Drainage member nominations open

Nominations have opened for positions on the Waikato’s catchment and drainage subcommittees.

The public has a chance to directly inform Waikato Regional Council decisions on issues like catchment management, flood control and biosecurity. Council chair Alan Livingston said the council was looking for enthusiastic and wellconnected community members with relevant interest and experience.

“These appointees are an essential link between the council and community and play an important part in providing advice that helps us tailor our work to meet local needs. “Recommendations received from these committees are reported to and considered by councillors.”

The council spends $62 million annually on work to improve the health of the region’s catchments, protect people from flooding and erosion and combat plant and animal pests. It is also responsible for maintaining 2067km of drains in the Waikato. The region is divided into eight management zones, with a catchment committee comprising councillors, iwi representatives, key agencies and community appointees.

Nominations close on Friday, 11 May. An evaluation panel will make recommendations to the council in June.