We have adopted a collaborative, community-led approach to environmentally-sustainable water management. By sharing some of our discoveries, challenges and solutions following the launch of our Canterbury Water Management Strategy in 2009, we hope to help others too.
New beginnings
We started talking about what water means to specific communities rather than what it means to us.
Empowering communities
Communities drive the decision-making process and find long-term solutions that are acceptable to everyone.
Working with mana whenua
Mā te mahi ngātahi i te aokōwhai, ka eke tātou tatou — the work will be successful through unity.
Collaborative planning
Genuine collaborative planning requires starting from scratch.
Communicating technical information
Communities need meaningful information that is easy to understand.
New ways of working
We have built cross-sectional teams and are developing holistic solutions from the outset.
Looking ahead
Working together is key to achieving sustainable water management over the long-term.