Zone committee members discuss what it means to them to be part of local water management.
Southern zones spokesperson and Ashburton Water Zone Committee member, Sidinei Teixeira, says she joined her local water committee to contribute ideas and solutions to water issues in the district.
Sidinei joined the Ashburton Water Zone Committee because she wanted to collaborate with others to contribute ideas and solutions to water challenges in the district.
“I value our rivers and the ecosystem each provides to our community. I believe we can work together to ensure our precious resource has a sustainable future.
“I understand that all points of view matter - cultural, ecological, and recreational values are essential. For me, observing those values is my priority,” Sidinei said.
Read more on the Ashburton Water Zone Committee.
Glen joined the Ōrāri Temuka Opihi Pareora Water Zone Committee to give a farmer’s voice to the committee.
“I joined the committee to be part of the conversation and the solution to our water challenges.
“One of my biggest interests is around nitrates in our groundwater, it’s key to have a range of experience giving their voice to this and other issues,” he said.
Read more on the OTOP Water Zone Committee.
Mat is one of the founding members of the Upper Waitaki Water Zone Committee, he got involved after seeing a public notice for a new collaborative approach to water management that piqued his interest.
“I didn’t know what the zone committee was but what I did know was that our community was talking about water all the time. I trucked along to the meeting and the rest is history.
“The role of the water zone committee has never been more important.
“Farming systems are, in my view, the most impacted by the need for change, and the committee is proud to have farming representatives at the table helping us hold these vital discussions around water,” Mat said.
Read more on the Upper Waitaki Water Zone Committee.
Jakki says the Lower Waitaki Water Zone Committee helps people from all walks of life work together to protect our freshwater resource.
“I am passionate about how we can work with our communities to make a positive contribution to improving water quality.
This is not just a rural issue, urban living people have just as much of an impact.
“This is a conversation we all need to be having – everybody wants healthy and sustainable waterways.” Jakki said.
Read more on the Lower Waitaki Water Zone Committee.