Kaikōura Council Backs Local Water Committee

Thursday, 17 April 2025, 8:08 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Community input into water management decisions is essential, say Kaikōura councillors and community leaders.

Kaikōura district councillors and zone committee members made their support for the existing zone committee structure known to Environment Canterbury (ECan) staff during a council workshop on Wednesday, April 16.

ECan staff have been conducting a review of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) zone committees, on behalf of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum - a group of local government leaders.

Among the questions is how to engage with the wider community in the future.

Deputy Mayor Julie Howden said community members played an important role in the Kaikōura Zone Committee.

‘‘Our community members have so many connections it would be shame to lose all of that.’’

Councillors Tony Blunt and Robby Roche, who are both members of the zone committee, agreed.

‘‘I think what we’ve got works really well and it has proven itself over 14 years,’’ Cr Blunt said.

‘‘If you are performing, why change?’’ Cr Roche asked.

Kaikōura Zone Committee chairperson Ted Howard said he was concerned the committee’s work on weed control at the Waiau Toa Clarence River could be forgotten.

‘‘If we don’t stay on top of it, it will all come back. Change for the sake of change is what scares me. We’ve got to keep on top of this work.’’

Committee member Teri Sonal said she was under the impression a decision had already been made.

‘‘All this paperwork makes it look like it has been decided for us and now you are here seeking feedback.’’

The CWMS came into force in 2009, leading to the formation of 10 zone committees, which are a partnership between ECan, local councils and rūnanga.

The zone committees, which have up to seven community representatives, are due to be disestablished in June.

Under the proposed new model, local leadership groups comprising council and rūnanga representatives, will replace the zone committees.

The mayoral forum is due to meet next month to make its final recommendations.

But ECan strategy and planning senior manager Cam Smith said the final decision will be up to the councils in each zone.

He said Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle has been a vocal supporter of the Kaikōura Zone Committee.

‘‘We have heard the message from Kaikōura, which is ‘why mess with something which is working’ and Mayor Mackle has reiterated that at the mayoral forum level.

‘‘I want to emphasise that while the base model may look different, the mayors have emphasised that flexibility and local discretion is really important.’’

Once the mayoral forum has made its recommendations, local councils will submit their preferred models with a view to having new structures in place before October’s local government elections.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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