Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee meeting

The Orari-Opihi-Pareora (OOP) Zone Committee will hold its regular monthly meeting (open to the public) in Timaru on Friday, 8 June.

A key focus for the committee will be on the implementation of its Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) and the committee’s work-plan for the future. The ZIP was formally endorsed by councils in May as the basis for the design and realignment of work programmes, for drafting regional plan provisions.

It features 50 recommendations to councils with Environment Canterbury leading or involved in 41 of the recommendations. Almost half the recommendations relate to the on-the-ground initiatives for biodiversity, pests, water quality, drainage and nutrient management.

At the meeting the committee will also receive a presentation on the draft Orari River Environmental Flow and Allocation Regime Plan. The Plan has been under development since 2008 and this has included extensive community engagement. The zone committee will be asked to review and endorse the updated Plan for inclusion in the Land and Water Plan (LWRP), which is to be notified in August 2012.

The committee will also be asked to receive the draft Canterbury Regional River Gravel Management Strategy, which was recently released by Environment Canterbury for public to submit on by 29 June.

The draft Strategy was developed after discussions with the industry and key groups to inform decisions on resource management matters. Its purpose is to set out the role of Environment Canterbury to sustainably manage gravel extraction from rivers for natural hazard purposes, and to allow for sustainable economic development without compromising safety, and cultural, social and environmental values.

Another focus for the committee will be on receiving an update on from the Regional Committee on its progress and on the flagship projects it supported with Immediate Steps biodiversity funding.

The Regional committee approved three flagship programmes across the region in early 2012. These are Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere, Braided Rivers, and Wainono Lagoon. An implementation strategy for the Braided Rivers flagship programme has been completed which outlines priorities and criteria for project selection.

Immediate Steps is a $10 million programme to protect and enhance native biodiversity values. The zone committee is responsible for local implementation of the programme. The Regional Committee is tasked with selecting flagship programmes for funding that are significant to the Canterbury region.

The OOP Zone Committee operates as a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Timaru and Mackenzie District Councils. The zone extends south from the Rangitata River through to the Pareora catchment. It includes all of the Timaru district and parts of the Mackenzie and Waimate districts.

Meeting details

Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee meeting
1pm, Friday, 8 June
Meeting room 1, Timaru District Council, King George Place, Timaru

Read the agenda here.