Rangitata Diversion Race
| Rangitata Diversion Race | |
|---|---|
RDR at South Branch of Ashburton River - overflow channel | |
| Location | Mid Canterbury |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 67 km (42 miles) |
| History | |
| Current owner | Rangitata Diversion Race Management Limited |
| Original owner | Public Works Department |
| Principal engineer | Thomas Beck |
| Construction began | 2 April 1937 |
| Date of first use | 8 June 1944 |
| Date completed | November 1944 |
| Geography | |
| Start point | Klondyke |
| End point | Highbank |
The Rangitata Diversion Race or RDR is a combined irrigation and power generation scheme that diverts water from the Rangitata River to irrigate over 75,000 ha (190,000 acres) of farmland in Mid-Canterbury, New Zealand. The RDR project was the first major river diversion in New Zealand, and the largest irrigation scheme in the country. It was originally constructed by the Public Works Department between 1937 and 1944. The main canal is 67 km (42 mi) long, 10 m (33 ft) wide and 3 m (9.8 ft) deep.
The RDR supplies three community irrigation schemes, two hydroelectric power stations, the Ashburton District Council stockwater race system and various private stockwater and irrigation schemes.