Mayfield-Hinds Irrigation
The Mayfield-Hinds Irrigation Scheme delivers water from the Rangitata River via the Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR), and has since 1947.The Scheme was purchased from the Ministry of Works in 1990 and now operates as a farmer owned co-operative employing three Racemen, a General Manager and an Office Administrator.
Mayfield-Hinds Irrigation Limited (MHIL) is the largest privately owned irrigation scheme in NZ, delivering water to 33,000 hectares of highly
productive land. Today, most farms operate more efficient spray irrigation systems and our flows vary from 28 L/s to 300 L/s to accommodate farmer's requirements.
MHIL is "run of the river scheme", taking a maximum flow of 16.65 cumecs. Contracted water delivery to shareholder farmers is based on a maximum allocation of 3.5 mm per day. The irrigation starts from the 10th of September and finishes on the 9th of May (242 days). Irrigation restrictions are imposed by Environment Canterbury when the Rangitata and/or Ashburton rivers reach their respective minimum flows. Under the terms of the Water Supply Agreement the farmers are responsible for efficient use of water. Water allocations are controlled by experienced staff who report irrigation deliveries monthly to the MHIL Board. Policies require operators to minimise any risk to the environment.