Services
Water & Irrigation Law
Specialist Water and Irrigation Lawyers
We advise irrigation schemes, landowners, businesses and rural clients on water and irrigation matters across Central Otago and throughout New Zealand.
This is one of our strongest specialist practice areas. We are regularly sought out for advice on irrigation scheme structures, water supply arrangements, easements, governance and the legal issues that arise where water infrastructure and land use intersect.
Overview
Water and irrigation issues in Central Otago are rarely straightforward. They often involve a combination of land rights, infrastructure, governance, access, supply arrangements, regulatory obligations and long-term operational considerations.
We advise on a wide range of water and irrigation matters, including irrigation scheme formation and administration, water supply agreements, easements, governance arrangements and disputes affecting water infrastructure. We also advise on the impact of subdivision, land use change and property transactions on irrigation schemes and water rights.
We act for a number of large irrigation schemes and have a deep understanding of the legal and practical issues that affect water users and water suppliers in this region.
Our Experience
We advise on a wide range of water and irrigation matters, including:
- Irrigation scheme formation and structuring
- Irrigation scheme governance and administration
- Water supply agreements
- Easements and infrastructure rights
- Access arrangements affecting water infrastructure
- Water supplier obligations and compliance issues
- Impact of subdivision or land use change on irrigation schemes
- Water-related disputes and risk management
- Water issues affecting rural and lifestyle properties
We regularly advise on matters where water, land ownership and infrastructure arrangements intersect in complex ways.
Irrigation scheme formation and management
We advise on the establishment, operation and ongoing management of irrigation schemes.
This includes:
- Formation and structuring of irrigation schemes
- Governance and administration arrangements
- Company and ownership structures
- Water user arrangements
- Long-term operational documentation
We understand that these schemes often require practical legal advice that works over the long term, not just at the point of formation.
Water supply agreements and user arrangements
Clear and workable supply arrangements are critical.
We advise on:
- Water supply agreements
- Water user contracts
- Allocation and supply arrangements
- Rights and obligations of scheme participants
- Risk allocation and operational issues
Easements, infrastructure and access
Water and irrigation infrastructure often depends on properly documented land rights.
We assist with:
- Easements for irrigation infrastructure
- Access rights for maintenance and operation
- Infrastructure arrangements across multiple landholdings
- Issues arising from changes in land ownership or use
This is a particularly important area in Central Otago, where irrigation networks and land use are closely connected.
Subdivision, development and land use change
Subdivision and development can create significant issues for existing irrigation infrastructure and water arrangements.
We advise on:
- Impact of subdivision on irrigation schemes
- Access and infrastructure issues arising from development
- Water-related risks in development projects
- Legal arrangements needed to protect infrastructure and supply
Where required, we work closely with our Property Development and Subdivisions team.
Water supplier obligations and compliance
Water supply arrangements can give rise to significant legal obligations.
We advise on:
- Water supplier obligations
- Compliance and operational risk
- Drinking water-related responsibilities where applicable
- Review of existing arrangements and documentation
Disputes and problem solving
Water issues can become contentious quickly, particularly where multiple landowners, users or schemes are involved.
We assist with:
- Water-related disputes
- Governance disputes within irrigation schemes
- Access and infrastructure disputes
- Practical risk management and dispute resolution
Our focus is on resolving issues efficiently while preserving workable long-term arrangements where possible.
Who We Act For
We act for:
- Irrigation schemes and water suppliers
- Rural landowners and farming businesses
- Orchardists and vineyard owners
- Developers and landowners affected by water infrastructure
- Clients dealing with water-related access, easement or governance issues
Why Checketts McKay
We offer:
- One of the strongest specialist water and irrigation law practices in Central Otago
- Significant experience acting for large irrigation schemes
- Deep understanding of local infrastructure, land use and supply issues
- Practical advice on governance, agreements and operational risk
- Coordinated support across related rural, property and development matters
This is not a side area of practice for us. It is one of the areas for which clients and referrers specifically seek us out.
