Have a say on Canterbury’s future

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Now is an important time to have a say about Canterbury’s future, says Environment Canterbury councillor Grant Edge.

The North Canterbury councillor is encouraging Waimakariri, Hurunui and Kaikōura residents to share their views as the regional council begins a review of the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement (RPS).

The RPS is expected to be notified by December next year, and Environment Canterbury is seeking public feedback.

It will ultimately form part of an Integrated Plan for Canterbury, being merged with the Coastal Environment Plan and the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan.

"The whole integrated planning process is quite exciting," Edge says.

"And it is coming about at a time of new legislation with the RMA (Resource Management Act) reforms."

Merging the three plans into one would simplify the process and "give people more certainty for land use", he said.

The RPS set the framework for local councils when preparing District Plans.

Under the proposed RMA reform legislation, District Plans may soon be replaced by Regional Plans, making it important local voices were heard, he says.

"We seem to duplicate things a lot, so I’m hoping in the end it will lead to the regional council, district councils and the government working more closely together.

"With climate change impacts and adaptation, a new way of funding is needed within the regional space, because it will become unaffordable through rates alone.

"So the best way is having government around the table and listening, with local people contributing."

The Greater Christchurch Partnership provides an example of how this could work, with local and central government, and treaty partners sitting around the table and negotiating to find a consensus.

Edge praised the Hurunui District Council for "forward thinking" in developing a coastal adaptation plan in partnership with the Amberley Beach community.

It is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

"We recently had the hottest day on average, two days in a row, for the planet," he said.

"Eventually we are going to get to the point where we are going to have to act quickly."

The RPS engagement is focusing on six topics including water, land, climate change, air, the coast and the built environment.

Environment Canterbury developed its first RPS in the 1990s and it was last reviewed in 2013.

"I encourage people to really get involved in tackling these environmental issues," Edge said.

"Because once these things are formed, it will shape the way we act and protect our environment for years to come."

Feedback closes on August 27 and can be made at ecan.govt.nz/ourfuture or call 0800 326636.

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.