MEDIA RELEASE
21 November 2019
Regional Council Chair accepts Ministerial direction
Otago Regional Councillors have received a letter from Minister for the Environment David Parker summarising the outcome
of an investigation he requested in May into ORC’s preparedness to resolve historic mining privileges ahead of their
2021 deadline.
The investigation, undertaken by Honorary Professor Peter Skelton, sought to determine whether ORC was on track to
implement a planning framework that gives effect to the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management in time to
consider water permit applications before the expiry of “deemed permits” (historic mining privileges). The investigation
also sought to identify what support ORC could use to achieve this.
ORC Chairperson Marian Hobbs says the Council accepts and welcomes the Ministerial direction.
“Sorting out our planning framework is a priority for our newly-elected Council. Minister Parker has set us a clear
framework for progressing this, and we will respond as such. An extra-ordinary Council meeting has been set for 27
November to discuss the way forward together as a Council.”
Chairperson Hobbs emphasises ORC’s strong commitment to working alongside the community.
“Together, we have a lot of work ahead. It will be absolutely essential that we work with the community every step of
the way.”
ENDS
To view the full S24a Report by Professor Skelton, visitwww.orc.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/2019/november/regional-council-chair-accepts-ministerial-direction