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Application for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River
Last updated: 9 April 2009
Hearing of Evidence
The Special Tribunal commenced the hearing with a procedural session on Friday 13 March 2009, before continuing with the hearing of parties’ evidence on Monday 30 March 2009.
Following the procedural day, an order of appearances was circulated to all parties. This list can be viewed through the link below
Expert evidence and evidence submitted throughout the course of the hearing can be viewed through the link below:
If you have any questions regarding the application and further submission process, please contact Alex Miller at the Ministry for the Environment on (04) 439 7432 or alex.miller@mfe.govt.nz
Background information
In August 2007, the Minister received an application for a Water Conservation Order to be made on the Hurunui River. The applicant is the New Zealand and North Canterbury Fish & Game Councils and the New Zealand Recreational Canoe Association.
The application was supplemented by further information provided to the Minister in March 2008.
Appointment of Special Tribunal
In August 2008, the Associate Minister for the Environment appointed a special tribunal to hear and report on the application under section 202 of the Resource Management Act 1991.
Following their appointment, the Special Tribunal was provided with the following information:
- Fish and Game and NZRCA application dated
- Further information provided to the Minister
- Relevant provisions of the RMA
Public notification and submission period
The Special Tribunal publicly notified application on Wednesday 12 November 2008. Submissions closed on Monday 15 December 2008.
During the initial submission period, a number submitters sought preferences to the proposed Water Conservation Order. The preferences include matters such as: water quality standards, level and rate of flow, inclusion of the Mandamus River and other tributaries, recognition of further outstanding cultural and spiritual values, and integration with a regional plan.
The Special Tribunal publicly notified these preferences and called for further submissions. The further submission period closed on Friday 13 February 2009.
Submissions and further submissions can be viewed through the following link:
Hearing directions and pre-circulation of Evidence:
Notice of hearing and directions in regard to the pre-circulation of expert evidence was served on all applicants who indicated that they wished to be heard in support of their submission. Directions for the precirculation were amended by the Special Tribunal on Tuesday 3 March 2009. These notices can be viewed through the following links:
- Notice of hearing for the proposed Water Conservation Order application on the Hurunui River and directions in respect of expert evidence – 13 February 2009
- Notice of amendments to directions for pre-circulation of expert evidence – 3 March 2009
Resources:
- Application by Fish & Game and the NZRCA to create a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River
- Application for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River: supplementary letter
- Public Notice - call for submissions on proposed Hurunui Water Conservation Order (issued 12 November 2008)
- Public Notice – call for further submissions regarding preferences sought to proposed Hurunui Water Conservation Order (issued 14 January 2009)
- Submissions and further submissions on proposed Hurunui Water Conservation Order and Preferences Sought
- Notice of hearing for the proposed Water Conservation Order application on the Hurunui River and directions in respect of expert evidence (issued 13 February 2009)
- Notice of amendments to directions for pre-circulation of expert evidence (issued 3 March 2009)
- Expert evidence filed in regard to proposed Hurunui Water Conservation Order
