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Add your voice to the region’s water discussion

Add your voice to the region’s water discussion

23 June 2015

Do you have an interest in how water is used, allocated and valued? Do you want to get involved with adding your voice to the discussion?

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is setting up community groups in water management areas in Rangitāiki, Kaituna/Maketū and Pongakawa/Waitahanui catchments to help it make some important decisions about water in these areas.

The groups will help identify local community values for freshwater, set local limits for water quality and quantity, and develop solutions for managing water in their catchment.

Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder said the groups are part of the work being carried out by the Regional Council to implement the Government’s National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

“The work includes setting allocation limits, managing over-allocation and ensuring water is used efficiently,” Mr Leeder said.

“As part of this, we’re setting up Community Groups which represent a wide range of interests in fresh water, as well as different stakeholder views. We have some key challenges in managing freshwater quality and quantity, including how land is used and the effect of climate change on our region. We need the community’s help to plan for a sustainable and successful future.”

Mr Leeder said we’re looking for people who have a close relationship with and understand the water sources in their area, can work well in a team and consider issues from multiple view-points.

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“If you think you’d be interested in being part of the groups, visit our website www.boprc.govt.nz/freshwaterfutures to read more about them and what we’re hoping to achieve. Expressions of interest close on 3 August 2015. It’s likely to be a two-year commitment initially, so we’re looking for people who can be involved for the long term.”

Mr Leeder said at the moment they’re only looking for people from the Rangitāiki, Kaituna/Maketū and Watahanui/Pongakawa Catchments, but similar work will roll out in other Bay of Plenty catchments from 2017/2018.

“This programme of work will take time and we’ll be extending it throughout the region as we progress it,” he said. “So if you’re interested but not from one of the first areas to be set up, keep an eye out in your community, and on our website for updates.”

ends

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