Healthy Rivers committee formed
Waikato regional councillors have voted unanimously to establish a committee to oversee theHealthy Rivers/ WaiOra appeals process.
The four-member advisory committee will also provide guidance to staff in regard to negotiated or mediated settlements.
At Friday’s council meeting itwas agreed the committee will comprise councillors Stu Kneebone, Pamela Storey and TipaMahuta, and the chair of the independent Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora hearings panel.
Waikato Regional Council chairman Russ Rimmington said, “Our plan change has paved thewayforhow legislation to improve freshwater quality should be done inNewZealand.
“We’ve invested a lot into it and so it’s importantwekeep an eye on it as it goes through the Environment Court to ensure whatweget is able to be implemented and understood by landowners.”
Waikato Regional Plan Change 1— Waikato and Waipa¯ River catchments— commonlyknownasHealthy Rivers/Wai Ora— wasnotified for appeals to the Environment Court in April this year.
The period for appealson the versionrecommendedby hearings commissioners has nowclosed, with the council receiving 24 notices of appeal.
While the appeals advisory committee cannotmake decisions to change the plan, it will provide staff with guidance in respect of mediations, commonly focusing on changes in policy direction. It will focuson providing feedback on key policy shifts or on possible solutions that regional council staff are considering through the mediation process.