Promoting excellence in irrigation development

Promoting excellence in irrigation development and efficient water management

News Release
January 31 2012 – for immediate release

IrrigationNZ’s Innovation in Irrigation Award
in association with
Aqualinc

Time closes in on search for industry innovation

Time is closing in on the search to find the best innovation in the New Zealand irrigation industry.

Innovation, discovery and achievement making a positive contribution to irrigation and efficient water management are set to be rewarded by the industry’s national body with an award that aims to uncover the industry’s progressive and exciting happenings.

Entries are due to close for the ‘Innovation in Irrigation’ award being co-ordinated by Irrigation New Zealand in association with Aqualinc.

The 2012 award is run in conjunction with the association’s conference and expo to be held in Timaru in April. Sponsored by Aqualinc the award carries a cash first prize of $2500, as well as publicity, recognition and kudos, not only for the award winner but also those entrants selected as finalists.

The award celebrates, encourages and promotes innovation and the benefit and impact irrigation provides to communities right throughout New Zealand with this second biennial award an opportunity for the industry to showcase innovation, and IrrigationNZ’s way to recognise new invention, ideas, systems, or gadgets that are continually emerging from the irrigation sector.

Innovation is the potential for new knowledge to have a positive impact on irrigation through technology or in a manner that will enhance the economic, social, cultural or environmental aspects of irrigation. Individuals, groups or companies are invited to highlight their innovation with entry into this prestigious award.

“There are a lot of good things happening in the irrigation space and IrrigationNZ is looking to recognise and reward those positive initiatives being undertaken within the industry, also identifying the wider community benefits as a result of irrigation,” IrrigationNZ business manager Chris Coughlan said.

Nominations from irrigators, schemes, water user groups, environmental groups, industry, university students and researchers are now being accepted, but time is running out so delay, indicate your intentions now as entries close on February 15, 2012. Finalist entries will be showcased, and the official award presentation held at the IrrigationNZ conference in Timaru from April 2-4.

Although the innovation may have evolved over a longer period of time, to be eligible the innovation must be able to show a clear impact to irrigation in New Zealand over the past five years.

Too often irrigation is portrayed as a negative activity without also acknowledging the huge associated benefits to the community, economy and the environment that good management practice irrigation undoubtedly delivers.

This award gives the industry the opportunity to showcase the steps it is taking to improve and deliver on the wider community demands of efficient use of water and consideration for the environment. “This is the chance for everyone to get involved and highlight the innovation that is happening and encourage more of it,” Coughlan said.

“So if you have quietly been working away on a good idea, or know of someone who has, then this award is the perfect vehicle to go public with your innovation, and being a part of the industry’s specialist irrigation conference is the best possible audience. IrrigationNZ encourages you to enter now.”

Some ideas to start the thinking...
Technical Innovation – farm, orchard, vineyard or scheme technical advances in irrigation that add value to the process of doing business.

Irrigation Enhancing the Environment – projects and research that will lead to environmental improvements

Resilient Communities – projects and research inclusive of people and society, cultural, economic and infrastructure benefits of irrigation

For full award information, criteria detail, and entry forms go to www.irrigationnz.co.nz

IrrigationNZ – is the national body representing all irrigation interests in a unified voice to promote excellence in irrigation development and efficient water management based on the principles of responsible and sustainable water management throughout New Zealand.

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