Another community-based committee is being set up by Environment Canterbury to help it manage water resources in the Waitaki catchment.
People are being asked to express interest, by November 5, in serving on the Upper Waitaki zone committee, one of 10 being established throughout Canterbury under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.
A lower Waitaki-south coastal zone committee is virtually formed and is expected to hold its first meeting soon.
It will have an input into water management of the lower Waitaki catchment below the Waitaki dam and Waimate district.
The aim is to have greater community input and agreement over management of water in the Canterbury region.
The four to six community members of the Upper Waitaki zone committee will be announced later this year, following a thorough assessment and appointment process.
They will be selected to work collaboratively and with the community to develop solutions to water issues that give effect to the principles and targets of the strategy.
To be considered for appointment, candidates must either live in or have a significant relationship with the zone. Members are appointed for a three-year term.
The committee will be a joint one of Environment Canterbury, the Mackenzie District Council and Waitaki District Council.
The Upper Waitaki zone stretches from the headwaters of Lake Tekapo in the north, to south of Otematata, and takes in lakes Tekapo, Ohau, Pukaki, Benmore and Aviemore and the Waitaki hydro catchment.
Public meetings on the role of the zone committee and the strategy are at the Otematata Lakes Centre on October 19 and the Twizel Events Centre on October 28, both at 7.30pm.
