An Eastern Bay of Plenty irrigation scheme has received $181,000 from the government's Community Irrigation Fund.

The Maungaroa Irrigation Scheme will pump and pipe water from the Kereru River to Te Kaha.

It was one of five New Zealand irrigation schemes to receive money from the fund.

The Maungaroa Irrigation Scheme was the only North Island irrigation project to receive funding.

Agriculture Minister David Carter says the funding is important because the cost for some communities to establish water storage or irrigation is too burdensome.

'It is reliable water storage and irrigation that is the foundation for success in New Zealand's rural communities.

'That's why the eligibility criteria for accessing the Community Irrigation Fund was widened in July of this year to include technical design work.”

By contributing to the cost of robust design work, David says the government is supporting the development of assets that will help unlock the economic growth potential of irrigated agriculture and horticulture.