The scheme construction began in 1973 as a Ministry of Works Contract. The project began solely as an irrigation scheme, but as budget constraints set in, it was expanded to include a Hydro Electric Scheme in the headworks (now owned by Manawa Energy). Subsequently the scheme build was abandoned with only 40% built. In 1983-84 season the completed branch now known as Maniototo Westside was commissioned. After 2 years of operation under the Ministry of Works the scheme was purchased by the farmers. This was when Maniototo Irrigation Company was formed. In 1989 the farmers who were affected by the truncation formed the Waipiata and Maniototo Eastside companies to complete their branches of the scheme. Maniototo Westside, Maniototo Eastside and Waipiata joined together as shareholders of Maniototo Irrigation Company (MIC). MIC is responsible for the critical task of the management of the consents across the whole scheme and the maintenance and management of the headworks as well as the delivery through to each companies gates. MIC also have a 33% shared ownership of delivery assets with their partner Manawa Energy.