Hon Dr Nick Smith

Minister for the Environment

30 November 2010

Media Statement

NZ can get better value from water, report shows

New data suggests New Zealand could be getting better economic value out of its freshwater, Environment Minister Nick Smith says.

Dr Smith today released the findings of a Ministry for the Environment report on freshwater allocation consents at the Hawke’s Bay Water Symposium. The Water Allocation Data 2009-10 report finds most regions use less than 50% of the water allowed to be taken under resource consent. Southland (74%) and Canterbury (57%) have the highest percentages of actual use.

“Some businesses may be missing out on having access to water as, on paper at least, the resource is fully allocated,” Dr Smith said. “This report reinforces the usefulness of measuring our water take so we can manage it to get the best value possible out of it, while protecting the environmental values of our lakes and rivers.

“New water measuring and reporting regulations that came into force on 10 November will help us do just that, and are a significant step forward. This data is important as it fills a gap in our knowledge so we have better information to assist water management.

“The fact that allocated water has doubled in the last decade illustrates the increased importance of water but also the growth in pressure on this natural resource.”

Most consents granted are for irrigation (75%), public water (9%), industry (9%) and stock supply (6%). The total amount of water allocated by resource consent per year is about three times the volume of Lake Taupo per year. Peak usage in summer is sufficient to fill 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools every minute.

“Water is generally plentiful in New Zealand, but not always in the right place at the right time. That’s why we need to carefully manage our freshwater resource so that we look after the environment in areas where there is growing scarcity, while maximising our economic opportunities,” Dr Smith said.

“An important part of the Government’s economic reform programme is improving the management of our water. The Government is looking forward to the public response to proposals of the Land and Water Forum which recommends more than 50 changes to improve the systems for managing water quality and allocation.”

ENDS

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