A force for nature
Our planet’s finite resources are under pressure – limited land, water, and raw materials are being degraded while biodiversity loss and climate change accelerate and our populations grow.
Rising sea levels exacerbate the problem, making residential, industrial and agricultural land increasingly vulnerable to flooding and erosion. Add to this aging infrastructure plus strained stormwater systems and the urgent need for innovation is clear.
At Water Siphon, we’re committed to tackling these challenges head-on, striving to leave the planet better than we found it.
Our purpose is to be a force for nature, recovering the lost production potential of waterlogged, fertile land globally, achieving this simply, cost-effectively and in harmony with nature.
This isn’t just about sustainability, it’s also about creating food security, increasing productivity, fostering economic growth and human wellbeing while also combating climate change.
Our vision is a world with safer, healthier and more prosperous communities and a planet that’s life-giving nature is preserved for generations to come.
Tom’s story
Growing up on a farm in Hawke’s Bay, Tom Gardiner experienced first-hand the challenges of fluctuating water levels, enduring both droughts and wet winters. It was during these formative years that he developed siphoning systems as a simple solution to mitigate the farm’s water woes. Little did he know then that his innovative tinkering would lead to something exceptional.
The journey of developing a robust solution wasn’t without its setbacks. Tom vividly recalls the moment when his initial siphoning experiment failed after just an hour of operation. Keeping the pipe in vacuum and gas free was a key challenge! Determined to overcome this hurdle, he embarked on a problem-solving mission to develop the simplest, most efficient system possible.
Tom’s breakthrough came after years of perseverance and countless prototypes. With the creation of the groundbreaking Siphon Primer pump, Tom has advanced siphoning technology to become simpler and more reliable than ever before. His ingenious hydraulic vacuum pump doesn’t use any motorised power, making it a cost-effective, convenient and eco-friendly solution for farmers and growers, councils and construction companies alike.

Water Siphon facilitates the seamless transfer of large water volumes across diverse terrains. Redefining drainage, its ability to lower surrounding groundwater levels and increase soil moisture absorption capacity is unparalleled.
With 7 years of R & D behind him, Tom is now ready to share Water Siphon with the world, ensuring that this transformative technology reaches communities far and wide.
Our values
Efficiency
We dislike waste and always strive to do more with less. This applies to how we use our time, effort and materials.
Simplicity
We work through complexity to fully understand something so that we can find the simplest solution.
Problem-Solving
Finding solutions is a path to happiness. We view mistakes as learning and we try again. We persist until we find a way.
Balance
We aim to hit the ‘sweet spot’ with our solutions – a balance between harmony with nature, innovation and affordability.
Meet the foundation team

Tom Gardiner
CEO and Founder
Industrial Engineer with 33 years’ experience managing product development teams, delivering end-to-end solutions from concept to installation. Bachelor of Agriculture in Farm Management & Advisory, plastic and metal fabrication expert.

Gina Couper
Fractional CMO
28 years’ experience in New Zealand and globally building high tech brands including Amazon.co.uk, HealthLink and Performance Lab (sold to Pear Sports). Masters in Innovation (Emerging & Disruptive Technology) from Academy Ex.

Matt Smith
Commercial Advisor
15 years’ experience in the capital markets with EY, Todd Corporation, Lewis Tucker, NZGCP and The Todd Corporation, with a particular focus on the Agricultural sector. Masters in Applied Finance from Victoria University of Wellington.