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Notice of hearing for the proposed Water Conservation Order application on the Hurunui River and directions in respect of expert evidence

The Special Tribunal appointed to consider the application has directed that the hearing will commence with a procedural hearing at 10:00am on Friday 13 March 2009 at the following location:

Room 6 & 7, Christchurch Convention Centre
86-95 Kilmore St
Christchurch

The purpose of the procedural hearing is to address procedural issues and to consider any preliminary questions which may be raised by parties.

The Special Tribunal will not be hearing on 13th March 2009 any evidence in support of or opposition to the application for a water conservation order or preferences.

It is uncertain how long the procedural hearing will take on 13th March 2009, but it is envisaged that it may take 3-4 hours. You are strongly encouraged to attend the procedural meeting, or to arrange to be represented by someone who will be attending it. If you cannot attend or be represented at the procedural hearing, but still wish to present your case when the hearing resumes on 30th March 2009, please contact the Administrative Officer as soon as possible.

Subject to any directions by the Special Tribunal to the contrary, the hearing will recommence at 10:00am on Monday 30 March 2009 at the following location:

Boaters Room, Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts
86-95 Kilmore St
Christchurch

On 30th March 2009, the Special Tribunal will begin hearing submissions and evidence in support of or opposition to the application for a water conservation order and preferences.  Generally and subject to any directions  by the Special Tribunal the order of hearing will be;

  1. The applicants for a water conservation order and to the extent it is practical to do so rebuttal evidence will be heard at this stage;
  2. The parties who have filed submissions in support of the application for a water conservation order and any preferences;
  3. The parties who have filed submissions Neutral to the application for a water conservation order and any preferences;
  4. The parties who have filed submissions in opposition to the application for a water conservation order and any preferences;
  5. Replies by the applicants.

Expert Evidence
Subject to any directions to the contrary by the Special Tribunal, the parties shall provide expert evidence to the Special Tribunal in accordance with the following timetable.

Any expert evidence to be presented in support of or neutral to the application for a water conservation order and any preference must be provided to the Administrative Officer, in both electronic (PDF) and hardcopy form, by Friday 6th March 2009.

Any expert evidence to be presented in opposition to the application for a water conservation order or any preference must be provided to the Administrative Officer in both electronic (PDF) and hardcopy form by Friday 13th March 2009.

Any expert evidence in response to evidence provided by 13th March must be provided to the Administrative Officer in by electronic (PDF) and hardcopy form by Friday 20th March 2009 or as soon as practicable thereafter.

The electronic copies are to be sent to alex.miller@mfe.govt.nz, and hardcopies are to be sent to:

Special Tribunal - Hurunui River Water Conservation Order,
c/- Alex Miller
Ministry for the Environment
(if by courier) 23 Kate Sheppard Place
(if by post) PO Box 10362
Wellington 6143

Once collated, expert evidence will be available for viewing on the Ministry for the Environment website, and at the following locations:

Ministry for the Environment Offices:
Head Office, Environment House, 23 Kate Sheppard Place, Thorndon, Wellington.
Christchurch Office, Level 5, 96 Hereford Street, Christchurch.
Auckland Office, Level 6, Tower Centre, 45 Queen St, Auckland.

Hurunui District Council:
66 Carters Rd, Amberley

Attendance Forms
All parties are required to complete and return an attendance form by Friday 6th March 2009 to facilitate management of the hearing. If you have not received a form but wish to attend, please contact Alex Miller, Administrative Officer to the Special Tribunal, on (04) 439 7432, or email me at alex.miller@mfe.govt.nz. 

Last updated: 3 March 2009