Hurunui-Waiau urged to consider Water Management

Hurunui-Waiau community urged to consider Water Management Committee

People with a close interest in the Hurunui-Waiau community are being urged to consider putting their names forward for the Hurunui-Waiau Zone Water Management Committee.

Environment Canterbury and the Hurunui District Council are calling for expressions of interest for the Committee, which is being formed as part of the implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. The expressions of interest close on Friday 26 March.

“We held four public meetings in the Hurunui-Waiau area over the past two weeks and are now urging people to put their names forward, or else encourage someone else who they believe would bring value to this zone committee,” said Environment Canterbury North Canterbury Councillor Jo Kane.

“Environment Canterbury is absolutely committed to the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

“The zone implementation programmes are about local knowledge, local accountability, and local responsibility, which will allow communities to take ownership of the issues around water management,” said Cr Jo Kane.

Garry Jackson, Mayor of Hurunui District, said the level of response and feedback from the meetings was very encouraging.

“People have been asking good questions and have been obviously thinking about their participation on the zone committee.

“The local zone committee represents a great way for the Hurunui-Waiau community to consider creative solutions for water management despite the conflict around water resource issues.”

This Hurunui-Waiau Zone Water Management Committee is being established as a joint committee of the Regional and District councils as part of the implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

Committee members will be expected to attend at least two meetings a month in the first year with workshops and additional meetings as required. There will be support provided by the Councils and a modest honorarium and travel expenses paid to committee members.

For more information, including a backgrounder for applicants, an application form, a zone map, a printable PDF of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy Framework document, and other links, please visit: www.canterburywater.org.nz

Expressions of interest must be received on the appropriate form by 26 March 2010, and must be from people who either live in the Hurunui-Waiau Zone or can demonstrate a close connection with the area.