Essential Freshwater package implementation underway

ECAN has begun the journey towards implementing the Government’s new freshwater policy package.

Chair, Jenny Hughey, said the engagement and implementation plan was underway in Canterbury and involved many moving parts.“First we must fully understand how the concept of Te Mana o te Wai applies in Canterbury. This is central to the national direction it is incumbent on us to deliver."Te Mana o te Wai refers to the vital importance of water. We must manage freshwater in a way that prioritises (in this order):

• the health and well-being of water;
• the health needs of people, and;
• the ability of people and communities to provide for their social, economic and cultural well-being.

Considering Te Mana o te Wai in the consent processIn order to appropriately incorporate this new direction into resource consent decisions, people applying for consent, or with consents in process, should assess these documents and how their proposed activities give effect to Te Mana o te Wai and the hierarchy of obligations.Jenny Hughey says “We also need people to check whether they require consent under the NES-F, and to apply for those consents when they apply for any consents they need under the Canterbury Land & Water Regional Plan."