Waimakariri seeks water management committee

Call for Waimakariri people to apply for zone water management committee

People with an interest in water management in the Waimakariri district are being urged to put their names forward, or nominate someone else, for the Waimakariri Water Management Zone Committee which will be formed in July.

“The Waimakariri Water Management Zone Committee will need capable, committed people if it is to be effective in giving our community a real say in decisions on water management,” said Waimakariri Mayor Ron Keating.

“In addition, committee members will need to have the ability to work collaboratively and with the community to develop creative solutions to water management issues.”

The Waimakariri Water Management Zone Committee will be formed as a joint committee of Waimakariri District Council and Environment Canterbury, with boundaries common with the Waimakariri district.

A series of four public meetings will be held around the district in May and June to give potential applicants the opportunity to hear about what is involved, as well as ask questions about the role of the zone water management committee, the Regional Committee, the Water Executive and other aspects of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

The Waimakariri Water Management Zone Committee will develop a zone implementation programme – including strategies, tactics, and activities – to give effect to the Canterbury Water Management Strategy’s principles and targets.

Committee members will be expected to attend at least two meetings a month in the first year with workshops and additional meetings as required. There will be support provided by the Councils and a modest honorarium and travel expenses paid to committee members.

About the Canterbury Water Management Strategy

The Canterbury Water Management Strategy marks a paradigm shift in water management.

It provides for integrated management of the cumulative effects of water abstraction and land-use intensification, allows for water allocation decisions addressing environmentally sustainable limits, as well as actions to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, amenity values and natural character.

The vision and fundamental principles of the Strategy are embodied in the new Environment Canterbury Temporary Commissioners Act, giving status in legislation.

The Strategy – published as a Framework Document in November 2009 – has been developed over the past six years through extensive public stakeholder consultation, a process led by the Canterbury Mayoral Forum and overseen by a Steering Group made up of representatives including Ngai Tahu, irrigation interests, recreational groups, and environmental advocates.
The Strategy includes short, medium and long-term targets for: ecosystem health and biodiversity (including water quality); drinking water; water-use efficiency; irrigated land area; recreational and amenity opportunities; braided rivers; kaitiakitanga; as well as regional and national economic issues.

Information for applicants

For more information, including a backgrounder for applicants, an application form, a zone map, a printable PDF of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy and other documents, please visit www.canterburywater.org.nz

Expressions of interest must be received on the appropriate form by 18 June 2010, and must be from people who either live in the Waimakariri district or can demonstrate a close connection with the area.
Public meetings schedule
Note: all meetings start at 7pm
Rangiora Monday 24 May
WDC Council Chambers, Rangiora

Waikuku Thursday 27 May
Waikuku Beach Hall

Kaiapoi Monday 31 May
Kaiapoi Workingsmen Club

Oxford Wednesday 9 June
Oxford Jaycee Room

ENDS