New land use report promotes integrated approach

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE), Simon Upton has released a new report about land use management in New Zealand/Aotearoa: “Going with the Grain, Changing land uses to fit a changing landscape".

Our Science Director Dr Tim Davie said the comprehensive report identifies the many challenges with and barriers to land use change, from regulatory complexity to climate change, and acknowledged the recommendation for an integrated, catchment-based approach.

“We value how the report covers ways the community can become more involved in this important conversation for our future,” he said.

“In Waitaha/Canterbury we can be proud of what we have achieved over many years working with mana whenua and our water zone committees following the establishment of the collaborative Canterbury Water Management Strategy by the Mayoral Forum.

Catchment-based solutions

“This has given us a sound platform from which we can build catchment-based solutions to water quality and related challenges, always underpinned by sound science,” Davie said.

“We also welcome the PCE’s recommendation that mana whenua and regional councils should have a pivotal role in any new regime.

“We are well positioned to work in partnership and to act as a conduit to what is happening on the ground,” Davie said.

“Our work with zone committees is a good example of this. The importance of local leadership is well known in the community and we know that shared decision-making can work well. Community members can tell us what’s going on in their area and what may be possible for their future.”

The Canterbury Mayoral Forum has commissioned a review of the most effective mechanisms for local management of water resources. The review will include the role of zone committees and future options for catchment groups. 

“This is the start of a new phase of drawing on broad regional experience and we are always learning and adapting as we go,” Davie said. “For example, since the time nutrient limits were first imposed at property level, we have adapted limit-setting to account for the receiving environment in a better way.”

Read the new report “Going with the Grain, Changing land uses to fit a changing landscape" on the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment's website.