Drop in sessions for public’s thoughts on rivers

Drop in sessions and an online survey are giving the public an early chance to have their say on the future of the Waikato and Waipa rivers.

Since early last year, a Collaborative Stakeholder Group (CSG) has been working on policy to help restore and protect the health of the rivers.

The idea is to reduce sediment, bacteria and nutrients entering water bodies, including groundwater, in the Waikato and Waipa river catchments, an area of 1.1 million hectares.

The CSG is now inviting people to a number of drop in sessions where members will share progress to date and ask for people’s thoughts about the way ahead.
Also, an online survey will provide another opportunity for public input. The survey runs from 30 March to 30 April at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/healthyrivers
Information to be made available at the drop in sessions and online includes:

· current water quality and trends in different parts of the Waipa and Waikato River catchments

· insights into factors driving water quality

· how the project’s modelling and research programme will help develop options, along with project milestones and timelines.
People can also learn about how the CSG proposes to:

· divide the catchment into areas to better manage water quality
· determine how healthy a water body is.
Details of the drop in sessions are as follows:

· Tokoroa: South Waikato Sport and Events Centre, 25 Mossop Rd, Tokoroa - 7pm - 9.30pm, Wednesday 1 April

· Huntly: Huntly Memorial Hall, Wight St, Huntly – 7pm - 9.30pm, Thursday 9 April

· Hamilton: Hamilton Gardens Pavilion, Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton – 7pm - 9.30pm, Monday 13 April

· Otorohanga: Otorohanga Club, 107 Maniapoto St, Otorohanga – 7pm - 9.30pm, Wednesday 15 April

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