The Waimakariri irrigation scheme – a vision fulfilled

The opening of the Waimakariri Irrigation Scheme on the 30th of October 1999 is a sequel or rebirth of the water race system. This water race transformed the Waimakariri-Ashley Plains when opened by the Prime Minister Richard Seddon on Monday, 16 November, 1896. The Irrigation Scheme is a tribute to all the people, their initiatives and energy who created managed and maintained the 800 kms of water races covering 40,000 hectares over the last 104 years. Continued sound management of the races should see the water flowing gently over the Plains for as long as people live here. What people in the future choose to use the water for may be quite different than what we see today.