Our Company
Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd
RDRML is a water conveyance company that operates and maintains the Rangitata Diversion Race (RDR) for the benefit of its shareholders who utilise the water for irrigation, hydrogeneration and supply of stockwater.
The RDR is a 67km long canal that stretches beneath (the foothills of) Mid Canterbury from the Rangitata River in the south to the Rakaia River in the north.
Built during the 1940’s depression period, the RDR is recognised as one of the most visionary engineering accomplishments of its time and has helped to shape our region.
Our Management & Operations Team
Jeremy Adamson
Chief Executive
Jeremy joined the company in January 2026, bringing with him a clear vision for how innovative thinking, disciplined execution, and strong community partnerships can shape the future of New Zealand’s infrastructure and regional development. With a leadership style grounded in transparency, collaboration, and long‑term strategic focus, Jeremy is guiding RDRML into its next phase of long-term service to the region.
Wendy Reith
Office Manager
Wendy joined the company in 1998.
Wendy’s role is very diverse and she provides critical support and coordination across our accounts, HR, Board, communication and administration functions. She’s our go-to person for most things!
Cornelius (Kees) Beentjes
Engineering Manager
Kees joined the company in November 2021.
Kees’ role is to provide assurance on the long-term functionality, security and viability of our infrastructure assets.
Pablo Gallegos
Operations Manager
Pablo joined RDRML in June 2025.
Pablo’s role is to coordinate the activities of the Operations Team, ensuring the scheme operates effectively and all available water is harnessed and delivered to our customers. The Team also undertakes a range of maintenance and monitoring tasks around the scheme in support of our asset management programme.
Cam Wilson
Operator Maintainer
Cam joined RDRML in March 2022.
Cam’s role is to ensure that all available water is able to be utilised by our various customers by operating the scheme in a safe and compliant manner. He is also a key part of our routine maintenance activities.
Paul Boldy
Operator Maintainer
Paul joined RDRML in August 2024.
Paul’s role as part of our Operations team is to ensure all our customers get the water they’re entitled to and that the scheme is operated and maintained in accordance with our resource consents and operating procedures.
Neill Stevens
Operations Support
Neill joined the company in 1994.
After nearly 29 years at the helm of RDR operations, Neill is still involved with the company in a part- time capacity providing support in several areas including operation of the drag-line (dredge) at the intake and with vegetation control around the extensive scheme area. Retaining access to Neill’s operational experience is still extremely valuable to the team.
Our Board Members
Jen Crawford
Chair
Appointed 2021
MHV Water representative
Matt James
Deputy Chair
Appointed 2023
Contact Energy representative
Phil Lowe
Director
Appointed 2023
Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation representative
Evan Chisnall
Director
Appointed 2022
MHV Water representative
Tim Boyce
Director
Appointed 2025
Contact Energy representative
Richard Wilson
Director
Appointed 2025
Ashburton District Council representative
Our Shareholders
Manawa Energy Limited
Manawa Energy own and operate 26 power schemes around New Zealand including Montalto and Highbank Power stations on the RDR.
Ave generation for Montalto 12 GWh
Ave generation for Highbank 94 GWh
Manawa Energy utilise approximately 65% of the RDR water
Ashburton District Council (ADC)
One of ADC’s roles is to supply stockwater, mainly via a dedicated race network*, throughout Mid Canterbury. ADC draws some of its stockwater from the RDR.
Ashburton District Council utilise approximately 2% of the RDR water
*ADC is working with the irrigation schemes to reduce the extent of its stockwater race network and transition stockwater delivery to the irrigation schemes.
MHV Water Limited
MHV Water is a farmer-owned cooperative that delivers water for the purpose of irrigation through an open race system for over 58 000 hectares of farmland in Mid-Canterbury between the Ashburton and Rangitata rivers.
MHV Water utilise approximately 23% of the RDR water
Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation Limited (ALIL)
ALIL is a farmer-owned cooperative that delivers water for the purpose of irrigation through a network of pressurised pipes to enable shareholders to irrigate close to 30,000ha of Mid-Canterbury land.
ALIL utilise approximately 10% of the RDR water