14 September 2016
Survey reveals Environmental Views of Wellington region Council Candidates

Friends of the Hutt River has today published results from a survey of council candidates in the Wellington region on environmental issues, including freshwater management and how they think the Hutt River should be managed.

“The survey is a good way to collect information to help inform citizens when they are casting their vote in the upcoming local elections,” said Pat van Berkel, chairperson of Friends of the Hutt River.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to make candidates aware of the wonderful Hutt River and the issues it faces.”

The survey was distributed to all 160 candidates standing for councils that are supplied with water from the Hutt River.

It asked a range of questions, including what candidates knew about issues facing the Hutt River and what they would do to solve them, plus whether they thought the Hutt River should be safe for recreation and swimming.

“We’re using the survey as a starting point to engage with candidates - and potential new Councillors - to get their commitment to dealing with the cyanobacteria problem that affects many summer users of the river. There will need to be significant changes to save the Hutt River from turning into a toxic dribble” said Mr van Berkel.

“It’s heartening to see that all the candidates are supportive of restoring the Hutt River to a swimmable standard. Many even expressed a lot of enthusiasm for the idea!” said Pat.

“A recent survey by Greater Wellington Regional Council showed 1 million people-per-day visits are made to the Hutt River annually. It’s a significant amenity and as the population grows, this will only increase.”

“It is time that the river is treated with care, and kaitiakitanga be applied by all Councils and citizens.”

In response to the question of the Hutt candidates and Greater Wellington candidates on what ‘branding’ should be applied to the river, the intention of Hutt City to turn the city centre towards the river was referenced often, highlighting just one of the opportunities that the river provides.

Friends of the Hutt River hope the public take the chance to read the questionnaire responses as they carry out their democratic right and responsibility to vote in the local body elections.

Survey results for all 65 candidates are available for the public to view at www.huttriver.org.nz.

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