IrrigationNZ applauds decision to withdraw

December 21 2010
Media Statement

IrrigationNZ applauds decision to withdraw

The decision by recreational groups to withdraw their application for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River has been applauded by Irrigation New Zealand.

The New Zealand and North Canterbury Fish and Game Councils, and Whitewater NZ have withdrawn the ‘Order’ application in favour of focusing on the collaborative process of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) to formulate a catchment plan for the Hurunui and Waiau River catchments.

“This is a good move and shows commitment and vision to the principles of the CWMS process,” Irrigation NZ chairman Graeme Sutton said as he applauded the decision.

“It only makes sense to have one process going forward and that’s clearly the objective of the CWMS. We have seen multiple processes in the past and they have not been effective in achieving amicable outcomes.”

The way forward is catchment-based water management with the optimal plan being achieved through a collaborative approach.

“IrrigationNZ looks forward to working in this collaborative process as the community works towards achieving the productive delivery of an optimal water management plan for the future,” Sutton concluded.

In June this year, the Hurunui-Waiau zone committee was the first to be set up under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

The aim is to work with all stakeholders to achieve an integrated and forward-looking planning and consenting framework for the Hurunui catchment.

ENDS

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