12 October 2011

Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee draft ZIP released for feedback

The Canterbury Water Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee has released its Draft Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for public feedback.

The draft ZIP recommends actions, responsibilities and time-frames for activities to help achieve the principles, targets and goals set out in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS).

The Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee’s draft ZIP is the fourth to be made available for public feedback, with Hurunui-Waiau’s final ZIP having been submitted to councils in late August.

Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee Acting Chair Terrianna Smith says the completion of the draft ZIP is the culmination of months of hard work by the zone committee.

“The Selwyn-Waihora Draft ZIP has been developed following numerous committee meetings and extensive stakeholder and community engagement to gather information about the region’s water resource.

“The recommendations made in the draft programme of work are designed to enable present and future generations the greatest environmental, cultural, social and economic benefits from the region’s water.

“We now want to hear what local people like and don’t like about the recommendations and whether there are other things they think should be included,” she said.

In late June public meetings were held in the Selwyn district to discuss water management priorities. The feedback from the meetings helped guide the committee’s draft ZIP for water management.

Further public meetings will be held in late October and mid-November to give people a chance to have a say on the draft ZIP.

The draft Selwyn-Waihora ZIP includes recommendations on four key priority areas; Te Waihora and the lowlands, biodiversity, water supply, as well as voluntary approaches to water and nutrient management.

Terrianna Smith says how water is allocated and used is crucial to the future of the region so people should feel compelled to have their say.

“The underlying philosophy of the CWMS is that local communities should be making decisions on local water management. The committee’s draft ZIP brings together our recommendations on how to deliver these goals.

“We have worked with our community and stakeholders to develop this programme of work and we know it may not be the ideal outcome for every individual, group, or even zone committee member so we are sure people will want to provide their feedback on our recommendations,” she said.

The draft Selwyn-Waihora ZIP is the first attempt by the zone committee to reach a consensus on water management for the Selwyn-Waihora zone and identify the first steps that need to be taken.

It contains 85 recommendations to councils and stakeholders.

Community members will have until 18 November to provide their feedback on the Selwyn-Waihora Draft ZIP.

This can be done online at www.ecan.govt/canterburywater, or by collecting a copy of the draft ZIP from Environment Canterbury (Ellesmere Centre, 24 Edward Street, Lincoln), Selwyn District Council (2 Norman Kirk Drive Rolleston), Christchurch City Council, or by attending one of the public meetings.

Community Engagement meeting details

Wednesday 26 October 7-9pm – Darfield Library / Service Centre (1 South Terrace, Darfield)
Thursday 27 October 7-9pm – Leeston Library / Service Centre (19 Messines St, Leeston)
Wednesday 16 November 2-4pm* – Stewart Building, Lincoln University (Ellesmere Junction Road/Springs Road)*The meeting on 16 November is part of an all day seminar on Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere. From 2pm the focus will be on Canterbury Water and the Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee’s draft implementation programme. Registration is required for this two-hour session (visit www.wet.org.nz).

ENDS

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