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Item Performance of New Zealand irrigation systems after transfer : a thesis presented in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Agricultural Engineering at Massey University(Massey University, 1999) Khieu, ChantheavyThis paper discusses the performance of irrigation schemes after they were transferred from Government control to irrigation companies in New Zealand. This study tested two hypotheses: a) privatisation of irrigation schemes in New Zealand has produced very large efficiency gains, and b) the privatisation of irrigation schemes in New Zealand has been very successful. These hypotheses were proven. Water costs for the same scheme would have been higher if it had not been privatised. The staff size was at minimum level. The companies seemed to be consistent with the O&M budget for water charge. Legal, financial and technical advice and services from professional groups were made available to the irrigation companies. The water costs were controlled by irrigation companies. The schemes received strong physical, financial and spiritual support from farmers and shareholders. No evidence of documented environmental side-effects was found. The farmers indicated that they would stay with the current management instead of returning to the past system under which they received financial supports from the Government. However, as the resource consents were thought to be a strategic threat and the irrigation companies seemed not to be prepared to enforce their capability in human resource management, technology development and company infrastructure, the irrigation companies could face difficulties in the future. A number of recommendations were made as follows: 1. The water costs should be calculated on the basis of life cycle-costing. 2. The irrigation companies should consider contributing funds for training and research activities in order to achieve high efficiency for irrigation systems and irrigation techniques. Research would not only bring about improvement of efficiency in irrigation, but also gain glory for New Zealand science in the international arena. 3. The irrigation companies may need to consider re-establishing the New Zealand Irrigation Association to act as a focal point for the irrigation companies. This type of organisation would facilitate the networking of information, and the sharing of experience amongst its members.Item The economic evaluation of irrigation with particular reference to water harvesting systems : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management at Massey University(Massey University, 1977) Sorrenson, William Jack1.1 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study is concerned with economic evaluations of irrigation systems, particularly those based on water harvesting. While problems associated with the development of irrigation projects and allocation of irrigation water are usually diverse and complex, it is well recognised that these problems can be usefully studied within the framework of economic theory. This is well illustrated by the widespread adoption of cost-benefit analysis since the 1950's in New Zealand (N.Z.) and many other countries, in evaluating public investment in irrigation and other water resource development projects. The continuing expansion of irrigation and increasing competition for water between urban, industrial and rural users, indicate that economists should play an important role in evaluating irrigation systems. Economic investigations of water harvesting irrigation systems are of particular importance in this context since water harvesting may provide the only, or cheapest, source of water to an area, and also because water that may otherwise be lost, primarily to the sea, is harvested and utilised.