An abridged version of this letter was published in the Timaru Herald:

The Green Party Candidate for Rangitata, Gerrie Ligtenberg states that a moratorium on dairy expansion is the first step against the irrigation and farm lobbyists (November 15). This statement is not only out of step with the Greens published policy on agriculture and water quality but it also sets Ligtenberg up for a fight that she does not need to take on. More...

As has been recently reported in the Timaru Courier and the Timaru Herald, the level of the Lake Opuha, South Canterbury's controversial irrigation lake is becoming worryingly low. I took a trip out to the Dam, which is near Fairlie, a couple of weeks back to take some photos.

The South Canterbury region has had a dry end to its winter and this is continuing into spring. We're now nearing the start of the irrigation season, and at this time of year, Opuha would ideally be full.

Taken on 2 October 2011, this photo demonstrates the low level of the lake, with the spillway entrance totally exposed. More...

The following letter was published in the Timaru Herald:

Taking 1.1 per cent of Meridian's water flow from Lake Tekapo would reduce their nominal electricity generation by 1.1 per cent. This equates to 85 GWh annually from the entire Waitaki power scheme (which is enough to power Dunedin for a month). More...