21 December 2015

Banks Peninsula Zone Committee appoints community members

Three community members have been appointed to the Banks Peninsula Zone Committee, one of ten committees in Canterbury responsible for delivering the community’s goals for water.

Community memberships are refreshed annually to ensure a wide range of views are reflected. Ian Lloyd is a new appointment to the committee. He is a water engineer specialising in catchment management and irrigation, and he runs a beef breeding and forestry operation in Le Bons Bay.

Pam Richardson and Steve Lowndes have been reappointed to the committee and the other community members are Paula Smith, Thomas Kulpe, Kevin Simcock, and Claire Findlay.

Christina Robb, Programme Manager Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS), said the selection process focussed on finding people who can see others’ points of views and work collaboratively to find solutions for water issues.

“The CWMS is an innovative approach to managing fresh water. It’s about finding the best ways to restore our environment and provide for viable farming and communities throughout the region.

“We were pleased with the quality of the applicants and we’re sure the committee has a good balance of community representatives who are passionate about making a positive difference to local water management.

“By reappointing Pam and Steve the selection panel recognised their contribution and commitment to the committee over many years. They also appreciated the mix of technical water management and farming expertise that Ian will bring.

“Each zone committee is focused on local actions to deliver the goals of the CWMS by encouraging good management practices from all land users and improving natural values while allowing for a reliable and safe water supply,” she said.

Recently the Banks Peninsula Zone Committee has been focussed on developing water management recommendations for the Wairewa Catchment, supporting the restoration of natural values through its Immediate Steps fund, and ensuring safe supply of community water.

Next year the committee will work with the community in the Whakaraupō/Lyttelton catchment and identify opportunities to fund stream bank erosion control and riparian planting in the Wairewa catchment.

The Banks Peninsula Zone Committee is a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Christchurch City Council. Each zone committee has four to nine community members, an Environment Canterbury Commissioner, Councillors from the relevant District Council/s, and representatives from Ngāi Tahu Rūnanga.

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