Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee calling for expressions of interest

The Canterbury Water Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee is looking to appoint two new members to its committee.

The places have become available due to the withdrawal of two members for personal reasons.

Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee Acting Chair Terrianna Smith says the committee is looking for people who want to make a positive difference to how water is managed in the region.

“Since forming in September last year we have attended numerous committee meetings, field-trips and community engagement meetings to come up-to-speed with the major issues facing water management in our zone.

“The outcome of these meetings has been the development of a draft Zone Implementation Programme that provides recommendations to councils on how water should be managed.

“This is an exciting time for us as a committee, and for the Selwyn-Waihora community, to be able to have an influence on the future our precious resource. We are looking for people who have a passion for our region and a real interest in working collaboratively to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to join the committee,” she said.

Each of the ten Canterbury Water zone committees are charged with developing strategies, tactics and activities (Zone Implementation Programmes) to give effect to the fundamental principles and targets outlined in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS).

These targets include ecosystem health/biodiversity (including water quality), drinking water, water-use efficiency, irrigated land area, recreational and amenity opportunities, natural character of braided rivers, kaitiakitanga and regional/national economy.

The Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee has recently released its draft Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for community feedback at a series of public meetings.

The successful zone committee applicants will need to be available to attend monthly meetings, as well as community engagement meetings as required.

Terrianna Smith says the committee is seeking people with conservation, biodiversity, and recreation interests.

“To preserve the balance of the committee we are looking for candidates with a special interest in conservation / biodiversity and recreation. They should also understand the need to balance the competing demands for water, and it is preferable they live in the zone, or have a significant relationship with it.

“We are particularly looking for people who have experience working collaboratively, engaging with communities, and are competent at dealing with technical and often complex issues. We are sure there will be many people in the region who share the same passion as us and wish to put their names forward,” she said.

Expression of interest forms are downloadable here and can be sent to bronwyn.hardaker@ecan.govt.nz along with a CV by Friday, 25 November, 2011.

The Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee is a joint committee of the Christchurch City and Selwyn Councils, and Environment Canterbury. The Selwyn-Waihora Zone takes in Lakes Ellesmere (Te Waihora) and Coleridge and the townships of Leeston, Lincoln, Hororata, Darfield, Rolleston and Springfield.