The general election result means New Zealand can shore up water supplies for multiple uses, Irrigation New Zealand says.
''National's re-election is an opportunity to develop the infrastructure New Zealand needs to provide surety of water for agriculture, town drinking water supply, waterways, recreational use and to future-proof the country from climate change,'' IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis said.
Newly elected chairwoman Nicky Hyslop said the Resource Management Act reforms proposed by National would allow irrigation schemes to get up and running without further delay.
Those schemes included Hunter Downs in South Canterbury, Hurunui in North Canterbury and Ruataniwha in Hawkes Bay.
''This is not about opening the floodgates to massive dairy conversions,'' Mrs Hyslop said.
''This is about progressing the nation as a whole and carefully balancing environmental imperatives with the needs of a growing population and economy.
''Sensible, well-designed water infrastructure is one of the most viable ways we can add value to our economy. In most parts of the world, irrigation and water storage are recognised as socioeconomic development tools.''
There was also an opportunity to review nutrient management policy under the new government, but IrrigationNZ emphasised that farmers must operate within strict limits.
''As we have said before, the future of irrigation in New Zealand is about using smart practice,'' Mr Curtis said.
''I would like to make clear that irrigation development does not mean a free-for-all. Farmers will still need to work within farm environment plans and will be under pressure to manage their environmental footprint.
''But at the same time, in terms of nutrient management, we can't expect our farming community to run before they can walk.
''There is an urgent need to come up with a nationally consistent and robust approach which would give irrigating farmers more certainty going forward.''
As New Zealanders recognised the importance of water infrastructure, there should be public contribution to the cost - ''just like in other developed nations like Tasmania [Australia] and Alberta [Canada]'', Mr Curtis said.
Mrs Hyslop said she was wanted to help improve communication between irrigators and the public, particularly city dwellers and environmentalists.
''A critical part of this is ensuring irrigators increase the uptake of smart irrigation practices under our `SMART Irrigation' programme [www.smartirrigation.co.nz]. We won't change public perceptions until we can show widespread efficient, responsible and sustainable irrigation practice. We are committed to making this happen.
''We understand and respect that New Zealanders are concerned about their waterways. We all want our children and grandchildren to swim and play in local rivers, but I believe that there are ways to make this happen which also allow rural producers to thrive and compete in global markets.
''IrrigationNZ is working with stakeholders to try and find ways forward which are acceptable to all.''
- Sally Brooker