A passion for irrigation and the chance to return home led to Richard Timpany becoming the new chief executive officer of two companies planning a 40,000ha irrigation scheme in South Canterbury.
This week, Hunter Downs Development Company (HDDC) and Hunter Downs Irrigation Ltd (HDIL) announced Mr Timpany's appointment as investigations into the scheme for Waimate and Pareora head towards a decision whether it is technically and financially viable.
Progress with the scheme has accelerated over the past 12 months.
A recent $7 million grant over two years from the Government's Irrigation Acceleration Fund, $3.8 million from partner Meridian Energy Ltd and shareholder support meaning a full feasibility study can start.
All going to plan, work could begin at the end of 2016 and water be available from the start of 2018 from a scheme estimated in 2009 to cost about $200 million.
Mr Timpany said this week the appointment offered a great opportunity to make a real impact on the economic, environmental and social well-being of South Canterbury.
Born and raised in Timaru, he was educated at Timaru Boys' High School before going to the University of Otago.
He and wife Jessica returned to New Zealand in 2011 after working in various capital market roles in London, Sydney and Auckland.
He was then involved with financial and legal aspects of the Tarras irrigation scheme, his role expanding to include resource consents, loans and developing financial models for a private irrigation scheme in Central Otago which is under development.
The opportunity then arose with the Hunter Downs scheme.
''Hunter Downs has a lot to offer the region's future. I am passionate about the South Canterbury area and the benefits of having reliable irrigation,'' he said.
With family living in Timaru, and twins aged 9 months, it was also an opportunity to return home.
Mr Timpany replaces interim chief executive Brian Elwood who, employed by Meridian Energy, had been involved with the scheme since it was first mooted. He was instrumental in progressing the scheme, including the recently completed capital raised from the local farming community and securing funding from the irrigation acceleration fund and Meridian.
He will continue with the scheme as a project manager. The scheme has progressed to the next planning phase, to determine the viability from a technical and economic perspective, involving Beca as lead engineers and designers. HDDC chairwoman Jo Brosnahan and HDIL chairman Andrew Fraser were thrilled to have Mr Timpany on board, bringing a range of skills and an ability to connect with the local community.
