The future of water management in the Hurunui district is in limbo while the direction of its water zone committee is clarified. The role of the Hurunui Waiau Uwha Zone Committee (HWZC) has been in question for the past two years, with claims it is farmer-heavy and biased. READ MORE:* Forest & Bird pledges close watch on Canterbury water committee members* Farming group walks away from Environment Canterbury water consultation* Disgusted environmentalists quit water talks over claims of farming biasIn 2019, members of Canterbury water zone committees were barred from taking part in debates and votes on matters in which they had a financial interest. Hurunui mayor Marie Black said the purpose of any potential change was to develop strong, well-connected zone committees. “Identifying how zone committees can transition from a focus on planning, to collaboration, is paramount in this process going forward,’’ Black said.

Source: Stuff September 08, 2020 16:02 UTC