Media release
22 December 2015

Ashburton Zone Committee appoints community members

Two community members have been appointed to the Ashburton Zone Committee, one of ten committees in Canterbury responsible for delivering the community’s goals for water.

Community memberships are refreshed annually to ensure a wide range of views are reflected.

William Thomas is a new appointment to the committee. William’s family has farmed the historic Longbeach Estate for more than 150 years. William is a member of the Eiffelton Irrigation Scheme and has 17 years’ experience as a commercial director, including directorship of PGG Wrightson Ltd.

Donna Field was reappointed to the committee. She has chaired the zone committee for the last two years. John Henry will replace Karl Russell as the Arowhenua representative on the committee.

The other community representatives on the Ashburton Zone Committee are Ben Curry, Jackie Wright, Chris Allen, Gordon Guthrie and Craig Fowles.

Christina Robb, Programme Manager Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS), said the selection process focussed on finding people who can see others’ points of views and work collaboratively to find solutions for water issues.

“The CWMS is an innovative approach to managing fresh water. It’s about finding the best ways to restore our environment and provide for viable farming and communities throughout the region.

“We were pleased with the quality of the applicants and we’re sure the committee has a good balance of community representatives who are passionate about making a positive difference to local water management.

“By reappointing Donna the selection panel recognised her contribution and commitment to the committee over many years. They also appreciated the knowledge and expertise in the irrigation sector that William will bring.

“Each zone committee is focused on local actions to deliver the goals of the CWMS by encouraging good management practices from all land users and improving natural values while allowing for a reliable and safe water supply,” she said.

Recently the Ashburton Zone Committee has been focussed on working with the community to develop recommendations around the Hinds Catchment, working with farmers to implement Farm Environment Plans, and helping to facilitate water user groups.

Next year the committee will continue its work with is neighbouring zones on delivering CWMS goals in alpine and braided rivers and begin community discussions on environmental limits for the area between the Ashburton and Rakaia Rivers.

The Ashburton Zone Committee is a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Ashburton District Council. Each zone committees has four to nine community members, an Environment Canterbury Commissioner, councillors from the relevant District Council/s, and representatives from Ngāi Tahu Rūnanga.

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