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Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Regional Plan

1. Introduction

2. Legal framework

3. The natural and physical resources and communities of Waitaki catchment

4. Overview of requirements for water

5. Issues to be addressed

6. Objectives

7. Policies

8. Rules

9. Anticipated environmental results

10. Definitions and abbreviations

Changes to the Regional Plan: Water for Otago

9. Anticipated environmental results

1. There is a high level of awareness and recognition of the connectedness of the water bodies in the catchment - between the mountains and the sea, and between the components of the aquatic systems.
2. The High Natural-Character Water Bodies retain their special features and characteristics.
3. Freshwater habitats of rare or endangered species are enhanced.
4. The area and quality of freshwater habitat for indigenous species is maintained or enhanced.
5. Lakes Tekapo, Pūkaki and Ōhau and their catchments retain their mana and their iconic status.
6. The landscape and amenity values of water bodies within the catchment are maintained or enhanced.
7. The mauri of the water bodies in the catchment is enhanced.
8. The opportunities for the relationship of Māori with water, sites, wāhi tapu and other taonga are enhanced.
9. The effects of the mixing of waters are mitigated.
10. The structural integrity of aquifers is maintained and there is no significant continuing long-term decline in mean annual groundwater levels.
11. There is no significant loss in freshwater habitat for trout and salmon.
12. The recreational and tourism value of the catchment is maintained.
13. Local people and communities have access to freshwater to provide for present and reasonably foreseeable needs.
14. The Waitaki catchment continues to provide an important source of electricity to New Zealand.
15. There is an established allocation of water among activities that provides planning certainty and clarity for current and future water users.
16. There is a balance between national and local perspectives related to the social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes from water allocation.
17. The allocation system allows water to be transferred within a category of use to facilitate water being used for the greatest net benefit, providing the adverse environmental effects can be managed.
18. Existing and potential resource consent holders are provided with certainty as to their priority of access to water when the amount of water available for taking or diverting is low.
19. Water users have a responsible attitude to their use of the water, and seek to continually improve the technical efficiency of their use of water.