Federated Farmers says a report on climate change that anticipates increased risk of drought and heatwaves, indicates a need for more water storage facilities.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts average temperatures will increase by 0.3 degrees to 4.8 degrees and sea-level rises of between 26cm - 82cm by 2100.
Federated Farmers vice president William Rolleston has been calling for more water storage systems for some time.
He says the Opuha dam in Canterbury has proven to be effective in times of dry weather, and more opportunities for water storage around the country need to be sought.
Dr Rolleston says the discussion around a proposal by Hawke's Bay Regional Council to build the Ruataniwha dam needs to continue and the dam could be positive for the economy and the environment.
The Ruataniwha dam is controversial, because of concerns it could lead to an intensification of farming, with nutrient run-off potentially proving toxic for the Tukituki River and its fish species.
But Dr Rolleston says climate implications need to be considered.
He says farmers need to prepare, and water storage systems, like the Ruataniwha dam, could help mitigate extremes of climate.
Dr Rolleston says like the Opuha dam, the Ruataniwha dam could prove effective in times of dry weather.
While New Zealand has plenty of water, he says it's not always in the right place at the right time.
"Certainly in South Canterbury we've had the Opuha dam for some years and it's proven to be a real bonus for both the economy and the environment and we need to be aware that water storage can have a positive effect on both."
Dr Rolleston says discussions about the Ruataniwha dam need to continue.
