Vineyard and Livestock at Risk

Matahiwi Estate and local farmers face a crisis as Masterton District Council considers the final closure of the 120-year-old Opaki water race this June.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 6:13 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Animal Welfare Concerns

The closure also presents a significant animal welfare issue for local farmers. Doug Lawrence, who runs a 36-acre lifestyle block with sheep and deer, reported that the race has been essentially dry since October.

Stock Dependency: Lawrence’s 50 ewes and 15 hinds are dependent on the race for water.

Land Utility: A neighboring 400-acre farm leased to a dairy farmer has become unusable for grazing because the dairy stock cannot access water.

Geology: Councillor David Holmes, a farmer himself, noted that the area has "absolutely no underground water," making the surface-level race a singular lifeline for the local agricultural ecosystem.

Council Decision and Legal Extensions