Circuit breaker for improving freshwater management?

Circuit breaker for improving freshwater management?

The Land and Water Forum’s latest report proposes a potential circuit breaker with its innovative solutions to improving freshwater management, says Water New Zealand’s chief executive Murray Gibb.

“The report is welcomed and its recommendations are supported by Water New Zealand as Government, local government, farming and environmental interests have struggled for a decade or more to come up with solutions to water issues,” he said.

“Competing interests with different objectives for water have created a wicked problem in terms of getting agreement on how much can be taken from waterways and the quantum of contaminants that can be discharged into them.”

“Wicked problems require innovative solutions,” he said.

“The innovative solution proposed by the Forum is to turn the consultation process on its head. This makes logical sense, because it should sort out differences before rules are written.”

“Before rules for water are drawn up, collaborative processes between potentially competing and conflicting interests are recommended. This should sort out of differences between parties at the front end of planning processes.”

“At present draft water plans are written and then subjected to consultation and notification. Where there isn’t agreement, plans can be subject to drawn out, expensive and escalating appeals through the Environment and High Courts.

“Currently water plans can take up to 12 years or more to be put in place or changed. That’s way too long for effective business and community decision making,” Murray Gibb said.

Water New Zealand is an independent not for profit association of water professionals and organisations. It is the country's largest water industry body, providing leadership and support in the water sector through advocacy, collaboration and professional development. Members are drawn from all areas of the water management industry including regional councils and territorial authorities, consultants, suppliers, government agencies and scientists. See www.waternz.org.nz for more information.

ENDS

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