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February 21, 2016
Water plan falling short of iwi ambition
Waatea Team
Posted On February 21, 2016
The Government has released a consultation document setting out the next steps it intends to take in its reform of water management, but it admits the plan falls short of what iwi leaders are asking for.
Environment Minister Nick Smith says there is more work to do with the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group and others on how allocation can be improved.
The document includes 23 initiatives, many of which have been announced earlier or flagged in the budget.
They include national regulations to get stock out of waterways, an additional $100 million clean-up fund for lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and steps to improve iwi involvement in council development of water plans and water conservation orders.
The plan has been blasted by opposition parties for failing to lift the minimum standard that lakes and rivers be wadeable, rather than swimmable or better.
Public submissions close 22 April and a series of public meetings and hui will be held in March and April.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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