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From reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.
The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and … View moreFrom reporter Debbie Jamieson:
Central Otago farmers say it could cost more than $100 million for the community to meet proposed minimum flows for the Manuherekia River.
The Otago Regional Council received a report this week that summarises recent hydrology and ecology work on the river and suggests setting a minimum flow of 2000 and 2500 litres per second.
The 85km river, which runs from the Maniototo to Alexandra, has a long history of water use for gold mining and irrigation with about 75% of its water currently taken – compared to about 25% in other regions of New Zealand.
In an effort to meet the Government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management the council considered a plan to set a low flow of between 1200 and 3000 litres per second, in August 2021.
A bitter discussion followed, resulting in one councillor resigning, calls for the Environment Minister to replace councillors with commissioners, and a vote for more “science” to be undertaken.
Two years later, that work is complete, and the new report is on the table.
However, Matakanui Station owner and Manuherekia Catchment Group interim chairperson Andrew Paterson said the farming community was not happy with the recommended flow, which was double the 1100 litres per second suggested by farmers.
“We don’t disagree that there should be an increase in minimum flow. We just disagree on how high it should be.
“We all love the river. It’s the lifeblood of the valley. It keeps the valley and the communities pumping, and we don’t want to cut that off,” he said.
Reaching the proposed flow in summer would require use of water stored in the Falls Dam or community reservoirs, which could cost more than $100 million to build, he said.
That was a cost that should be met by the wider community as it extended beyond the interests of farmers, he said.
Farmers were suspicious that the council was attempting to make the science fit a figure and felt that the arguments were stacked against farmers, he said.
Between 400 and 500 farms, orchards and vineyards were reliant on the river and would continue to be involved in the process.
It had the potential to go to the Environment Court, Paterson said.
“The views of the farming community compared to the views of the community are poles apart. We could never come to an agreement.”
Councillor Alexa Forbes said receiving the report during a briefing on Tuesday felt like reaching a milestone after a long and bitter journey.
“The feeling around the table was so much more positive and workable than that dreadful day in August 2021 when we really found no common ground at all,” she said.
Draft recommendations would be developed and put before the council for noting in September, ahead of a public consultation period.
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Did you know that socially well-connected people are happier and healthier according to the latest research? Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or catch up with your loved ones to benefit your mental health and wellbeing.
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Hey Neighbours!
Is your Mobile plan one of the many Winter bills piling up? It might be time to review it so you can relax..even just a smidge?! Compare all the mobile plans and providers on Mobile Compare and find a plan that lets you stay connected without overpaying.
Tell us about gardeners doing something worth celebrating in your community, and they could be in the running for the Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! The winner will receive Vegepod product worth $1000. And the most colourful character receives $1000 worth of Resene paint.
Send up to five… View moreTell us about gardeners doing something worth celebrating in your community, and they could be in the running for the Ryman Healthcare Gardener of the Year! The winner will receive Vegepod product worth $1000. And the most colourful character receives $1000 worth of Resene paint.
Send up to five high-resolution photos and explain why you wish to nominate a person or group to be the Ryman Healthcare 2023 Gardener of the Year. Email your entry to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Or post your nomination to 2023 Gardener of the Year, NZ Gardener, PO Box 6341, Victoria St West, Auckland 1142.
A growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.
But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.
‘’Waka Kotahi are … View moreA growing Central Otago town may be denied a 500 section development, after Waka Kotahi cited concerns over climate change and the lack of public transport.
But that position has angered outspoken Otago Regional Council councillor, Michael Laws, who lives in Cromwell.
‘’Waka Kotahi are sabotaging growth in Central Otago and the likes,’’ he said on Thursday, the same day as submissions to the Central Otago District Council closed.
‘’This is something that will benefit our entire region.’’
About 10km west of Cromwell, company Fulton Hogan plans to rezone about 118ha of a former quarry into a 90ha residential area, including a 5ha business park and 22ha industrial area.
But a major road block for that development is the position taken by Waka Kotahi, which partly funds public transport in Queenstown and Dunedin – but not in Central Otago – one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
Read the full story from reporters Joanne Naish and Hamish McNeilly here (subscription required).
Win one of three $5,000 grants to support your community's love of dance!
Whether it’s pre-schoolers or seniors, Scottish dancing or salsa, kapa haka or Kathak, breakdance or ballet – if you’re encouraging people of all ages and abilities to keep moving through dance, we want to hear … View moreWin one of three $5,000 grants to support your community's love of dance!
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Hi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in … View moreHi there,
We're on the lookout for the most beautiful spots in New Zealand, and would love to hear your favourites.
While it will be impossible to include all of them in one article, we'd appreciate your help in narrowing it down. What do you think are most beautiful places in NZ's regions? Do you have a favourite spot in the Waikato, Taranaki, Canterbury, Southland or elsewhere?
Feel free to comment below, send me a message or email me at lorna.thornber@stuff.co.nz. Please include 'NFP' in your comment if you do not want it or your name included in an article. Thanks in advance for taking the time to share.
Heart attack is a leading cause of death in New Zealand.
Learn to recognise the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack, so you know what to do if you see or experience them. Don’t try to walk it off, wash it off or push through it. Make the right call, it may save your life.
Meeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.
… View moreMeeting an ever increasing need in our communities, Christmas Box provides more than just food, it brings a reminder that people care. By alleviating some of the pressure families feel, especially in the time of inflation and cost-of-living, a Christmas Box sparks hope that goes beyond Christmas.
Don’t wait for December, it’s time to start thinking about how you can help today!
For just $40 a box, you can give the gift of hope and 100% of your donation will go to families who are doing it tough this year. Your generosity makes a difference.
Have you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!
If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it … View moreHave you ever tried to look for a new power plan to end up stuck, super confused by all the specific lingo that’s used? Things like kWh, standard vs. low users, or free hours of power? Don’t get us started on controlled and anytime meters!
If you’re unsure of some of these terms, it really won’t help you feel confident in comparing different plans. We don’t want to see our Neighbours get tripped up and stuck with a big bill this chilly season!
So to help you, we’ve put together a list of all the power terminology that you need to know!
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