Severe drought in the recent summer of 2000/01 highlighted the significant impact that water plays in the productive land based industries of the Tasman district. Rationing of irrigation water reached an unprecedented level. This, coupled with the Tasman District Councils proposed resource management plan for water, questioned the efficient and equitable allocation of water for irrigation. The aims of this report are to gain an understanding of the resource and associated issues, to determine future land uses changes, and to identify barriers to change.

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.