Canterbury Water Management Strategy endorsed by all Canterbury councils

All ten Canterbury territorial authorities and Environment Canterbury have now each formally endorsed the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

“We are gaining real momentum for the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, which is being implemented after two years of planning and widespread public consultation,” said Bede O’Malley, chairman of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy Steering Group and Mayor of Ashburton.

The final council on board, Waitaki District Council, voted to endorse the Canterbury Water Management Strategy on Thursday 25 February, Kaikoura District Council last week and all other councils voted to endorse the Strategy late last year.

“The Canterbury Water Management Strategy provides for a collaborative approach to water management in Canterbury and getting to this point – with endorsement by all 11 councils – demonstrates the commitment from all involved to find community-led solutions for water issues in the region.”

The Canterbury Water Management Strategy is being implemented by Environment Canterbury in conjunction with Canterbury territorial authorities, central government, Ngai Tahu, as well as key water stakeholders.

“We believe the Canterbury Water Management Strategy will allow us to get decision-making around water issues out of the courts and into the community where it belongs.”

“The green light this week from the Mayoral Forum for zone and regional water management committees to be set up is another major milestone,” said Bede O’Malley.

“These committees are the backbone of the Strategy and will comprise local people seeking local solutions for the best use of the water resource,” he said.

“The local councils want to get zones in their areas up and running quickly and the Mayoral Forum is supporting their enthusiasm to move forward.

“The Mayoral Forum believes that this collaborative, community-driven approach is the way to go. We need to bring stakeholders together and move past the traditional conflicts. The Canterbury Water Management Strategy does this.”

“The territorial authorities will have a major role in supporting and working with the local zone committees to ensure effective implementation programmes in line with the targets set under the Strategy.

“Now we have full endorsement this process can move forward in a co-ordinated and efficient manner.

“It is very encouraging that all Canterbury councils support and recognise the importance of the fundamentals of the Strategy – .to balance the cultural, economic, environmental and social well-beings for Canterbury communties,” concludes Bede O’Malley.

ENDS

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