Environment

June 2010 - Canterbury Water Management Strategy

The Christchurch Branch of NCWNZ made a submission to the Environment Canterbury Draft Annual Plan 2010/2011 on the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

The Branch already had policy on the need for legislation to control the quality of inland waters and to protect aquatic ecosystems. The public ownership of water supplies was also supported, especially since ratepayers would still be contributing some $78 million in the 2010/2011 year.

It was considered that the removal of elected commissioners impinged the Democratic Process.

The branch raised questions about how, in the 2010-11 year, members will address the democratic accountability and transparency of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, and its ethical responsibility to the Canterbury residents, particularly regarding preserving water quality in Canterbury for future generations.

A letter was also sent to Government from National President, Elizabeth Bang, protesting the dismissal of elected officials of the Canterbury Regional Council. There was concern that this set a very worrying precedent.

In conclusion NCWNZ asked that further consideration be given by the Government to the Ecan Act, with the purpose or restoring democratic rights and increasing public participation in the allocation of use of water in the Canterbury area.