Tukituki Catchment Proposal –Board of Inquiry Hearing

Day 21 –17 December 2013

Hawke’s Bay Fish & Game Council and Eastern Fish & Game Council (continued from 16 December)

Witnesses called:

• PGG Wrightson Consulting – Agricultural consultant – Anthony Rhodes continued giving evidence and discussing the approach to nutrient management in Tukituki Plan Change 6.

• Headlands (agribusiness consultancy) Lead Consultant – Dr Alison Dewes discussed the environmental effects and economics of land intensification in the Tukituki Catchment. She says most farmers want to do the right thing but it is important they understand the limits before any development begins. She says if farmers can’t adapt to changes we may see some exit the business.

• Perception Planning (specialist Planning consultancy) Director and Planning Consultant - Helen Marr told the board the two key areas in contention (in relation to management of nutrients) appear to be should Plan Change 6 manage nitrogen (as well as phosphorus) to control periphyton growth and what methods should Plan Change 6 use to achieve management of nitrogen and phosphorus. (Helen Marr will continue giving evidence on 18 December)

Fish & Game will continue its case on Wednesday 18 December 2013.

Rangitapu Station - James Aitken

John Aitken told the board he and his family are firmly in favour of RWSS even though they will get no direct benefit. He raised concerns about seasonal allocations in Plan Change 6 but was told the current thinking is to change this. He also spoke about the high cost of fencing dams & creeks.

Papawai Partnership – Richard & Helen Ellis

Richard Ellis told the board he and his wife supported the concept of RWSS and have signed an Expression of Interest to take water from the Scheme. However he believes it could be too expensive for them. He says Plan Change is written in a way that it limits development for those choosing not to take water from RWSS. He also raised concerns about proposals within Plan Change 6 to fence intermittent waterways.

To read daily transcripts from the hearing follow this link:

http://www.epa.govt.nz/Resource-management/Tukituki/Hearing/hearing-proceedings/Pages/Hearing%20transcript%20and%20proceedings.aspx

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