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Auckland public meeting

1 February 2005

Questions/issues raised

  • Need to use an intrinsic values/ecosystems approach.
  • National Policy Statement and National Environmental Standards are major concerns.
  • Pressure on the environment is greater than it has ever been.
  • Need to move to planning/land use.
  • Approach needs to be proactive.
  • Don't want central government intervention.
  • There is a lack of best practice at regional council. There are inconsistencies and absences in regional policy statements. This reflects a lack of competence.
  • The Regional Council model hasn't worked. A catchment or National Water and Soil Conservation model would be better.
  • The church is an appropriate channel for consulting and educating people.
  • Need to get the process and procedures right first.
  • Look overseas for information - need to learn from others e.g. United Nations website.
  • Need to understand the resource we are allocating and how much water we really need: end use efficiency.
  • There is conflict between the national interest/direction and the local interest/control.
  • Diffuse water uses need to be recognised.
  • Do we have to keep spending more money and more time when there is 90% acceptance of problems and solutions- take action now.
  • Water shortage varies in areas.
  • Funding needs to be transparent - don't pay for others' water allocation problems.
  • Need a lot more community education - communities have to take responsibility for water, they are obliged to look after the water for future generations. This will add to the buy in by the community.
  • Primary producers should come first for the allocation of water.
  • Central government direction is a must.
  • Inertia is worrying.
  • Make sure costs are fair - not one size fits all.
  • Need to look at demand management.
  • Concerned about security of tenure.

Solutions

  • Need institutional strengthening.
  • Need a nationally funded science programme.
  • Need to address the local government capacity issue.
  • Policy needs to be based on proper science foundation.
  • Need to balance conflicting issues.
  • Science then policy then implementation.
  • Needs to be sharing of best practice - data needs to be distributed. This is a role for central government.
  • Need to empower communities.
  • Central government should create framework/tools so that local communities can do the work on the ground. This needs funding.
  • Data collection and quality assurance guidelines are needed to help local people collect the data.
  • Need an index of compatible and incompatible activities. Should rate these activities/values.
  • It is important to remember the importance of enterprise and ensuring business investment. Need certainty around this.
  • Need an overall cost for water.
  • Need some way of prioritising uses.
  • Storm water and waste water could be better utilised.
  • Recycling and reuse of water should be looked at.

Last updated: 25 November 2008