MEDIA RELEASE

Local government supports government move to improve process for Waitaki applications

For immediate release on 15 August 2003

Local Government New Zealand supports the government’s move to consult interested parties on the possibility of a better process for deciding resource consents for the Waitaki water.

“The focus of the consultation is on achieving a better process so that the decisions are informed by all the relevant information and is transparent,” says Richard Johnson, Chair of Environment Canterbury.

“We are pleased that the government has made this first step in working in partnership with local government to develop a mechanism that provides a fair, equitable and environmentally sound solution,” says Mr Johnson.

The government is working with local authorities involved in the Waitaki catchment area to get their views on the proposed intervention and how to develop the best process.

Elected representatives from six councils in the Waitaki catchment, chaired by Mr Johnson, met today with senior officials from the Ministry for the Environment to discuss the government’s proposal.

The local authorities involved support the Minister in stopping the current resource processes to enable an alternative to be developed, because:

- There is a need to address shortcomings in the existing RMA process for the Waitaki catchment
- There is value in comparing the merits of the different proposals
- There must be a strategic consideration of wider issues affecting the sustainable use of water in the Waitaki catchment.

Ends

Local Government New Zealand is the national voice of all 86 councils of New Zealand.

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