Cultural values flow in new water rules

Tighter rules for managing stock near fresh waterways and earmarking some water for “cultural enhancement” are proposals under consideration by Northland Regional Council.

The council’s draft plan includes new rules and targets to improve the health of Northland’s rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands and groundwater.

It covers new rules for managing stock access to waterways and highly erodible land, as well as a policy that would set aside 20% of unallocated water for environmental and cultural enhancement, are among the changes being considered.

Council chairperson Geoff Crawford acknowledged the changes being considered could have a big impact on landowners: “It’s important for people to share their feedback to help us refine the plan so we come out with something that will work for our community as well as our waterways.

“The more feedback we get, the better informed our decisions will be.”

Council deputy chairperson Tui Shortland said the council was committed to work closely with tāngata whenua as it progressed the plan.

“Tāngata whenua have responsibilities as kaitiaki and rangatira to protect freshwater, and it’s important that our Freshwater Plan Change supports tāngata whenua to participate in managing freshwater and upholds our obligations as a Te Tiriti partner,” Shortland said.

“That means enabling tāngata whenua to participate actively in freshwater management and decision-making so whānau, marae, hapū and iwi can fulfil their roles and responsibilities through mātauranga Māori, kawa and tikanga.

“We’re keen to hear feedback on whether our draft achieves that.”

Crawford said Northland Regional Council’s decision to continue with the consultation on the proposals made sense. He is encouraging people to have their say on the draft before the March 31 deadline.

“We have major challenges with our freshwater quality. We need a plan for improving the health of our water, and we need input from across the region to help shape the future management of freshwater in Northland,” he said.

The new government has extended the deadline for council to release its proposed plan, the next phase of the process, from 2024 to 2027.

Crawford said the extension meant council was no longer required to release the proposed plan by the end of this year.

“We’ll be using the additional time to continue working with tāngata whenua and the primary sector to develop a balanced approach to freshwater management. This will make sure we are well placed to meet the new deadline and adapt to any future changes the Government makes to national freshwater policy.”

The consultation has already attracted considerable interest, with more than 480 people registering for the online hui, and a series of drop-in sessions held around the region betweenDecember 7 last year and February 22 this year to give people an opportunity to find information and ask questions of council staff and councillors proving popular.