The Waitaki River is the lifeblood of our region and irrigation is the key to farming sustainably here. Sustainable farming underpins the economy of the region and the vitality of its communities.
Aqus was formed to deliver scheme management services to irrigation companies taking water from the Waitaki River. Aqus provides efficient and professional management of infrastructure, operations, environmental and business administration services to schemes that deliver water across a combined 50,000 hectares of irrigated farmland. By taking a collective approach to scheme management, we are able to provide farmer-shareholders with the confidence to build their businesses alongside a trusted partner.
Aqus is about community – we understand the importance of collaboration and innovation in a fast-changing industry, one that is constantly faced with challenges, opportunities and a shared need for a sustainable future.
Aqus is about team work – infrastructure, people, expertise and trust. We believe in a united approach to success; together we are stronger and the future of irrigation in the Waitaki is more secure.
Please explore our website to find out more about Aqus and the schemes that we manage. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
About Us
Servicing over
50,000
hectares of
irrigated farmland
Collectively supporting
450+
shareholders
Operating and maintaining
>$250M
in infrastructure assets
North Otago Irrigation Company and the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company founded Aqus in 2024. Aqus also provides contract management services to Kurow-Duntroon Irrigation Company and Maerewhenua District Water Resource Company to provide a strong, united approach to irrigation within the district.
Each scheme utilises water from the Waitaki River and directs it through various forms of infrastructure to the farm boundary of each shareholder. Our responsibility lies in ensuring the on-going reliable supply of water through the efficient operation of either gravity or pressurised schemes.
View Our Schemes
It all comes down to people. Aqus is governed by a Board of Directors comprising four elected scheme representatives and an appointed independent director. A busy team of professionals handles the day-to-day management of the business from the company’s Oamaru office, while field-based operations teams are responsible for the physical operation and maintenance of the infrastructure at locations across our command area.
View Our People