Passion for data drives WaterForce’s new WIL liaison
WIL’s new WaterForce liaison Ian Hutcheson pictured at WaterForce’s Ohoka office.
Three months into his new role, WIL’s new WaterForce liaison Ian Hutcheson is enjoying learning more about WIL’s irrigation scheme in preparation for the irrigation season ahead.
Ian has taken over the WIL liaison role from Alice Hamer. Ian is based at WaterForce’s Ohoka branch office which covers the North Canterbury area.
Originally from the Hawkes Bay, Ian completed a Master of Science degree majoring in Ecology and Conservation Biology at Victoria University in Wellington. Using GIS for his university research piqued an interest in data and mapping which led to his first role as a GIS technician in Wellington.
Ian then moved to Canterbury to pursue a career in the irrigation industry. He has over a decade of experience in irrigation system surveying, and sales and design. Ian is enjoying working with farmers to provide practical water management solutions that are backed by data.
“I enjoy working alongside farmers to develop practical and sustainable water management solutions, and I’m looking forward to working with a shareholder-owned cooperative that delivers reliable, economic, and sustainable water to support shareholders and the wider region.”
“Initially, I have been focused on learning about the data and software. My role is to be a conduit for information to flow from Scada Farm and WaterForce and to WIL and shareholders which allows informed decisions to be made regarding irrigation.”
Ian says he is fortunate that since 2022 all WIL’s flow meters have been updated and soil moisture probes have been added, along with six new WaterForce weather stations which means that the updated infrastructure is already in place. He is looking forward to spending more time out on farm working with shareholders.
“The part of this role that I like the most is working with farmers and solving problems in a practical way. Being able to provide WIL with reliable and correct data is vital as this is used for consenting and auditing purposes.”
During his first three months, Ian has also been working with shareholders on projects involving surveying new and existing irrigation systems and enjoys the problem-solving aspect of his role.
“All of the infrastructure needs to be surveyed, designed and then staked out. When doing the GPS survey, we need to take everything into consideration including existing irrigation infrastructure, buildings, fences and shelter belts.”
During his spare time Ian enjoys getting into the outdoors and is about to get sailing lessons from a current Waterforce employee.
Ian is happy to visit shareholders who need assistance with their water meters and can also provide advice regarding using the Scada Farm platform. If key farm staff change, Ian recommends reaching out so that access to the platform isn’t interrupted. WIL shareholders can phone Ian on 021 277 9007 or contact him by email at ihutcheson@waterforce.co.nz
