Media advisory

Nutrient management key focus at Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee meeting

15 August 2014

The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee will meet in Amberley on Monday 16 June, 2014 for its monthly water management meeting.

The meeting will begin with an update from the Regional Committee before it goes on to discuss its meeting schedule for next year.

The committee will then receive a presentation from Dairy NZ on how it is working with dairy farmers to complete farm environment plans in the zone.

Next, the committee will turn its focus to nutrient management beginning with a discussion on emerging Nitrogen allocation frameworks in Canterbury. Recently, the committee has been focussed on how it can work with its partners and the community to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the zone’s waterways to allow for more development within existing rules.

The committee has particularly been looking at how it can work with land-owners to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus losses through encouraging efficient land-use. This includes measuring losses, monitoring water use, managing stock access, and working with councils and industry groups.

At Monday’s meeting the committee will also hear from Amuri Irrigation Company, Hurunui Water Project and Ngai Tahu Farming how they are working together to manage nutrient losses in the Hurunui catchment. These companies will also provide a briefing on integrated water storage options.

The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee is a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and Hurunui District Council. It includes seven community members, two Rūnanga representatives, and one each from Hurunui District Council and Environment Canterbury.

ENDS

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