Links to Other Government Programmes
83. The Sustainable Water Programme of Action has links with emerging climate change policy. Government consideration of appropriate land-use activities - such as forestry to offset greenhouse gas emissions, and the use and types of fertilisers - are directly relevant to the Programme.
84. There are strong parallels between the Water Programme and the current programme of work to review flood risk management. In managing natural hazards and the impacts of land use on water quality, regional councils and territorial authorities each have roles. A lack of clarity around these complementary roles can lead to a lack of integration between levels of government. There are strong synergies in the land-use components of both programmes, particularly in clarifying the roles of each level of government and seeking ways to promote integrated solutions.
85. Specific actions to address the effects of land use on water quality are relevant to waterways in rural and urban areas, and complement work being undertaken under the Sustainable Cities component of the Sustainable Development Programme of Action (such as the Auckland Sustainable Cities Programme), water efficiency and labelling standards, the national environmental standard on human drinking-water sources, and the Urban Design Protocol.
86. While the implementation package outlined in this paper does not directly address the provision of water enhancement schemes, defining the role of Government in supporting community water enhancement schemes is underway. This work is led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
87. This paper does not address privatisation and ownership of water infrastructure or propose to alter the current arrangements. These issues were addressed as part of the review of the Local Government Act in 2003.
88. Implementing the suite of actions outlined in this paper will require integration with existing biodiversity and biosecurity policy such as the New Zealand Biodiversity and Biosecurity Strategies, as well as public awareness, restoration and protection programmes undertaken by central government (Department of Conservation and Biosecurity New Zealand), Fish and Game New Zealand, community groups and local government.
