Conclusions
The consultation on the discussion document raised a number of issues around central and local government roles. The overall view was that decisions should be made at local level and any central government role should reinforce this, not override it. The role for central government could be to provide guidance and support for local government and the provision of national funding where impacts of implementing national priorities have local costs. In achieving consistency between councils, via national directives or guidance (potentially through stating nationally important values), there is a need to recognise differences between regions, communities and catchments.
Greater involvement by communities in finding solutions to water management issues was a common theme. This could be achieved by working together to seek solutions and to increase awareness and education, particularly amongst urban populations about water management issues. Further investigation of the possibilities of water storage emerged as a theme through the consultation.
Māori raised concerns about the Treaty of Waitangi relationship, and sought greater involvement in management and decision-making. They also raised ownership issues and noted the link between this and the use of market-based instruments. Increased recognition of traditional Māori values for water and a holistic approach was also raised, with concern about the restoration of life-supporting capacity of waters.
There were comments around the general theme of 'don't reinvent the wheel when it comes to water management'. There was a desire to the see the Resource Management Act being used to best effect, rather than replacing or duplicating it; and to provide a greater emphasis and focus on consistency of implementation, enforcement and performance. Recognition was sought for the planning already undertaken; while others suggested further examination of international examples to see what approaches could be used in New Zealand.
There were questions about the use of market instruments, and concerns about the potential for monopolies; the impact on property rights; the privatisation of a public good; the impact on the environment and community; and the framework within which a market would operate. It was also recognised that enhanced transfer of consents could increase efficiency of water use if environmental, social and cultural values are provided for.
A number of issues were raised regarding the need for integrated catchment management. This included greater recognition of the linkages between urban and rural water issues; land and water; precipitation, groundwater and surface water; water quality and water quantity; and whole catchment (from mountains to the sea) management.
