided to transform all its carpet manufacturing to wool.
Rural broadband questions
Gold-plated 5G technology might never be seen in rural areas because of its high cost for sparsely populated regions but other, more cost-effective technologies could offer good results.
Irrigation NZ heads north
Irrigation New Zealand is looking for a new head after deciding to move its head office from Christchurch to Wellington. The former chief executive will take on a new role as a regional policy and planning manager.
Emitters by province
Waikato is the country’s biggest producer of greenhouse gases largely because it has the highest number of cattle as well as the Huntly coal-fired power plant. It is followed by Canterbury and Auckland.
Lessees to take on tahr
High Country pastoral lessees might be asked to cull the mountain goat tahr on their properties as part of their lease terms. Native fauna is taking a hammering from over-population of the exotic pest.
Tonight on Sarah’s Country
7.10pm – Synlait has recently become certified B Corp to showcase how the organisation cares for people and the planet. Sustainability and brand director Hamish Reid will explain the importance of farming with deep traceability and transparency.
7.20pm – Former Beef + Lamb chairman James Parsons' next challenge as the newly appointed chairman of Wools of New Zealand is to improve the record lows for strong wool prices and we will get his thoughts on the Government's vision.
7.30pm – He is happy his heartache and financial suffering have not been in vain, three years on from eradicating Mycoplasma bovis. Farmer Frank Peters joins us to share the process of dealing with the Primary Industries Ministry and give his advice for the handling of future biosecurity challenges.
7.40pm – We will discuss the winner and finalists of the Fieldays Innovation Award with one of the judges, Andrew Cooke of Rezare Systems, and the sale of his business to British group Map of Ag as it seeks to deepen its farm and primary sector software skills founded by New Zealander Forbes Elworthy of Craigmore Investments.
