There is no such “plan” at this stage, but an investigation is underway to look at whether there should/could be. A working group has been formed to coordinate engagement with stakeholders to:

• Explain the reasons for investigating whether the Waitaki could/should be managed as a single catchment, and the intent and scope of the investigation phase.
• Canvas the views of key industry and community stakeholders, and territorial authorities, on the idea of taking a whole-of-catchment approach to freshwater in the Waitaki Catchment, and
• Understand the legal and strategic interests and views of various Government departments and Ministers.  

Despite the best efforts of some local and regional groups, the management of different parts of the catchment has been fragmented to date. The differences in policy approach and management regimes have long been a matter of concern to mana whenua; namely Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua, Te Rūnaka o Waihao, and Te Rūnaka o Moeraki, and to others with a specific interest in the catchment.

Following the decision some time ago to share the management between the two regional councils, rūnaka, resource users and interest groups have had several years of operating under the current system. There has been substantial feedback regarding the complexity and added expense of navigating the various plans and rules. 

Even with stakeholder and community support, it would be challenging to change the current system of governance because it includes one dedicated Act of parliament, two sets of regional plans and touches on the planning frameworks of three territorial authorities.

The catchment is also of national significance in terms of its contribution to renewable energy, primary production, and fisheries, and because of its unique landscape and biodiversity. In addition, parts of the National Policy Statement – Freshwater Management 2020 are also relevant, as are the proposed changes to the national direction on freshwater.

Because everything within a catchment is in some way inter-connected, there is a strong desire for a more holistic, ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea) approach to the catchment.

Management of water within the catchment has, in the past, sometimes seen national and local interests in conflict. Coupled with management according to somewhat arbitrary boundaries, this has led to frustration for organisations that operate across boundaries and for the rūnaka whose takiwā span both regions. Some parties may also have incurred some added expense due to complicated, time-intensive processes.

As reflected in the Waitaki Iwi Management Plan, mana whenua have expectations that they should have better access to plentiful natural resources and the ability to guide and contribute to initiatives that improve water quality and the ecosystems that depend on the river.

First and foremost, the health of water and land-based ecosystems in the catchment needs to improve through the appropriate use and protection measures, with flow-on benefits for communities.

Mana whenua want better access to plentiful mahinga kai (natural resources) and the ability to guide and contribute to initiatives that improve water quality and the ecosystems that depend on the river.

A simplified planning framework that is easier, less costly, and less time/labour intensive for resource-users and others to navigate – and more efficient and effective for whoever applies or administers that framework. 

A variety of tools and channels will be used over approximately three months, to ensure we reach our intended audience in a way that works for them.

Our engagement will be planned to reach our audiences according to their level of interest, their capacity to contribute and the extent to which any change might affect them. Some will be contacted directly and may wish to meet as a group and discuss, others will prefer to complete a simple survey to tell us what they think, and others may just wish to keep a watching brief through mailed information and information updates on the council websites or through media releases.

Papatipu Rūnaka, local councillors and council staff have worked closely with local catchment and advocacy groups, as well as individuals and community leaders over the years and have a good collective awareness of work that has taken place or is underway. Good information, local knowledge, and constructive feedback, past or present, will not go to waste.

As per the above response, communications about this investigation may provide added opportunities to acknowledge mahi and the achievements, past and present, of groups or individuals.

We do have a list of groups and people we believe need to be part of the conversation, but do not plan on general public consultation at this stage. We are wanting to firstly understand the views of industries and the Waitaki community which will inform a decision on whether to take the next steps, or not.

The investigative stage will comprise of one round of engagement and take place in the last quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. Findings and recommendations will be made in complementary reports, to be delivered to and discussed by both regional councils once the investigation phase is complete.

We expect to hear a spectrum of views on how the catchment should/could be better managed and by whom, but do not have any preconceived ideas about the outcome of those discussions. We will only start work on a plan if both Regional Councils signal that we should take the next step.

Understanding the legal and strategic interests and perspectives of various Government departments and Ministers is also critical to the investigation phase.

Both regional councils will meet as soon as is appropriate in 2025 to discuss the findings and views aired during the investigation. They will then make a call on what should happen next and provide direction on the timeframe and who should be involved.

The working group comprises staff and one Council representative from Otago Regional Council and staff and one Council representative from Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury). It also includes a staff member from AEC (the environmental planning entity for Arowhenua Rūnaka) and Aukaha (the environmental planning entity for Waihao and Moeraki Rūnaka), and a Strategic Advisor for Rūnaka Chairs, Waitaha.

The working group reports to the two regional councils and provides updates to the chairs of the three rūnaka. It will take final direction from the regional councils.

Several ministries, ministers and government organisations will be asked for their views, together with power companies and agencies responsible for infrastructure/industry/tourism, water-users and consent holders, and groups with a significant interest in preserving or protecting natural landscapes, features, or biodiversity.

This investigation began at the request of Papatipu Rūnaka and they will have opportunities to contribute to the kōrero throughout.

A working group and some of the governance bodies they report to (councils, rūnaka etc.) will facilitate engagement with stakeholders to:

• Make it clear that this is just an investigation at this stage and clarify the scope of that investigation
• Canvas the views of key industry and community stakeholders, territorial authorities on the idea, and 
• Understand the legal and strategic interests in the catchment and receive feedback on how future governance might work if the idea were to progress.  

Several ministries, ministers and government organisations will be asked for their views, together with power companies and agencies responsible for infrastructure/industry/tourism, water-users and consent holders, and groups with a significant interest in preserving or protecting natural landscapes, features, or biodiversity.

This investigation began at the request of Papatipu Rūnaka and they will have opportunities to contribute to the kōrero throughout.