Newsletter - 26 March 2009

Welcome to this update on the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

Stakeholder Workshops

Last week we began the first of our stakeholder workshops in Darfield (26 people), Christchurch (70) and Culverden (20). The workshops familiarised participants with the four alternative strategies for the management of water presented in the discussion document.

This week there are follow-on workshops in these same three areas. The emphasis will move to filling out the strategies with specifics about projects and actions relating to each strategy.

There is a growing acknowledgement and willingness to work together for the best possible outcomes of all sectors of the community. People are keen to move away from the current mechanisms that polarise the various sectors of the community.

People Want Change

It is becoming increasingly evident stakeholders want change. The "Business as Usual" option - strategy A - has received little support. There is a significant emphasis on encouraging more efficient use of water.

At the second sessions this week the emphasis will be on the viability and mechanics of the alternative strategies - what's going to work? How will it work? Who will be responsible? What might it cost?

Next Round of Workshops

In the week beginning 30 March workshops will begin in South Canterbury. The schedule is as follows:

Ashburton
March 31 and April 7
Ashburton College Library, Walnut Ave

Timaru
April 1 and 8
Greyway Lounge. Phar Lap Raceway

Twizel
April 2 and 9
Twizel Events Centre - Community Room

All workshops start at 7.00pm and run for 2.5 hours. If you wish to register for a meeting please email info@canterburywater.org.nz or phone 0800 677 748.

Please include your name, address and email address so that we can continue to keep you informed.

To find out more information about the Canterbury Water Management Strategy please go to: www.canterburywater.org.nz.

Next Steps

Feedback received from the stakeholder workshops will help shape the public consultation document that will be sent out to all Canterbury households at the end of April inviting feedback and submissions.

A series of public meetings will be held in the middle of May in the following locations:

  • Christchurch
  • Rolleston
  • Little River
  • Ashburton
  • Fairlie
  • Kaikoura
  • Timaru
  • Amberley
  • Waimate

The final strategy that will provide the long-term direction for the management of water in the Canterbury region is due for completion at the end of October. Based on wider public opinion the final strategy could well end up being a combination of the four alternative strategies currently up for discussion or a variation of any one of the strategies that receives the greatest popular support.