Federated Farmers is hailing Tom Henderson’s appointment as an Officer of The New Zealand Order of Merit a  great recognition for one of Federated Farmers most senior members and the ‘Sir Bill Hamilton’ of modern water storage.

Don Nicolson, President of Federated Farmers. says Tom Henderson is testament to the optimism, determination and faith in a better tomorrow, which makes Kiwi farmers the best in the world. 

Tom Henderson realised South Canterbury shouldn’t face summer drought because of high winter water flows.  He was convinced water storage was the solution. Mr. Henderson was instrumental in building the Opuha Dam near Fairlie.

Today the Opuha Dam irrigates 16,000 hectares of farmland, increasing annual farm output by $124 million.