The Lower Waitaki River Management Society was formed in July 2004 to prepare a community-based management plan for the Lower Waitaki River using the principles of Integrated Catchment Management. The Group has been facilitated by Environment Canterbury, and is made up of a broad cross-section of individuals and organisations with an interest in the Lower Waitaki River.
To ensure that the Lower Waitaki River Management Plan was based on sound and up-to-date scientific information, a series of public meetings was held, featuring specialist speakers from a range of fields including braided river ecology, geomorphology, ecology, irrigation, weed control, as well as information on access, land tenure, ownership and existing management. In addition to scientific information, all individuals and organisations with an interest in the future management of the Lower Waitaki River were invited to provide their views. Consequently, the Lower Waitaki River Management Society is well-informed, having a clear and representative understanding of the sustainability issues facing the river and community aspirations.
To develop the management plan, a Steering Committee was elected by the wider community and was made up of irrigators and irrigation companies, Meridian Energy, conservationists, recreationalists, anglers, adjacent landowners, farming representatives, community representatives, and coastal farmers.
The Lower Waitaki River Management Strategy was ratified by the wider community in July 2006. The Society is now in the implementation stage, working to realise its goals for the River.
If you would like to be involved in the implementation of the strategy or learn more about the Society, please contact Julia Crossman in Environment Canterbury’s Timaru office on (03) 684 0510.
Brochure
Lower Waitaki River Management Society brochure (pdf 210 kB)
Download the strategy
Lower Waitaki River Management Strategy (pdf 764 kB)