Frequently Asked Questions and their answers regarding the application for a Water Conservation Order on the Hurunui River.
Why is the Hurunui Water Conservation Order being reheard?
The Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act 2010 came into force on 13 April 2010. This Act cancels the previous Hurunui WCO process and makes Environment Canterbury responsible for rehearing the application from the start.
Who will run the process?
Environment Canterbury has been given the function in the ECan Act to run the Hurunui Water Conservation Order hearing process. Hearing Commissioners will be appointed by the Environment Canterbury commissioners.
What is the initial process?
The applicants were invited to submit a revised application to Environment Canterbury by 28 July 2010, taking into account new criteria for Canterbury water conservation orders set out in the Act. Environment Canterbury has accepted this revised application.
Who are the applicants?
The Fish and Game Council New Zealand, the North Canterbury Fish and Game Council and Whitewater New Zealand (formerly the NZ Recreational Canoeing Association).
What is the submission process?
Everyone who submitted on the original application has the opportunity to submit on the revised application. All submitters were sent a letter on 13 August with details of the revised application and information on how to lodge a new submission.
What are the new criteria for Canterbury WCOs?
All new or amended water conservation orders in Canterbury are subject to new criteria as a result of the ECan Act:
Do these criteria affect WCOs outside Canterbury?
No – the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act is specific to Canterbury. The processes and criteria around Canterbury water conservation orders apply only during the time the Act is in force: until the October 2013 elections at the latest.
Who can take part?
The only people and organisations who can take part are the applicants and the submitters in the original Hurunui Water Conservation process, including those who appealed to the Environment Court.
How many submitters are there?
Around 375 people and organisations made submissions on the original Hurunui Water Conservation Order.
Will I be able to make a presentation to the hearing panel?
The Hearing Commissioners will convene a hearing to allow the applicant and submitters who requested to be heard to provide more detail and to give the Hearing Commissioners the opportunity to ask questions.
Will I be able to appeal the decision?
The only appeals allowed under the ECan Act are appeals on points of law to the High Court.
Appeals to the Environment Court have been removed by the Act.
Where do I get more information?
Website:
http://ecan.govt.nz/HurunuiWCO
Environment Canterbury contact:
Susannah Black, phone (03) 364 9879 or email Susannah.Black@ecan.govt.nz
I was an original submitter on the Hurunui WCO but haven’t received a letter by 20 August – who should I contact?
Susannah Black: phone (03) 364 9879 or email Susannah.Black@ecan.govt.nz
Customer Services: phone (03) 353 9007 or 0800 EC INFO (0800 324-636)