Upgrading the canal system to a GRP pipe system to reduce leakage losses improving the level of efficiency and reducing cost.
The high reliability of the Amuri schemes combined with a dry, crisp climate offers very favourable pastoral farming opportunities. The basin now boasts over 70 dairy farms with annual production averaging 1417kg milk solids per hectare (385kg MS/cow) making the region one of the highest producing areas for dairy in New Zealand.
When irrigation was first contemplated, it was seen as an insurance tool against extreme weather but is now used as a management tool by farmers to ensure maximum efficiency of land and pasture. The AIC irrigated area is now made up of 60% dairy platform; 25% dairy support and 15% sheep, deer, beef and cropping.
In September 2016, AIC embarked on a project to upgrade much of the current open race network over five distinct branches, Waiau 1-3 and Balmoral 1-2. This includes approximately 131km of buried GRP and HDPE pipe and 180 offtakes.
This project was completed in September 2017 and now 24,000 hectares will be supplied with water by pressured piped water and 4,000 hectares will be supplied from the existing main water races.
In 2018, AIC has 131 shareholders irrigating 28,000 hectares, 99% is spray irrigated and 1% is border dyke irrigation.
The Glass reinforced pipe and fittings were manufactured by Superlit, and supplied in full and on time from Turkey.
The project recently delivered a $87.0 million pipe upgrade of its open canal distribution network.
Monadelphous NZ Ltd chose to partner with Hynds Irrigation in November 2018 and have been extremely impressed with the professional, collaborative and innovative teamwork of the Hynds Irrigation team.
Project
Amuri Piping Upgrade
Client
Monadelphous NZ Ltd
Location
Amuri Basin – North Canterbury
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