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Central Plains Water Enhancement Scheme

Improving Christchurch’s prosperity in our role as lead design engineer for a major private irrigation scheme

  • 45K

    Hectares Serviced

  • 330km

    Buried Pipelines

  • $339M

    Construction Value

  • Christchurch, New Zealand

    Christchurch, New Zealand

Switching irrigation water sources to provide a more environmentally sustainable solution for Canterbury’s agriculture

It was identified that changes in Canterbury’s rural infrastructure, particularly extensive irrigation development, had positive effects on New Zealand’s economy. In response, the two-stage Central Plains Water Enhancement Scheme was developed to improve environmental and economic outcomes across a 60,000-hectare (148,263-acres) command area.

This design and build irrigation project converts the water source from groundwater pumping to a gravity fed pipeline distribution network using more environmentally sustainable alpine water.

Stage 1 included a due diligence review, distribution network design for 25,000 hectares (49,421 acres), and critical review of Stage 2’s economic feasibility. We proposed a radically alternative Stage 2 scheme that reduced the environmental footprint and project risk and significantly reduced capital expenditure at a fixed cost. As lead designer, we undertook detailed design, construction management, surveillance, and quality assurance. 

Our team managed the key risks and developed a feasible solution to irrigate a further 20,000 hectares (49,421 acres) of farmland. This project helps enhance ecological and recreational values while providing opportunity for agricultural and horticultural diversity via water security.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • Central Plains Water Limited
Partners
  • Downer
Meet Our Team

Simon Todd, Senior Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager

The work I do has a material benefit for the communities we live in and provides secure sources of clean drinking water.
Simon Todd Senior Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager Read More

Grant Gillespie, Future Energy Growth Leader

I’m driven by seeing projects go from concept to a completed piece of infrastructure. Put simply, my reward is seeing ideas get built.
Grant Gillespie Future Energy Growth Leader Read More

Janan Dunning, Group Leader, Planning

There are many moving parts to much of what we do as planners, and I enjoy the unpredictability of each day.

Chris Baddock, Electrical Discipline Leader

With innovative engineering, we can upgrade our water infrastructure to turn waste into resources and achieve better outcomes for everyone.
Chris Baddock Electrical Discipline Leader Read More

Simon Todd

Senior Mechanical Engineer/Project Manager

Grant Gillespie

Future Energy Growth Leader

Janan Dunning

Group Leader, Planning

Chris Baddock

Electrical Discipline Leader

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    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

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