Community water protection group Aotearoa Water Action is holding a public rally in Cathedral Square at 12 noon on Saturday 1 December to highlight community opposition to the proposal by Cloud Ocean Water Limited to begin taking water from a deep aquifer beneath the suburb of Belfast.

The Christchurch City Council has previously expressed its concern that the taking of water from the aquifer may adversely affect drinking water bores in the northern suburbs of Christchurch, and Council’s ability to meet the water needs of future residents and businesses.

AWA spokesperson Genevieve Robinson said: ‘The idea that it is OK for corporate water miners to be given the right to put the community’s water security at risk for the sake of private profit is completely misguided. We are living in a time of climate breakdown and severe world-wide water shortages. We need to prioritise protecting this precious gift for our future generations.’

Commissioner Richard Fowler QC has been appointed by Environment Canterbury to make a decision on whether to publicly notify Cloud Ocean’s application. AWA’s request to make a submission on the notification issue was declined by the Commissioner.

‘We are disappointed that we haven’t been given the opportunity to provide information to the Commissioner’ said AWA’s co-convenor Peter Richardson. ‘We don’t see how he can make a properly informed decision when all he will have to guide him is Cloud Ocean’s application.’

The rally will feature music and a range of speakers from the community. Children are welcome.

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