Civil defence authorities are asking people living in the greater Christchurch area – in particular the eastern and river suburbs of Christchurch and Kaiapoi to check they have plans in place for the evening before it gets dark and cold again after this morning’s devastating earthquake.

“If your chimney is damaged and/or you feel unsafe in your home, can you camp at a neighbour’s or a relation’s for the night?” said Civil Defence duty manager John Talbot. “It’s important people make a plan before it gets dark.”

John Talbot said people should expect aftershocks, which were impossible to predict with any accuracy.

Waimakariri District Civil Defence is advising that Rangiora is much less affected by the quake than Kaiapoi. Water and sewerage have been affected in Kaiapoi, Pines Beach, Kairaki and Waikuku Beach. Residents should boil water before drinking. Water and toilet facilities are at North Kaiapoi School, Williams St. Main street of Kaiapoi closed by police.

Christchurch city, Rolleston and Banks Peninsula people are advised to conserve water and boil drinking water for three minutes. Christchurch city is preparing to open three welfare centres at Linwood College, Addington Raceway and Burnside High.

The central city of Christchurch remains closed to traffic inside Kilmore, Madras, Lichfield and Durham streets. People are being warned to stay away from the central city for their own safety and to let emergency services do their job.

Power is being restored gradually.

Structural engineers are assessing damage. You can report damage to the Christchurch City Council by calling 03 941 8999 but please be patient as lines will be busy.

For roads information: See www.nzta.govt.nz

Civil Defence advises residents to:

• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on.
• Help those around you if you can.
• See your local council website for information www.ccc.govt.nz or www.waimakariri.govt.nz or www.selwyn.govt.nz
• Only attend A and E at the hospital or after hours medical centres if absolutely essential.
• Listen to the radio for advice and information.

For more information, contact: CDEM duty manager, 027 604 7220 or www.civildefence.govt.nz

Selwyn: Media enquires to Douglas Marshall, ph 347 2800, Farming support: www.fedfarm.org.nz .

People living in all areas of Christchurch city, Rolleston and Banks Peninsula are being advised to conserve water and boil drinking water for three minutes because of potential contamination from broken water and sewer pipes.

Power is being restored gradually.

Structural engineers are assessing damage. You can report damage to the Christchurch City Council by calling 03 941 8999 but please be patient as lines will be busy.

State highway 77 at Glentunnel is closed, all other roads and bridges are reported as working. See www.nzta.govt.nz

Civil Defence advises residents to:

• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on.
• Help those around you if you can.
• See your local council website for information www.ccc.govt.nz or www.waimakariri.govt.nz or www.selwyn.govt.nz
• Only attend A and E at the hospital or after hours medical centres if absolutely essential.
• Listen to the radio for advice and information.

For more information, contact: CDEM duty manager, 027 604 7220.

Earthquake – September 4, 2010 – 07.10 am.

Please broadcast the following statement on behalf of Civil Defence.

Following today’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake –

Canterbury Emergency Co-ordination Centre, Selwyn, Timaru, Waimakariri and Hurunui districts have activated their emergency centres.

There are power outages across the districts. Residents are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel while damage to buildings and infrastructure is assessed and necessary repairs are made.

Residents are also advised not to use cellular phones unless for emergencies.

Emergency services, including hospitals, are operating throughout the affected areas. For minor injuries, Christchurch residents can go to the 24 hour surgery on Bealey Avenue.

Residents should continue listening to the radio for further advice and information. 

For more information, contact: Andrew Howe, CDEM, 027 432 8758.

ENDS

Earthquake – September 4, 2010 – 5.45 am.

Please broadcast the following statement on behalf of Civil Defence.

This is a Civil Defence announcement issued by the Canterbury Regional Civil Defence Emergency Management.

Due to this morning’s earthquake, (magnitude and location to be confirmed), Civil Defence advises residents to:

• Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, drop, cover, and hold on.
• Help those around you if you can.
• Report injuries or fires to the emergency services (dial 111).
• Put out small fires. Evacuate the building if the fires cannot be controlled.
• Boil water for at least 10 minutes prior to drinking it.
• If your property is damaged, take notes or photos for the loss adjustor.
• Do not go sightseeing and stay out of damaged buildings.

Listen to the radio for advice and information.
 
For more information, contact: Andrew Howe, CDEM, 027 432 8758.

ENDS

Six community members have been appointed to the Ashburton Zone Committee following a thorough selection process to find the best combination of people with the skills, interests and expertise to ensure the collective strength of the committee.

The six Ashburton community members were selected from a total of 29 applications.  They are Gordon Guthrie, Greg Roadley, Sheryl Stivens, Matthew Hall, Ben Curry and Donna Field.

The zone committee also includes Ashburton District Councillor Neil Brown, Environment Canterbury Commissioner David Caygill, and runanga representation.

Ashburton Mayor Bede O’Malley and Environment Canterbury Commissioner David Caygill are pleased with the range of values, interests and experience the six community representatives bring to the committee.

“While each member brings different strengths to the committee, they all share a common passion for the district and a desire to ensure its resources are properly managed in the interests of the community at large,” said Mayor Bede O’Malley.

Environment Canterbury Commissioner David Caygill also acknowledged the impressive and wide-ranging list of individual qualifications, accomplishments, interests and occupations.

“As a group, they have the breadth and depth of expertise to work collaboratively to develop creative solutions to water management issues in Ashburton District, while addressing the priorities set out in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy,” said Mr Caygill.

The working group tasked with selecting the community representatives included Mayor Bede O’Malley and Councillor John Leadley, along with representatives from Environment Canterbury, Canterbury Water and Te Runanga o Arowhenua. They assessed each applicant on skills, expertise, and experience as well as their ability to work together to develop water management solutions that deliver economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes.

Mayor Bede O’Malley said Ashburton District Council wholeheartedly endorsed the implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy and recognised the significance of encouraging community input on water issues in the district and to taking a regional approach to sustainable water management in Canterbury.

“Water access, use and quality issues are arguably the biggest challenge ahead for the whole of Canterbury and the people of Ashburton District are in no doubt as to its importance,” said Mr O’Malley.

The Ashburton Zone Committee will work with local communities to develop a plan to implement the goals and actions of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy within Ashburton District and linking with other zone programmes throughout Canterbury. This will begin with the “Immediate Steps” biodiversity protection and restoration programme.

“Having representation of the calibre we have on the Ashburton zone committee will ensure we make quality decisions on water management in this district that will serve current and future generations well – developing sustainable approaches to water that deliver real benefits to our community,” said Mr O’Malley.

For further Information:

Brian Lester                        Chief Executive                   Ashburton District Council       03-307-7764

Gerald Raymond              Senior Communications Advisor    Environment Canterbury   03 363-9354

Barbara Nicholas              Zone Facilitator   Canterbury Water        03-372-5222

Committee member biographies

Gordon Guthrie (Methven/Ashburton)

Gordon has a strong technical knowledge of the electricity/energy industry and a broad understanding of the local productive, environmental, economic and community issues.  He is General Manager of Electricity Ashburton with more than 30 years experience across all sectors of the electricity industry.

He was involved during the construction and operation of the Montalto hydroelectric station on the Rangitata Diversion Race and has undertaken feasibility studies for water storage and hydro generation potential in the Ashburton district.

He developed the joint venture with Barhill-Chertsey Irrigation to construct a new pipe irrigation scheme and worked closely with the Ashburton Community Water Trust to integrate generation with irrigation and the subsequent consent process for the Rakaia Terrace project.

Gordon is interested in the potential to integrate hydro generation with irrigation and other water storage initiatives.

“The efficient productive use of water in our community and the use of modern IT technologies for water management are additional drivers for my interest.”

Gordon and his wife Debbie run a small cattle stud on their Winchmore property.

Greg Roadley (Ashburton)

Greg is Director of the Glenroy Community Irrigation Company, and chair of the Production Management Committee for Canterbury Grasslands.

He wants to see water managed to best effect for the community.

“I strongly believe that water is the most valuable resource in Canterbury and needs to be managed with a holistic view with good governance, not advocacy, acting in the best interests of the entire community, ensuring that my children continue to enjoy the benefits that water currently provides.”

Greg is a dairy (1700 cows) and arable farmer in mid-Canterbury who irrigates his land from surface and artesian sources within the zone.  Together with his wife Rachel, he won the National 2005 Fonterra-Westpac farm business of the year, an environmental award for dairy excellence.

Greg is actively involved in the wider dairy industry through investment in other operations within New Zealand and overseas, and through volunteer work in industry activities.

Greg is married to Rachel and they have two young children.

Sheryl Stivens (Willowby/Ashburton)

With 26 years experience in governance, community involvement, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Sheryl originally developed the Wastebusters Education programme and facilitated workshops to share the programme with educators throughout New Zealand. The education programme won national awards for the Ashburton district.
 
Over the past 16 years she has been committed to developing and managing the WasteBusters Trust Canterbury and resigned from the organisation in April 2010.  
 
Sheryl is on the New Zealand Waste Advisory Board, is a member of the Executive of Community Recycling Network of NZ, and also a member of the Sector Advisory Group for the NZ Resource Recovery Industry.
 
She says she is “passionate about sustainable living, sustainable farming, sustainable use of resources and biodiversity.”
 
“I am interested in the process of future-proofing the water resources of the Ashburton district.”
 
Raised on a border dyke-irrigated family farm at Winchmore, Sheryl and her husband now have a small organic farm at Willowby.  She says she understood and valued water from an early age, reinforced in adulthood by two years living in the Riverina grain growing area of Australia.
 
Sheryl is married and has two children.

Matthew Hall (Ashburton)

Matthew is secretary for the South Rangitata Reserve Incorporated, a member of the Ashburton River/Hakatere Mouth Action Committee, and currently serves as a councillor on the Central South Island Fish and Game Council.

Matthew has a number of private trusteeships and recently finished after more than 40 years with Perpetual Trust Limited. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

He has lived in the district for more than 30 years and has with strong links to the farming community.  Matthew is also an active advocate for the Rangitata River (where his family has a holiday cottage) and other rivers and lakes in which he has fished.

“The challenge for me has been marrying this interest in the rivers with the value I perceive is gained from irrigation.  The answer is about sustainable outcomes and to achieve this there needs to be a balanced and collaborative approach.”

Matthew is married to Karen with four adult children.

Ben Curry (Christchurch)

Ben is Chief Executive of the Rangitata Diversion Race Management, the largest and oldest water supply organisation in New Zealand, which supplies water to the Ashburton District Council for domestic and stockwater use, to TrustPower for hydro-generation and more than 350 farming businesses.

“The future of water governance is a critical component of the RDRML strategy,” he says.

Ben is a member of Irrigation NZ and the Ashburton Water User Group.

He is widely experienced as a communicator, manager, negotiator and leader.

Prior to his engagement with the RDRML he spent 22 years as an officer in the Royal Marines in the United Kingdom.  Within the Marines, his roles were varied including managing a £650 million integrated IT system which sought to combine the operational systems of the Navy, Air Force, Army and Joint HQ.

He was also Chief of Operations and Planning for the UN mission in Liberia, West Africa and Chief of ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target, Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) for the UK Amphibious Task Force.

Ben, who is married with three children, enjoys cycling, cricket, sailing, canoeing and diving.

Donna Field (Rakaia Gorge)

Donna is chair of the Whitcombe Landcare Group, a committee member of Ashburton Forest and Bird, liaison contact with Solid Energy for the Millerton and Plateau Protection Society (MAPPS), and a member of the Mid Canterbury High Country Section of Federated Farmers.  She is fully engaged in the community including school and fundraising roles.

Donna says she has a strong ecological background and a deep interest in the water conservation and usage issues of the Ashburton zone. 

“It is in finding the sustainable balance between these issues that my interest lies.”

She is a sheep and beef farmer and a director of Cleardale Station, near the Rakaia River above the Rakaia Gorge.

Riparian strips have been planted on the property, areas of dry land scrub reserves created, two centre pivot irrigators are used, and in conjunction with MainPower a 1 megawatt hydro power plant is currently being developed.

Donna is married with four children attending school in Methven. 

“The establishment of the Regional Committee is a major achievement in building a community-driven approach to water management,” said David Caygill, Environment Canterbury Commissioner.

“Environment Canterbury is working with communities around Canterbury to develop enduring solutions to protect our fresh water rivers, streams and lakes for generations to come.

“We are also very pleased to announce Dr Andy Pearce has been appointed by Dame Margaret Bazley as Chair of the Regional Committee.

“Andy brings a wealth of governance experience and a deep understanding of the issues around the sustainable management of water.

“His leadership experience, technical expertise and commitment to the collaborative approach of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy will be a welcome addition to the Regional Committee.

“Establishment of the Regional Committee marks the culmination of more than six years of work by the Mayoral Forum, Environment Canterbury and many other organisations and individuals to develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy for water management.”

The seven community appointees were selected after a thorough and rigorous process. They are Hugh Logan, Jay Graybill, Hamish Cuthbert, Eugenie Sage, John Donkers, Hugh Canard and Terry Heiler (brief bios follow).

“We had a field of 39 very strong candidates for the Regional Committee,” said David Caygill.

“At the start of this process we said we were looking for people with a range of interests to provide collective experience and expertise in a range of areas.

“Looking at the community committee appointees I believe we have achieved that goal. In addition to their individual expertise, experience and leadership skills, each committee member has a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively.”

Joining the community members on the Regional Committee are Environment Canterbury Commissioners David Caygill and Peter Skelton; Chrissie Williams from Christchurch City Council; district council representatives Ron Keating, Bede O’Malley and Nigel Gormack, a representative or appointee from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu; three runanga appointees (from north, mid and south Canterbury); as well as a representative from each of the 10 zone committees.  The appointments are for a three year term.

“The role of the Regional Committee is to address water management issues that cannot be effectively tackled at a zone level,” said David Caygill.

“This role includes working with local communities and zone committees to build trust and understanding that the Canterbury Water Management Strategy is the best opportunity we have to achieve solutions which will stand us in good stead for generations to come.”

The Committee will tackle regional issues of environmental restoration and repair; land-use impacts on water quality; as well as water storage, distribution and efficiency options.

A key focus for the Regional Committee will be the Immediate Steps biodiversity programme. It will have around $240,000 in funding this year to support and implement projects that have a regional impact.

The Regional Committee operates as a committee of Environment Canterbury under the Local Government Act.

For more information
David Caygill                                              David Horn
Environment Canterbury Commissioner       Director – Water Executive
Cellphone: 027 432-5228                           Cellphone: 027 443-4731

Brief biographies

Andy (Andrew) Pearce (Chair)

Andy brings broad governance and management experience to the Regional Committee. He has been involved with a diverse range of public and private-sector organisations including in the infrastructure sector, banking, publicly listed companies, research and development organisations, as well as the not-for-profit sector.  Andy was founding Chief Executive Officer of Landcare Research in 1992 and sits on a number of boards including the Bank of New Zealand, Christchurch City Holdings, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, and Terranova Charitable Trust.

Andy was involved in the development of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy in 2006 and 2007. He chaired the multi-stakeholder Stage III evaluation of water storage options for the Canterbury Strategic Water Study.

He also has a deep interest in, and knowledge of, the sustainable management and use of water and energy resources.  Andy has developed a global perspective through working in both developed and developing countries including Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Iran and Pakistan.

Hugh Logan (Lansdowne)

Hugh Logan is a natural resources management expert and consultant.   He is a former Director General of the Department of Conservation and Secretary  for the Ministry for the Environment.  Previously he was head of the New Zealand Antarctic programme.

Widely experienced in all aspects of environmental issues including water, air, waste, land use, and especially biodiversity, he also has in-depth knowledge of the many communities, interests and organisations involved in natural resource management at national, regional and local levels.

Hugh was raised and educated in Canterbury and now lives on a horticultural property on the outskirts of Christchurch. His professional life and outdoor and recreational interests (especially climbing, skiing, fishing and mountain biking) mean he has a detailed knowledge of the province, from the high country and plains to the coast.

He is married with four children.

Jay Graybill (Geraldine)

Since arriving in New Zealand 28 years ago, American-born Jay, a fisheries scientist, has been actively involved in water issues in Canterbury.  He has been Chief Executive of Central South Island Fish and Game for 19 years managing staff and council affairs under the Conservation Act 1987.

"My education and work experience has been in the area of freshwater production and ecology, specialising in the biology of salmon and trout, and applying those skills in regulatory, research and management settings.”

In addition, Jay says he has made many representations on topics including the plight of Canterbury’s waterways, Environment Canterbury’s planning processes, principles of sound water management and efficient water use.

“I take some pride in having managed the successful application for the Rangitata Water Conservation Order, which I believe has been a win-win for the community by providing economic benefit while protecting the Rangitata’s outstanding features.”

He is married with three children.

Hamish Cuthbert (Christchurch)

Hamish is a barrister and solicitor, who for the past six years has worked for Meridian Energy.  He is experienced in the Resource Management Act and water policy.

He is a former chair of the Electricity Generators Water Working Group, a member of the Land and Water Forum, and has worked on the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development water management project.

He has experience in the electricity sector on water issues, as well as hydro and irrigation infrastructure consents and development.

A born and bred Cantabrian, he is a farmer’s son and was raised on farms near Fairlie and Banks Peninsula.  He says he and his family live in Canterbury because of the quality of life.

"Improving that quality of life, in all of its dimensions, for all people, is how I see one of the key challenges for the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.”

Eugenie Sage (Lyttelton Harbour Basin)

Eugenie is a former Environment Canterbury regional councillor for Selwyn/Banks Peninsula.

She has a strong background in the protection of indigenous biodiversity, nature conservation and resource management, and worked for the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society for 13 years. She is an accredited RMA hearings commissioner and works as an environmental contractor.

She says she is keen to use the knowledge gained as a regional councillor and member of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy Steering Committee to ensure the Strategy helps safeguard braided rivers, promotes more efficient water use and significantly reduces the impacts of agricultural intensification on water quality.

John Donkers (Geraldine)

John owns and operates a business providing consultancy services to dairy farmers, and is a shareholder and director of the Camden Group of Companies, which owns a number of irrigated farms in Central Canterbury.

John is a founding director of Central Plains Water Limited, and has been involved in the development of the Central Plains Water scheme concept since its inception in 2000.

He is deputy chairman of Irrigation NZ Inc and has been active in the resurgence of the organisation over the last eight years.  He was involved in the formation of the Dunsandel Groundwater Users’ Association which represents the groundwater irrigators in central Canterbury.

John believes the “road map” and processes that have been used to manage water are no longer appropriate.

“If we can get it right in Canterbury, I believe we can have it all – an enhanced and sustainable environment as well as a vibrant economy with water underpinning our wellbeing as a region.”

John lives in Geraldine with his fiancée, Nicky and young son, Tomas.

Hugh Canard (Christchurch)

Hugh came to Canterbury as a student and has stayed for 50 years.  An experienced manager in a broad range of different businesses and across the local government and central government sectors, he has a love for all Canterbury’s waterways.

Engaged for the past seven years as a self-employed consultant, Hugh’s clients include NZ Trade and Enterprise, Development West Coast, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and the Ministry for the Environment.  He is currently involved in bringing a network of visitor centres to the West Coast and project managing the West Coast major Regional Initiative in tourism.

Hugh is chair of Eco-tourism New Zealand, and is Head Judge for the New Zealand Tourism Awards. He is also a member of the Land and Water Forum and chairs the Rural Water Storage and Infrastructure group.

“I want to see water management deliver its economic potential in a sustainable and broadly supported development framework.”

Keen on kayaking and tramping, he says he has tramped, climbed and kayaked most Canterbury valleys, hills and rivers, and spends much of his leisure time outdoors.

He is married with two adult children.

Terry (Terence) Heiler (West Melton)

Terry has an active water resources consultancy trading as Heiler Consultants, a group which provides services to many irrigation companies in Canterbury as well as local and regional government, and as an advisor to central government.

He was formerly director of the New Zealand Agricultural Engineering Institute at Lincoln University, a director of Landcare Research for seven years, chairman of Lincoln International Ltd for eight years and chairman of Woolpro Ltd for seven years.

With qualifications in water resources, primary industry, corporate governance, soil and water research and considerable international experience, Terry was involved in the foundation of the Glenmark Irrigation Scheme, and instrumental in ensuring the irrigation industry committed to supporting the re-establishment of Irrigation NZ.

Terry believes the water future of Canterbury must be based on the adoption of non-adversarial and multiple objective processes allowing future challenges to be addressed with a large measure of community support.

He has lived with his family in Canterbury since 1967.

A pond near his school’s art rooms had attracted criticism after it became over-run with duckweed and algal bloom. Thomas decided to work out a way to use the unwanted green growth and algae without too many extra chemicals or energy-sapping processes. Normal herbicides had little effect on it - bleaching it on top, but leaving its underside alive and well. Snails thrived on it, as did the weed with the snails. Harvesting it by raking it off and drying it, using a solvent and glycerol to separate the oil, provided his oily biofuel result. Thomas is chair of the school’s environmental council and recently won a youth leadership award, sponsored by Environment Canterbury and Ngāi Tahu.

The awards took place on August 29, with Environment Canterbury commissioner David Caygill presenting the regional council’s awards to the young entrepreneurs and scientists.

Second place in the senior Environment Canterbury section went to Rachel Robilliard, 17, St Margaret’s College. She used her home farm at Leeston to find out if herbicide use had any effect on stream life/invertebrates living in its Rakaia River water races. Whilst there was no direct link between herbicide use and the number of invertebrates, Rachel is keen to repeat her tests in summer when the weed is growing fastest and also when invertebrates are more reproductive.

Third place went to three Cashmere High year nine students -  Delcie Holmes, 14, Caitlin Hooft, 13, and Melissa Reid, 13. They created a community sustainability model, powered by wind, biofuel and solar and mostly using bicycles, foot power and horses instead of tractors and cars.

Junior winner was Dinuki Karunasekera, 11, a year seven pupil at Cobham Intermediate, who wanted to find ways to reduce the threat to groundwater and surface water from nitrogen and phosphorus-rich dairy run-off. She received $1000 for her school and a $400 for herself. She found that duckweed was extremely effective at absorbing nitrogen and phosphorus from enriched water for the first ten days, but the effect reduced soon after that. Oxygen weed was not much use at all. She also found that countries like Bangladesh already use similar systems to manage waste-water in sediment tanks and reuse the clean water.
Second equal in the junior section was Rowan McComish with ‘Enviro Blocks’ and Emma Clucas with 'Polystyrene Recyclene', both from Cobham Intermediate in year eight. Third place went to Alex Pickering and Holly Harris, Heathcote Valley School year eights, with ‘Help keep tui in Canterbury,’ a biodiversity project.

For more information: Jocelyn Papprill, Educator for Sustainability, Environment Canterbury, 03 371 7108, jocelyn.papprill@ecan.govt.nz

The committee held its second meeting on Monday 16 August which included a briefing from Environment Canterbury Commissioner Peter Skelton.

 The committee has around $100,000 in Immediate Steps funding and has begun considering a number of projects for funding this year. Over the coming month the committee will continue to talk with landowners. It will also assess each proposed project to ensure they align with the priorities and targets of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. 

In addition the committee agreed a five-year programme of the broad areas for its Immediate Steps work. Stakeholders and landowners will be consulted early next year to identify priority projects for funding in 2011-12.

Commissioner Peter Skelton told the committee members they had a crucial role to play in the decisions that needed to be made on the management of the Hurunui and Waiau rivers.

 “I asked the committee to develop over the coming months a consensus position on water storage options in the Hurunui-Waiau Zone so they can provide input to the Regional Committee.”

Other areas the committee were briefed on included:

Flow and water allocation plans for the Hurunui and Waiau Rivers.  Community Advisory Groups, through discussion and feedback at a series of meetings have come (or are very close) to a preferred position on the minimum flow and flow allocation regime for both rivers. The Waiau River Community Advisory Group will meet next month to agree a final position on the Waiau River flow plan. Meetings will be held from October on the Hurunui River flow plan and will include submitters, iwi and stakeholders.

The zone committee was briefed by one of the authors of the North Canterbury Storage Options report (prepared by Riley Consultants) which provides an assessment of long-term water needs for North Canterbury. It takes into account the potential for water storage (either on farm or from new infrastructure) and/or water transfer between catchments, integrated with water-use efficiency improvements, as well as the potential to use groundwater for irrigation. The main findings:
o       There is some (although limited) opportunity for extending the irrigated area through increased water-use efficiency by current irrigators.

o       There is low potential for further irrigation development from groundwater as bores in the area are generally low yielding (too low yielding to run a travelling irrigator).

o       The report brings together previous work on storage sites in the Hurunui and Waipara as well as potential sites in the Waiau selected on the basis of a desk-top assessment of hydrology and topography. The consentability of the storage sites was not considered.

o       The Waiau is a much bigger river than the Hurunui and has more reliable flows, therefore making it more attractive (hydrologically) for water storage Information on Waiau storage options, however, is currently very limited.

o       On-farm storage is very expensive compared to “bulk” storage but that there is potential to combine on-farm storage with bulk storage to boost irrigation reliability.

The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee has scheduled meetings every three weeks. The next two public meetings are:

o       Monday 6 September in Culverden.

o       Monday 27 September in Hawarden.

For further information:     

Ian Whitehouse – 027 500-1833, Zone Facilitator  or http://www.canterburywater.org.nz/

Environment Canterbury’s Metro Bus Service Review 2010 outlines proposed changes for the current Northern Star and 480 Kainga bus routes. This follows a round of public consultation during recent months in which residents were asked what they think of Metro services in their area and what changes and improvements they would like to see introduced.

The services being reviewed are:
90 Rangiora (direct)
92 Rangiora (via Woodend and Kaiapoi
912 Woodend Shuttle
913 Woodend Shuttle (via Waikuku)
480 Kainga

Environment Canterbury is also setting up display and discussion stands to give residents an opportunity to talk to staff and learn more about what is being proposed. These are as follows:

Kaiapoi Library Meeting Room, Tuesday, August 31, 11:00am – 2:00pm.
Rangiora Library Meeting Room, Wednesday, September 1, 11:00am – 2:00pm.
Woodend Community Centre Foyer, Wednesday, September 1, 3:00pm – 5:00pm.
Shirley Library and Service Centre, Thursday, September 2, 11:00am – 2:00pm.
Bus Exchange (next to Metroinfo), Thursday, September 2, 7:00am – 9:00am and 3:00pm – 6:00pm.

Wayne Holton-Jeffreys, acting director operations, is encouraging residents to provide feedback on the proposals so that Environment Canterbury can continue to improve public transport.

“Service reviews such as this enable Environment Canterbury to learn about people’s travel habits, what they want from their bus services and how we can meet changing transport needs. This review also provides an opportunity for us to examine how each route is functioning and to attract new Metro users.” 

Brochures have been delivered to homes in Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend, Waikuku Beach, Pegasus, Kainga, Brooklands and Spencerville this week with a freepost feedback form enclosed and all responses go in the draw to win one of ten $30 Metrocard top-up vouchers.

Feedback received from the public will be analysed and if supported, the improvements will commence in November 2011. Copies of the review and feedback forms are available by calling Metroinfo on 366 88 55 or online at http://www.metroinfo.co.nz/northern-star-service-review.html

For more information contact Wayne Holton-Jeffreys, Acting Director Operations, 027 4326250.

Environment Canterbury Commissioners approved a new, competitive Metro fare structure for buses servicing Lincoln, Rolleston, Springston and Burnham towns. As well as existing services to the towns, the fares will cover the new Selwyn Star services, being launched in November. The three routes making up the Selwyn Star will be run by Leopard Coachlines, with bright yellow Metro livery.

The new Selwyn Star service will include increased weekend frequencies on the 81 Lincoln route, a new half-hourly City to Rolleston service (88) and an hourly Selwyn shuttle service (820) linking Burnham, Rolleston, Springston and Lincoln, and every two hours at weekends.

Environment Canterbury recognised the need to resolve fare and zoning anomalies before the Selwyn Star begins in two months, Commissioner Rex Williams said.

The more straightforward fare structure will make Metro highly competitive with the cost of running a car, he said. Travelling into Christchurch from Burnham or Rolleston will drop by $9 on the current Metrocard fare. An adult will pay $33 maximum with a Metrocard for any week, down from $42. Travel within the south-west zone (between towns) from November will cost less for most people at a maximum $23 weekly with Metrocard.

“We want to encourage people living in the south-west to use Lincoln and Rolleston for shopping and other business activities, aligning with the aims of the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy (UDS),” he said. “Selwyn district towns have reported record population growth in recent years, creating their own urban activity centres, with many good local facilities for residents. Public transport can help people living in this area to access their local services and retail centres as safely and conveniently as possible.”

Environment Canterbury and the Selwyn District Council both recognise that greater use of Metro will improve accessibility and more sustainable travel within and beyond the district’s boundary, said Rex Williams. “Making it cheaper for residents to travel between each town, rather than having to commute into the city, is one way to do this and the new Selwyn Star will be a stylish and comfortable way to get about.

“The shuttle service is being introduced in response to public demand for a direct link between Lincoln and Rolleston and will provide an economic boost for the two key activity centres in the district.”

The same flat-fare structure is likely to be applied to the towns in the Waimakariri District. However, given the current review of the Northern Star services, fare changes would align with that review outcome, he said, and not occur for another year.

“These changes in the south-west may well be rolled out in a year’s time to the northern towns. Both districts are significant partners in the Greater Christchurch Urban Development Strategy, which recognises that a quality public transport service can make it easier for people to work and shop close to home and extend people’s choices.”

For more information: Commissioner Rex Williams, 021 334 197 or Wayne Holton-Jeffreys, Acting Director Operations Environment Canterbury 027 4326250.

The commissioners noted that although they opposed the Conservation Order
application given that issues it covered were now being considered through the regional planning framework and the recently imposed moratorium on consents, they would have input to the final content of the submission, to ensure their reasoning was clear.

The Environment Canterbury Act includes a process for the revised WCO application to be heard by independent hearing commissioners before the commissioners make their recommendations to the Minister for the Environment.

Environment Canterbury’s original submission on the WCO application stated that the council “opposed those parts of the WCO application which are contrary to the objectives and policies of the proposed Natural Resources Regional Plan (NRRP).” Commissioner Peter Skelton said that the NRRP and the Hurunui moratorium on resource consents provide interim protection for the catchment area.

“The Resource Management Act, the Environment Canterbury Act and the Canterbury Water Management Strategy all require water resources to be managed considering both in-stream and out-of-stream values and uses.

“Whereas a Water Conservation Order focuses on the one catchment, a regional water plan enables future management of the Hurunui’s water resources in a broader context including other water resources in North Canterbury.

“The submission process is the only option available by which Environment Canterbury can provide further information or request changes to the WCO application,” said Commissioner Skelton.

“All submissions will be heard by external hearing commissioners before recommendations are made to the Minister for the Environment. Environment Canterbury’s position is that the WCO is no longer required given that the issues, statutory tests and objective of promoting sustainable resource management are included in the regional planning processes and plans. However, it is important to make our concerns known to the Conservation Order commissioners and the submissions process is how we can do that.

“For that reason, we will also provide information in our submission on the catchment and the effects that the revised WCO might have so that we can identify any amendments needed to administer the Conservation Order effectively. “

The closing date for submissions is September 24, 2010. Only organisations or people who have already submitted on the original WCO can resubmit.

For further information: Commissioner Peter Skelton 027 636 1728.

“The use of Māori  names enables Environment Canterbury to meet its requirements as agreed in the Ngāi Tahu  Deed of Settlement (1997) and the Ngāi Tahu  Claims Settlement Act (1998) and recognises the value of Environment Canterbury’s relationship with Ngāi Tahu  as tangata whenua,” said Commissioner Donald Couch. 

“These Māori place names are a symbol of Ngāi Tahu’s relationship with the landscape. It serves as a daily reminder of our history in Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island) as tangata whenua,” he said.

 Environment Canterbury has used dual Māori / European place names for many years, but had not formally endorsed its agreement to do so at council level.
List of Ngāi Tahu place names to be used by staff of Environment Canterbury:

Canterbury
Mount Cook (mountain & township) - Aoraki
Ashburton River - Hakatere
Ashley River - Rakahuri
Avon River - Ōtakaro
Cam River - Ruataniwha
Coopers Lagoon - Muriwai
Estuary of the Heathcote and Avon Rivers - Ihutai
Little Mount Peel - Huatekerekere
Lyttelton Harbour - Whakaraupō
Mackenzie Pass - Manahuna
Mount Grey - Maukatere
Mount Harper - Mahaanui
Mount Herbert - Te Ahu Patiki
Mount Nimrod - Kaumira
North Branch Ashburton River - Hakatere
Port Levy (Potiriwi) - Koukourarata
Selwyn River - Waikirikiri
South Branch Ashburton River - Hakatere
Southern Alps - Kā Tiritiri o te Moana

 For further information: Commissioner Donald Couch, 0274 314-554, Jackie Curtis, Environment Canterbury Director External Relations, 027 225-6415.

It is a formal response to a request from the Ministers at the end of May, asking for the Commissioners to have a work plan set out by July 31, 2010.

“We have set an ambitious programme of work for staff and ourselves as commissioners. It requires a constructive engagement with territorial authorities, Ngai Tahu and other stakeholders, particularly around freshwater management,” said Chair of Commissioners Dame Margaret Bazley.

“It is an exciting time to be involved in resource management in this region, with the Canterbury Water Management Strategy gaining traction and statutory mechanisms like the Hurunui moratorium enabling us to ensure there will be a planned approach to water allocation and restoration in that catchment.

“We are committed to achieving long-term, sustainable solutions across environmental, economic, cultural and social community goals for all of Canterbury.”

There are four outcomes agreed with the Ministers:

• Canterbury’s natural resources are effectively managed in an integrated, comprehensive and forward looking manner within a robust regional planning and policy framework. Freshwater management will have a particular focus.
• Environment Canterbury’s institutional arrangements are fit for purpose and effectively support the regional planning and policy framework and the discharge of all the Councils functions, responsibilities and duties.
• Environment Canterbury has durable and collaborative relationships with Canterbury’s territorial authorities, iwi and other key stakeholders.
• Environment Canterbury has effectively carried out all its functions as a regional council and met all its statutory obligations, including those committed to in its annual plan and long-term council community plan.

There are four specific timeframes outlined:
• Making decisions on the Natural Resources Regional Plan (NRRP) - Water plan chapters notified October 2010.
• Making recommendations on the Hurunui River Water Conservation Order. Hearing on revised application early 2011.

• Review and implement the findings of the review of Environment Canterbury’s institutional arrangements. First report due end of September 2010.
• Working with Canterbury territorial authorities to develop and implement the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS). By September 2010, four zone committees and the regional committee established; Immediate Steps Biodiversity programme for freshwater priorities started.

The commissioners have also agreed on a joint work programme with Ngai Tahu in managing the region’s natural resources, recognising the relationship of Ngai Tahu as tangata whenua of Waitaha/Canterbury.

The letter outlines each of the four outcomes and key milestones.  It is available at:  http://ecan.govt.nz/about-us/your-council/commissioners/Pages/responsibilities.aspx

For more information: Ken Taylor – Environment Canterbury Director of Investigations and Monitoring, 03 371 7109

Committee member biographies
Darren Mann (Swannanoa)
Darren brings to the Zone Committee experience in environmental and corporate management as well as community consultation. He is the Regional Manager of Rayonier, a large forestry company with operations in Canterbury. Darren manages a team responsible for all operations and activities within the 30,000 ha Matariki Forest Canterbury Estate. He holds a Bachelor of Forestry Science degree.
Darren also has a sporting background which includes playing for the Taranaki NPC team, completing the Speights Coast to Coast, as well as running a number of marathons over the years. His current sporting focus is cycling.
Darren is married to Angela and they have 10 year old son (Jordan) and an eight-year-old daughter (Laura).

Grant Edge (Fernside)
Grant is a local businessman and landscape architect with more than 25 years practical experience in designing, planning and managing landscapes, from small residential properties to local and regional projects. He has devised creative storm water disposal solutions for waterways, parks and open spaces, commercial sites, subdivisions and roads.
He is experienced in project facilitation and community consultation and says he is very interested in the many issues impacting on both rural and urban environments.  He says he takes a broader holistic approach to the management of physical and cultural resources and believes collaborative design processes are what often contribute to successful project solutions.
Grant is currently serving his fifth term on the national executive of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects.
Grant lives and works from the family home on a 1ha property near Rangiora, and has two children attending local schools.

Claire McKay (Rangiora)
Claire is a veterinarian who with her husband has a 282 ha dairy farm on irrigated land at Cust.  Claire says her involvement in their business has led to a thorough understanding of regulatory, environmental and water-related issues as well as the importance of the whole agricultural industry to the wealth of the Waimakariri district.
She believes in an equitable allocation of water and the need to drive further efficiencies in water-use and ensure reliability of supply.
Claire has been a member of the South Island Dairy Event (SIDE) since 2003, and is currently the co-ordinator of the Research and Innovation committee.  She is also the SIDE farmer representative on the South Island Dairy Development Centre (SIDDC) research committee and has been on the SIDDC communications committee until recently. Claire was one of the founding conveners of the local large dairy farms discussion group in response to the need to provide support and ensure the transfer of knowledge specific to large herd management in the Waimakariri district.
Claire enjoys ski-ing, social bike riding, reading and travel.

Murray Lang (Loburn)
Murray is president of Canterbury Fruitgrowers Association and a horticulturalist on the Ashley River.  Having lived in the area nearly all his life, he says he wants to contribute to the development of the district while preserving the essence of what makes it special.  He and his wife, Alison, have been growing fruit at Loburn since 1979, irrigating from the Ashley River system.
Murray is also a vice president of the Horticulture Canterbury Growers Society Ltd, which represents the horticultural interests of the Canterbury region.  He is also widely experienced in forest research having spent 30 years involved with alpine grassland, plantation forest nutrition, and plant and soil analysis.

Bryan Sulzberger (Rangiora)
Bryan is a businessman from Rangiora and chairman of the Central Drainage Group.  He is a former Waimakariri District Councillor and also served three years as a director of Waimakariri Irrigation Ltd.   During his time as a councillor he was a member of the Sewage to Sea Subcommittee which was influential in removing sewage from the Cam River.
Formerly a dairy farmer in Taranaki, Bryan ran a small sheep farm in Flaxton for a decade and has managed engineering businesses for the last 28 years.
He was heavily involved during the building of the Christchurch Convention Centre, construction of the second stage process lines at Canterbury Timber Products in Sefton, and at Nelson Pines as well as the major upgrade of the Linwood Mall.

Bill Wilson (Waikuku)
Bill is the chair of the Waikuku Water Management Group.  The former sheep, cattle and cropping farmer in both the North and South Islands, he has driven riparian restoration projects on the lowland streams and in 2004 the Waikuku Water Management Group received the Canterbury Resource Management Award for Water Efficiency.  He says he has enjoyed being involved in water management, riparian restoration and environmental planting in the Waikuku/Woodend area over many years and welcomes the opportunity to extend this to a broader area
Bill has a Diploma in Business Management and a Certificate in Farm Management, was an Individual Category winner in the Canterbury Resource Management Award in 2002 and won a Waimakariri District Council Community Service Award in 2007.
Bill was a member of the Waikuku/Rakahuri Coast Care group and put together the management plan for the area south of the Beach Road to SH 1.
He is married to Judy and they have three children.

Rex Williams (Environment Canterbury)
Rex Williams is the Chancellor of Canterbury University, chair of the West Coast District Health Board, chair of H W Richardson Group and an Environment Canterbury Commissioner.
Rex was the Managing Director of Holcim Cement (New Zealand) until 2007 and has more than 30 years experience in senior management positions. He has served on a number of boards and is recognised for his business acumen and governance skills.
Rex Williams was a key founder of the environmental lobby group the Water Rights Trust, which was formed in 2002 to address increasing concern about poor water management and deteriorating water quality in Canterbury. He is also a keen recreational angler and enjoys a number of outdoor sports. 

Michael Bennie Leroy operated a waste disposal business from a property he was renting at 105 Tosswill Road in Prebbleton. On June 5, 2009, he was found to be burning rubbish on the property that included general rubbish, tins, plastic bottles, plastic food containers, wrapping and milk cartons. There had been complaints from neighbours about the fire and upon inspection by Environment Canterbury officers, Mr Leroy extinguished the fire.

At his sentencing on June 10, Mr Leroy pleaded guilty to this offence and admitted that he had breached an abatement notice which he was issued earlier in the year requiring him to cease discharging contaminants to air from trade or industrial premises.

Judge Jackson noted that the fire lasted more than twelve hours and that Mr Leroy had initially been uncooperative with Environment Canterbury officers during their investigation. The Judge took into consideration that Mr Leroy had been bankrupted in April that year and gave consideration as to what amount he could pay in fines.  Mr Leroy was fined $1000 for the first offence and $750 for the second. He was also to pay $800 towards Environment Canterbury’s investigation costs, court costs of $130 and solicitors’ costs of $133. Ninety percent of the fines are paid to the regional council.

Environment Canterbury director regulation Kim Drummond said Mr Leroy’s actions showed a complete disregard for any environmental impact, especially as he was prepared to disregard the abatement notice.

“Although Mr Leroy operated a waste disposal business, he was not prepared to dispose of the rubbish he collected in the correct manner and burned the materials to avoid paying the costs of using a refuse centre. His attempts to save money by not using an authorised waste disposal facility led to him being prosecuted and fined”.

“Mr Leroy’s actions had consequences not only for himself but also for his landlord who was left with the responsibility and cost of cleaning up the property. We encourage property owners to monitor their tenant’s activities or they too could be dealing with a similar situation.”  

For further information:  Kim Drummond, Environment Canterbury Director Regulation, 03 372 7232, 027 497 8366.

The 2010 Youth Leadership for Sustainability Awards are a joint initiative between Environment Canterbury and Ngai Tahu recognising awareness of environmental and social issues among Canterbury’s youth.

The awards ceremony is being held on Wednesday, August 11, at the Salvation Army headquarters at the corner of Durham and Chester Street, Christchurch, beginning at 2pm. Environment Canterbury commissioners Dame Margaret Bazley, Rex Williams, David Caygill and David Bedford and Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Mark Solomon, will be attending.

The individual award was open to students in Years 12-13 and recognises their work in sustainability, either through their own initiative or by supporting or leading a wider project. The group award celebrates the contributions of a youth organisation, marae or school.

In no particular order, prize-winners for the individual category are Roseanna Gamlen-Greene, Rangi Ruru; Laura Silcock, Marian College; and Thomas Ferguson, Lincoln High School. The group category prize-winners are the Lincoln Enviro Organisation; Nina Valley Restoration Group; and Youth River Action.

Environment Canterbury acting chief executive Don Rule said this is the first year that the awards are being presented and they recognise initiatives that young people are undertaking throughout the region.

“By working alongside young people and organisations, Environment Canterbury and Ngai Tahu are working to create a healthier, sustainable community both now and into the future.”

“The activities undertaken by the entrants covered a diverse range of environmental issues and they also demonstrated innovative ways to convey their work to a wider audience. This involved breaking through traditional forms of media using YouTube and social media and these channels are essential to promoting environmental awareness to a younger audience,” said Mr Rule.

“These awards are one way that we can recognise the initiatives and vision of our rangatahi. Often some of the best ideas come from young minds, and we should not hesitate to adopt these ideas as we endeavour to safeguard our environment,” said Mark Solomon.

For further information on the 2010 Youth Leadership for Sustainability Awards contact Jocelyn Papprill, Education Sustainability Officer, 03 371 7108.
Don Rule, Environment Canterbury Acting Chief Executive, 03 372 7233, 027 215 0779.
Leanne Scott, Senior Communications Advisor, Te Rūnanga o Ngā Tahu, 03 363 8962.

Environment Canterbury director regulation, Kim Drummond, said that the problem with old burners is that they produce too much pollution because they were not designed with air quality in mind.

“Winter air quality is a problem in Ashburton in recent years, with pollution exceeding the health-based Government air quality standard between nine and 25 times each year.”

“Open fires are generally ineffective for heating with most of the heat going up the chimney along with up to ten times as much smoke as a new woodburner might produce. Old burners couldn’t have met the clean air requirements when brand new and they become less efficient and pollute more as they get older, even if you use them well,” said Mr Drummond.

The new air rules allow any kind of cleaner heating and people can make their own choice. There is a wide range of options, including clean air approved woodburners, pellet burners, flued gas fires and electrical appliances, whichever suits people’s needs best.

Anyone can install a new woodburner to replace an old one or in a new home, providing they have a building consent as no resource consent is needed.

“Environment Canterbury’s Clean Heat Project provides real and worthwhile financial incentives to make the change easier for people but it was never intended to be a silver bullet. A large number of households will still need to take action under their own initiative to help Ashburton meet the National Environmental Standard for air quality,” said Mr Drummond.

“There are other schemes out there too, including the Warm Up New Zealand programme which provides central government funding through the Energy and Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA). It provides up to $1300 towards insulation and $500 towards cleaner heating in the main living area.

“Environment Canterbury’s Clean Heat Project and the WUNZ programme require insulation together with the cleaner heating appliance to ensure the best use of the energy, making them more effective and reducing running costs.

“Old appliances can still be used for emergency heating and cooking in an unscheduled power outage lasting longer than three hours.”

All media enquires to Mick O’Donnell, Senior Communications Advisor, 03 353 9733, 027 261-4824.

The Gold award, given by the Association of Consulting Engineers New Zealand (Inc), was for recognition of an outstanding project.

The Waimakariri Flood Protection Project was started because of the significant flood risk posed by the Waimakariri River, says Ian Heslop, Environment Canterbury principal engineer.

The project is designed to significantly reduce the threat to life, property, and infrastructure from the river, which has the potential to cause up to $8 billion damage in Christchurch, Kaiapoi, and surrounding areas. 

Good Earth Matters Consulting was engaged by Environment Canterbury to project manage this complex scheme. 

“Good Earth Matters and Environment Canterbury engineers developed robust systems and processes which enabled design, consultation and consent applications to be progressed concurrently and delivered within a seven month timeframe,” Ian Heslop says.

The consent process involved four consenting authorities: Waimakariri and Selwyn District Councils, Christchurch City Council, and Environment Canterbury.  The project has now obtained all necessary consents without any appeals to the Environment Court.

“The effort the team put into planning and community consultation has certainly been worthwhile.  We are very pleased with progress so far, and the recognition given by fellow members of the engineering profession.   Our focus is now on preparing for the start of construction this year.”

David Bridges, Good Earth Matters project engineer, says it has been one of the most rewarding, satisfying and iconic projects he has worked on. 

“The reason is simply the quality of the team which we worked with at Environment Canterbury and the commitment that everyone had to delivering the outcomes for the community.”

The project will take approximately ten years to complete. Works start in late spring this year, and include upgrading existing stopbanks, enhancing rock protection and constructing a secondary stopbanking system.

For further information: Ian Heslop, Principal River Engineer Environment Canterbury, 03 372 7201 or 027 436 1670 or David Bridges, Good Earth Matters Project Engineer, 06 353 7560.