Andrew von Dadelszen Former Regional Councillor

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is currently calling for feedback on how they deal with water allocation. Feedback needs to be received by December 1. This feedback timetable has already been increased, but given that this a very busy time for of year most businesses, a December 1 deadline is still short. I would be interested to know how much feedback they have already received.

Many Maori believe that they own our water supply, but while they might have a legitimate interest in water (and I am yet to be convinced of any special interest above any other New Zealander), the National Government is adamant that this does not include ownership. The bottom line is that unless our ratepayers give the necessary feedback to BOPRC, then council will likely take a ‘soft option' approach to Iwi's claims.

The Bay of Plenty appears very well placed with substantive water, and yet BOPRC says that 67 per cent of our streams and 20 per cent of our aquifers are already allocated above current limits. With a rapidly growing population, this issue is not going to go away.

Water allocation is likely to become a highly political topic, and we don't need a ‘risk averse' council unnecessarily impeding business growth through draconian water allocation policies. They say limits will be developed with tangata whenua and community input, but unless our communities address this now, it will once again be a very one sided consultation. I implore ratepayers to go onto the BOPRC website (www.boprc.govt.nz/freshwaterfutures), and not rely on others to protect your interests. Water is an essential for life, and must be treated as such.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me at andrew@vond.co.nz or visit www.vond.co.nz