MEDIA ADVISORY

26 June 2013

Christchurch–West Melton Zone Committee Meeting

The Christchurch City Council will tomorrow (29 May) brief the Christchurch–West Melton Zone Water Committee on key components of the draft Avon Stormwater Management Plan.

The Committee, which was formed in late 2011 to work with the community on water management, has identified stormwater as a critical barrier to implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) in the zone.

Its Zone Implementation Programme includes a number of priority outcomes related to improving stormwater impacts. Also at its monthly meeting tomorrow, the committee will welcome four newly elected members. They are Chris Kelliher, Hamish Keown, Jane Doogue and Lan Pham.

Chris Kelliher lives north of West Melton where he grazes livestock and holds a small irrigation consent. Chris has extensive experience in the banking sector. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce, and is a keen fisherman.

Hamish Keown lives in Riccarton and is currently the chairperson of Christchurch Ōtautahi Youth Council. Hamish is studying for a Bachelor of Environmental Management and Planning.

Jane Doogue lives in Cashmere and has a background in communications and community engagement. She has recently completed a Master of Environment Policy and Management, and holds undergraduate degrees in Commerce and Arts. Jane enjoys many outdoor recreational pursuits.

Lan Pham lives in Opawa and has a strong interest in freshwater ecosystems. Lan is a director of a recently-formed freshwater conservation trust which works with community groups in Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Lan holds a Master of Science in Freshwater Ecology, is a member of the New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society and the New Zealand Association for Environment Education.

A presentation by the Avon Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust will update the committee on current community conversations about water management.

The committee will also discuss communications and engagement initiatives to raise its profile and maximise public engagement opportunities.

Zone Committee meeting information:

Christchurch-West Melton Water Committee meeting

5:00pm, Thursday 29 May

The Boardroom, Fendalton Service Centre

For an agenda see the West Melton Zone Committee page at www.ecan.govt.nz/canterburywater.

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