About us
The Canterbury Strategic Water Study was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Ministry for the Environment (MfE) and Environment Canterbury (ECan) following the severe drought of 1998. The drought raised concerns about whether Canterbury would run out of water in the future.
Overall leadership for the Canterbury Strategic Water Study lies with the Canterbury Mayoral Forum with oversight and direction provided by a Steering Group.
The Mayoral Forum
The Mayoral Forum is made up of the mayors, supported by the chief executives, of all Canterbury councils. The Forum’s role in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy is to represent the full Canterbury region as steward of the strategy. The Canterbury Mayoral Forum is committed to the programme and to the widespread public consultation that will help ensure balance is struck between the range of interests.
Under its Charter the Canterbury Mayoral Forum can co-opt others to work on specific projects. The Canterbury Water Management Strategy Steering Group is an example of this.
Mayoral Forum members
More information
The Steering Group
Appointed by and reporting to the Mayoral Forum, the Steering Group is chaired by Ashburton Mayor and Forum member Bede O’Malley and includes a range of local government and community group representation including environmental, farming, industry and recreational interests.
Environment Canterbury
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is a member of the Mayoral Forum. As the organisation with statutory responsibility for water management in Canterbury, ECan has a central interest in planning for its wise use in the long term. It has been involved in the project since it began, providing project management, audit, finance and administrative support.
Others involved
A number of other key organisations and people are involved in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy programme.