10 April 2006
Business Council will move to build broad support for a balanced water allocation regime
One of New Zealand's major business organisations says it will lead a major research project aimed at building broadly
based support for a new fresh water allocation regime.
The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development says it welcomes the Government's move today to launch work
on developing a nationally consistent approach to managing the growing demand for water.
The council's Chief Executive, Peter Neilson, says: "The 'first come first served' gold rush approach to allocating
water has run its time as an allocation system. It cannot cope with increasing demand which, in some areas, has led to
over allocation.
"We welcome the Government's move to look for alternatives. Subject to confirmation of support from one or two more
organisations, we will launch a project shortly to help build a consensus around an improved allocation regime."
Mr Neilson says that the project will allow business, major water users and other stakeholders to work collaboratively
to develop a model on how water can be allocated to the highest-value use. At the same time the model needs to
accommodate the needs of public interest and Maori, power generation, recreational users, agriculture, and tourism - and
other business interests.
Following the government's announcement today, the proposed project will create an opportunity to provide a business
view on a more market based allocation and use framework. It will map the transition pathway to achieve a sustainable
water management regime and provide valuable external advice to Ministers and advisors.
"We need a new way. It needs to produce a process which balances the needs of water users with the whole community's
needs.
"It's pleasing to see the Government is prepared to look at the transfer of water rights so the greatest value is
secured from use of this precious resource."
ENDS