By BRISTOW, Robyn A small hydro scheme on the Rakaia River would boost Canterbury's ability to meet growing power demand in the farming industry, says an Auckland-based economist.

WATER BATTLE SITES Central Plains Water scheme: involves taking water from the Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers and storing it in a reservoir in the dammed Waianiwaniwa Valley. The water will be used to irrigate 60,000ha bounded by the rivers, SH1 and the Malvern foothills.

By GORMAN, Paul When a fight over water breaks out, the battleground is usually the Resource Management Act. But can the act contain this rush for liquid gold? PAUL GORMAN reports. .

By BROWN, Giles Christchurch Airport could be plagued by fog and birdstrike if the controversial Central Plains Water (CPW) irrigation scheme goes ahead, experts say.

By GAMBLE, Warren After a series of legal setbacks, Central Plains Water (CPW) has won an appeal giving the giant irrigation scheme priority to water from the Waimakariri River.