Tukituki Catchment Proposal –Board of Inquiry Hearing

Day 24 – 20 December 2013

Craig Preston Trust owner Craig Preston told the board he supported Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme as he believes it will revitalise the Central Hawke’s Bay community. However as a local farmer whose land sits in the reservoir footprint he is concerned about the adverse effects of the scheme on the nearby community.

Napier resident Paul Bailey says he has a range of concerns about RWSS and Tukituki Plan Change 6 including a lack of consultation and the approach to nutrient management in Plan Change 6.

Ngapuoterangi Hohepa Koro Te Whaiti told the board he opposes both RWSS and Plan Change 6.

Hawke’s Bay resident Dr Amelia McQueen says she opposes RWSS as she believes it will have negative impacts on the terrestrial and aquatic ecology, the environments and river/stream dynamics. She is also concerned about proposed mitigation and offset measures.

Hawke’s Bay resident Christopher Perley opposes RWSS and Plan Change 6 because he believes they will create poor social, environmental and economic outcomes for Hawke’s Bay. He is also concerned about the consultation process.

Hawke’s Bay resident Garth Eyles discussed a number of aspects of land management within Plan Change 6 including stream retirement, stock disturbance and retirement fencing.

Ian McIntosh told the board he opposes Plan Change 6 as it increases permitted nutrient levels and opposes RWSS as he feels it is financially unsustainable and there is not enough known about the environmental effects of it.

Gerard Land Design – Sarah Gerard discussed her concerns around the natural and landscape character of the Tukituki River and its tributaries and visual amenity. She will return to continue giving her submission in the New Year.

The Board of Inquiry hearing has now adjourned until January 15th 2014.
Next year the hearing will be held at Matahiwi Marae for the first two days, before moving back to the Central Hawke’s Bay Municipal Theatre in Waipawa for the final days of the hearing.

ends