Public input sought into resource management planning framework

Public input into a document which sets the framework for resource management in Canterbury for the next 10 to 15 years is being sought by Environment Canterbury.

Commissioner Peter Skelton said public input at this stage of the document’s development was important to ensure the organisation produces the best and most robust policy framework for the region possible.

“The Canterbury Regional Policy Statement provides an overview of the significant resource management issues facing the region. It will also provide the first step in setting the Canterbury Water Management Strategy within the Resource Management Act planning framework.”

The Regional Policy Statement sets out objectives, policies and methods to address the region’s resource management issues, and achieve the integrated management of the region’s natural and physical resources.

“This draft we have released for comment substantially updates, and will eventually replace, the 1998 policy statement, and is the result of four years’ work which includes extensive consultation with Canterbury local authorities and Ngāi Tahu,” he said.

“Since we last reviewed this policy statement the Canterbury Water Management Strategy has been developed with wide community input and support. The freshwater chapter of this policy statement sets out expectations that regional and district plans will support the implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.”

Te Runanga o Ngāi Tahu CEO Anake Goodall said Ngāi Tahu was pleased to be part of the constructive consultative process followed for the development of the policy statement.

“Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga were very pleased to contribute to the development of this document as effective resource management in Canterbury is of critical importance to Ngāi Tahu. We will continue to take a close interest in its further development over the coming months.”

Commissioner Skelton said it was important that the community got involved while the document was in draft form, before the formal notification process got underway early next year.

“We want this to be a robust framework which provides high quality guidance to the management of Canterbury’s natural resources for at least the next decade. We need the community to identify any potential issues in the draft now, so when we undertake the formal process next year that process proceeds smoothly.”

The draft is being released for comment until December 3, 2010, and is available on the Environment Canterbury website (www.ecan.govt.nz), Environment Canterbury offices, public libraries throughout the region, and available free on a CD from Environment Canterbury customer services (ecinfo@ecan.govt.nz, phone 0800 324 636 or 03 353 9007). A hard copy will also be available for purchase from Environment Canterbury.

Feedback can be provided through the online submission form at www.ecan.govt.nz/rpsreview, in writing, or by e-mail to mailroom@ecan.govt.nz