Hurunui moratorium positive for recreation - Dunne

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has backed the approval of a moratorium on new water takes from the Hurunui River as a positive step that will give recreational users more opportunity to have their say on the future of the river.

“The future of the Hurunui River is not only important for the future of North Canterbury but is a real precedent setter for the future of wild rivers in this country,” said Mr Dunne.

“It is therefore sensible that more time is given for interested parties to develop a comprehensive strategy for the management of the river, and the opportunity to fairly consider water conservation orders alongside irrigation proposals.”

The moratorium, if passed by Environment Canterbury, will cover the Hurunui and its tributaries from 23 July 2010 to 1 October 2011.

“I hope that the moratorium allows for greater consultation with interested recreational groups, particularly kayakers and fly-fishermen who for decades have enjoyed the sporting opportunities a truly wild yet accessible South Island river has to offer.”

“Recreational interests are often neglected in many of these debates.”

“We so often here about the effects on conservation and the environment yet at the end of the day those things mean very little if New Zealanders are prevented from actually getting out and enjoying them.”

“New Zealand’s outdoor heritage and the public’s access to it is what makes this country a great place to live, it is therefore important that recreational values are included with economic and environmental considerations in all future planning and development,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

© Scoop Media