John Cronin BOP Regional Council Chairman www.boprc.govt.nz

Water is one topic that's always popular and often contentious. Freshwater management is a significant issue for many agencies, including the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

We believe working together is the way to go. Two recent events back that – a water expo where 200 children got hands on with water, and people signing on as a ‘friend' to the Sustainable Dairying Water Accord.

The water expo was a team effort. We hosted it, with support from the Enviroschools Foundation, Tauranga, Rotorua and Western Bay councils, New Zealand Landcare Trust and the Department of Conservation.

Children from 16 schools learned about water issues and responsible use of this precious resource. They got up close to eels, identified insects as a measure of water quality, and designed fences and planting to protect waterways.

By signing up as a ‘friend' to the new Sustainable Dairying Water Accord, we've committed to helping the dairy sector achieve clean and healthy water in dairying areas.

The dairying sector must lead industry self-improvement, but we'll work with them. The accord's actions won't always be enough to meet our rules and limits, so we'll continue with our programmes and actions and we will enforce compliance where it is needed.

By working with the current and next generation of landowners, water users and farmers we hope to instil a sense of awareness and knowledge – and give them real skills to take back to their communities.