Table 11: Costs and benefits of Policies 4 and 5

Economic

Increased efficiency of freshwater use

Increased confidence in the security of future freshwater supply

Increased certainty of allocation of fresh water for consumption

Potential requirement for people to change existing water practices

Potential increased costs from additional compliance requirements

Opportunity cost of loss of ability to develop land

Increased surety of provision of infrastructure to service land development

Increased certainty of costs for infrastructure over the longer term

Social

Increased awareness of the importance of fresh water

Increased regard to the recreational (including contact recreational / swimmability) values of fresh water and its management

Improved openness and transparency regarding freshwater management

Environmental

Improvement of freshwater ecosystems

Increased regard paid to the scientific, ecological and biodiversity values of fresh water and its management (notable values)

Diversion from other regional priorities (the opportunity cost of not pursuing something else)

Recognition of the priority for protecting outstanding freshwater resources

Cultural

Improved recognition of Māori cultural values associated with fresh water

Improved Māori participation in decision-making processes

Increased opportunities for use of fresh waters as a food source (mahinga kai)

Potential requirement for people to change existing cultural practices

Increased use and revival of matauranga Māori

Increased connection to the land and waterways

Part of meeting the responsibilities of kaitiaki