Exploring an integrated freshwater management approach for the Waitaki catchment

Management is currently shared between Otago and Canterbury Regional Councils according to a complex and confusing planning framework, making it hard to keep track of water allocation or actual water use and particularly hard for any organisation operating on both sides of the regional boundary.

This complexity also makes it difficult for Papatipu Rūnaka to access natural resources or contribute to achieving better outcomes for the river and land in the catchment.

Because water allocation is managed under separate legislation, and because the river is managed across regional council boundaries, the regulatory environment that supports the health and wellbeing of the river and the wider community, is disjointed and complex.

An integrated management approach would consider all the issues relating to water (quality and quantity) in the catchment as a whole, as well as other plans they may affect such as pest management, biodiversity, landscape values etc.

A working group has been formed to progress the investigation. It comprises representatives from Otago Regional Council, Environment Canterbury, Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua, Te Rūnaka o Waihao, and Te Rūnaka o Moeraki.

At the end of the investigation and depending on its outcome, a report and recommendation will be made to both councils, who will then decide whether to progress to the next stage.

There are many issues and perspectives to be considered, such as:

• nationally significant renewable power generation
• the rights of land users and those currently with consents to take and use water in the catchment
• and the unique landscape and values of the area.