Hurunui District landowners have been given priority for the share allotment on the Hurunui Water Project investment.

After initially struggling for investor interest, the project was oversubscribed, and for a time it was unclear who would miss out.

Project Manager Amanda Loeffen says proximity was the fairest way to decide.

“We always wanted the company to be owned by landowners in the irrigable area, and we hope that that’s going to happen."

Ms Loeffen says those who missed out have taken the news well.

"I know that a lot of the people who missed out, I’ve spoken to a lot of them, and most are very pleased that they don’t need to make that investment now, they were only offering to help.

"They were supporting the project because they wanted it to be successful."