Alan Birley has been a loyal client of Dobsons for over 30 years. Our relationship with Alan spans multiple sites throughout the Paengaroa/Pongakawa area, from his packhouse complex on Mends Lane to his orchards on Wilson Road North and his residence in Pilot Bay. Over the decades, Alan has not only witnessed but also supported Dobsons' growth into the company it is today, making him a valued and long-term partner.

With the expansion of one of his kiwifruit orchards, Alan faced a challenge in maintaining adequate irrigation for a large number of young plants that required regular watering. The existing irrigation setup was insufficient to meet the demands of the expanded orchard, prompting the need for a significant upgrade.

The primary goals for this project were to:

​

1. Increase the volume of water extracted from the onsite bore to match the daily consent allowances.

2. Distribute water automatically throughout the orchard to ensure all plants received the necessary hydration.

Dobsons began by mapping the orchard, with our in-house technician identifying the necessary changes to the irrigation system. These included relocating the incoming electrical main and control equipment, installing a new water bore, and laying new main water lines across the orchard and its various blocks.

​

Once the preliminary plan was drafted, we met with Alan both at our workshop and onsite to review the proposed upgrades. After making a few adjustments based on Alan's feedback, we finalized the plan and commenced the project.

While the majority of the work was completed in-house by Dobsons, we also collaborated with a few key local stakeholders:

​

• Johnson Drilling Ltd: Based in Paengaroa, they were responsible for installing the new bore.

• Trimit Ltd: A local arborist, tasked with removing high branches from a shelter belt to allow access for equipment.

• McLeods Cranes: Brought in to lift the new bore pump into place, ensuring the installation was both safe and efficient.

The project was completed within the 6-month timeframe, successfully upgrading the irrigation system to meet the demands of Alan's expanded orchard. The increased water extraction and automated distribution system ensured that the young kiwifruit plants received consistent and adequate hydration, supporting their healthy growth. Alan was pleased with the outcome, reinforcing the long-standing relationship between Dobsons and Alan Birley, and further establishing Dobsons as a reliable partner in orchard management.