7. JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) Link to this
to the Minister for the Environment
What response has he received on the review of Environment Canterbury from key stakeholders, including the Canterbury mayors and councils, the local government association, Ngāi Tahu, and environmental organisations?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH (Minister for the Environment) Link to this
The 10 mayors and territorial councils of Canterbury have been unanimous in their view that the Government needed to act and that commissioners needed to be appointed. The Local Government New Zealand president has said there is a need for swift, drastic action by central government. Ngāi Tahu said they recognise the need for intervention and reluctantly support commissioners being appointed as a temporary measure. The Environmental Defence Society has said the Government must act, and the Water Rights Trust from Canterbury has said Environment Canterbury is just not up to the job. That is why today the Government has acted decisively.
What additional powers is the Minister giving to the commissioners to get on top of water management in Canterbury?
Mr SPEAKERI ask whether this question anticipates legislation, because I am not 100 percent certain that it can. I must seek some advice on whether a question like that can anticipate legislation.
I accept it on the basis that obviously a policy decision has been made, which the Minister can be questioned on. I apologise.
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
The Government has announced today its response to the report, which includes giving legislative status to the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. The Government also intends to give three additional powers to the commissioners. The first is to fast-track the completion of Canterbury’s water management plan. Frankly, it is an indictment that after 18 years there is no plan for water in Canterbury. Secondly, the commission will be given a decision-making role on water conservation orders in Canterbury under Part 2 of the Resource Management Act and also in respect of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. The third power the commission will have is to be able to instigate targeted moratoria of water takes in areas where the resource is either close to becoming, or is currently, over-allocated.
Brendon BurnsCan the Minister confirm that he has acted to end a democratically elected council in Canterbury after a review that, in less than a month, interviewed fewer than 20 stakeholders, iwi, local mayors, and council chief executive officers, none of whom consulted their councils?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
The Minister of Local Government and I actually chose to meet with every one of the 10 territorial councils, from Waitaki in the south to Kaikōura in the north. Every one of those 10 councils said to us they supported the Government taking this step. This decision has not been taken lightly. I remind members opposite that when faced with problems with the Rodney District Council in 2000, National in Opposition supported legislation through all stages to appoint commissioners in respect of those particular problems.
What steps has the Minister taken to ensure greater central government direction on freshwater management?
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
The Government is of the view that greater central government direction is needed on water management. That is why one of the first things we did in Government was to support the Land and Water Forum. Although most councils have managed water without national direction, this Government is committed to using both national environment standards and national policy statements to ensure that there is greater central government direction. It is our view that these measures, as well as the measures taken in the Canterbury region, are needed to deliver the step change that is required in New Zealand’s freshwater management.
Hon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
This afternoon I will be introducing the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Bill. I am pleased to have the support of the ACT Party, United Future, and the Maōri Party. Once the legislation is passed—
Hon Darren HughesHon Dr NICK SMITH Link to this
Members opposite should reflect on the history of the Rodney District Council legislation, when, in 2000, the National Opposition gave support to it. Once the Environment Canterbury bill is passed, the Government will finalise the remaining commissioners and their terms of reference before gazetting the commencement date for the transition of those functions.