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Public notice: Call for submissions on the proposed National Environmental Standard on Ecological Flows and Water Levels

In accordance with section 44 of the Resource Management Act (1991) the Minister for the Environment gives notice of the Government’s intention to develop a national environmental standard (regulations) on ecological flows and water levels.

The intent of the proposed national environmental standard is to promote consistency in the way decisions are made to ensure sufficient variability and quantity of water flowing in rivers, ground water systems, lakes, and wetlands.

The proposed standard is consistent with the purpose of the Resource Management Act 1991 to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources – in this case fresh water. It would do this by:

  • Setting interim limits on the alterations to flows and/or water levels for rivers, wetland and groundwater systems that do not have limits imposed through regional plans.
  • Providing a process for selecting the appropriate technical methods for evaluating ecological flows and water levels in rivers, lakes, wetland and groundwater systems.

A discussion document outlining the subject matter and rationale of the proposed standard has been produced by the Ministry for the Environment to assist people in making submissions. This document can be viewed at the Ministry for the Environment, 23 Kate Sheppard Place, Thorndon, Wellington and online at www.mfe.govt.nz

If you would like a printed copy of the discussion document, free copies are available by emailing your request to publications@mfe.govt.nz or by phoning (04) 439 7535.

Any person can make a submission on the subject matter of the proposed standard. Please include the following information in your submission:

  1. Your name, postal address, phone number, and email address (if applicable).
  2. A statement that you are making a submission on the proposal to develop a national environmental standard on ecological flows and water levels.
  3. Whether you support or oppose the proposal as detailed in the discussion document.
  4. Your submission with reasons for your views.
  5. Any changes you would like made to the proposed national environmental standard as detailed in the discussion document.
  6. The decision you would like the Minister for the Environment to make.

Please send your submission by post to the Ministry for the Environment, PO Box 10362, Wellington, or by email to standards@mfe.govt.nz. Submissions must be received by 5 pm on Thursday, 31 July 2008. Now extended to 29th August 2008.

Note: The Ministry for the Environment has scheduled workshops on the proposed standard starting on 26 May 2008 in 11 locations around New Zealand.