There are lots of things we’d all like, if only we had the dosh. This is a constant refrain from the rural community, especially Irrigation NZ.

Hardly a week goes by without proponents banging on about the wealth-creating benefits of damming every lake and river in sight.

These pronouncements usually end with the wee problem of finance – where are the squillions required? Maybe the rural sector has got things a bit back to front.

Instead of employing a marketing/spin doctor to whip up enthusiasm and apply political pressure for state subsidies, how about - coming up with the money first?

After all, the schemes are so good that the people who benefit will be mortgaging themselves silly to take part. A novel but effective technique.