Otamakapua Rural Water Scheme
Exploring a More Reliable Water Future for Otamakapua Farms
A proposed rural water scheme is being explored in the Otamakapua/Vinegar Hill area to provide reliable reticulated water for the participating farms in the area.
The scheme would source groundwater and distribute through a network of pipes to participating farms to help support long-term water reliability and productivity for farms in the area.
This is a farmer-driven opportunity that will only proceed if there is sufficient farmer participation and investment to make the scheme viable. If successful, construction is expected to being in 2027 following final design and exploratory works.
Northern Manawatū regularly experiences dry summers, creating challenges for stock water reliability and long-term farm planning. The proposed scheme is being explored as a way to provide greater certainty for participating farms and improve resilience during dry periods.
Reliable access to water can support animal welfare, increased productivity, provide greater flexibility in farm management, and help farmers plan confidently for the future.
This scheme has been in development and led by a core group of local farmers for over 10 years.
Manawatū District Council currently operates five existing rural water schemes across the District with the oldest dating back to the early 1980’s.
Farmer participation is critical to understanding whether the Otamakapua Water Scheme is viable and can move forward. Confirmed demand helps shape the final design of the scheme and provides greater certainty around infrastructure planning and costs.
Higher uptake across the scheme will reduce the capital cost per unit, making the project more affordable for participating farmers.
This is a long-term infrastructure investment designed to support farmers for decades to come.
Utilising the current design and demand structure, farmer investments include:
- Approximately $6,780 per unit capital contribution spread over three years with a total of 1500 units capital contribution
- Approximate annual operation cost per unit is $500
- A unit is defined as 1m3/day (1000L/day)
Co-funding is being sought to enable a 50% upfront investment with the remainder being loan or grant funded.
To register your interest, please complete the online form below to help inform the next stage of planning and confirm potential demand for the scheme.