Independent and experienced commissioners

Waikato Regional Council director of science and strategy Waikato Regional Council is calling for registrations of interest for five independent commissioners to sit on a panel to hear submissions on Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora: Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1.

Advertisements went out last week on the Government Electronic Tenders service.

“We understand the level of interest and the importance of the proposed plan to our community and we are seeking highly experienced and independent commissioners,” said Waikato Regional Council director of science and strategy Tracey May.

The selection process requires advanced experience working with the Resource Management Act 1991 and an understanding of the legislation that underpins the direction setting document for the management of the Waikato and Waipa river catchments, Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa oWaikato (The Vision and Strategy for the Waikato and Waipa¯ Rivers), as well as the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (2014). A knowledge of the Waikato and Waipa¯ river catchments is also considered advantageous.

The five selected will be recommended by a subgroup of Te Ropu Haatu, the Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora steering group. This subgroup will include two Waikato Regional Council directors, two iwi managers and one representative from the Waikato River Authority.

Recommendations for the appointment of the five commissioners will then be made to the Healthy Rivers Wai Ora Committee and the on to the full council for consideration.

More than 1000 submissions on the proposed plan change are currently being summarised. Summaries are expected to be available mid-year. Hearings are due to commence in early 2018 with Commissioners giving their recommendations in mid-2018.

We understand the level of interest and the importance of the proposed plan to our community and we are seeking highly experienced and independent commissioners. TRACEY MAY