government proposes a new water management strategy
“The days of taking unlimited use of water for granted are over” according to Agriculture and Forestry Minister Jim Anderton.
The Government is set to establish a strategic and national approach to sustainable management of freshwater. The reasoning behind this is that freshwater needs to be used more efficiently, and to be free of contamination.
David Benson-Pope, the Minister of Environment acknowledged ‘the importance of freshwater as a foundation of the nation’s social, cultural, environmental and economical wellbeing.’
The increasing demand and competition for freshwater means that the Government has to establish a dynamic and flexible strategy of freshwater management. The Governments current strategy is to establish a leadership group that will report to the Minister of Environment, and The Minster of Agriculture. To establish policy that sustainable manages the increasing use of water and to protect the environment and use of freshwater.
There have been extensive consultations with the public.
The Federated Farmers group have raised their concerns over this matter, and will try to prevent any decisions that will have a negative impact on the use of water to farmers. Currently 70% of New Zealand fresh water is used in irrigated agriculture. This industry contributes $1 billion per year to the New Zealand economy.
In July 2005 Maori were consulted and a number of issues were raised. Maori want to be in partnership with the Crown in the decision of this proposal and not just another Stake holder. The UN Special Rapportuer highlighted the aspirations of Tangata Whenua to retain and reclaim their decision making capability over intrinsic matters, and this was a right they have as indigenous peoples.
Another issue raised through the consultations is that Maori have customary and Treaty rights in freshwater and should therefore have the ability to participate in the decision making process. Not all concerns have been taken into consideration in the development of this plan.
There may be negative impacts on customary rights, and the issue may evolve to another seabed and foreshore matter.
Freshwater will remain in the public domain and regional councils will still be responsible for its management, the government will provide tools to assist in this area.
The government may allow consent transfers, which may lead to limited tradable rights and commercial trading rights
The three main keys to the strategy are:
- to improve the quality and efficient use of freshwater, building and enhancing partnerships
- to improve the management of undesirable effects of land use on water quality
- to provide for growing demand on water resources and encourage water management
More information is available here, Governments Press release
