Local water grab

Abstract

Over the years farmers within the Bay of Plenty had little problems or restrictions in accessing water for running their business. However times have changed and the diversification of our business into both dairy and horticulture has increased our requirements for water. The opportunity to diversify our dairy farm to include horticulture has been mirrored across many properties within the Bay of Plenty, and in particular within the Western Bay of Plenty. Fertile volcanic soil, high rainfall and relatively flat terrain, have encouraged the increased intensification of land use for horticulture and dairy. In addition, significant urban population growth over the last 10 years has seen water demand more than double over this period. Like so many industries throughout the country, farmers and orchardists within the Western Bay of Plenty find themselves becoming more accountable to government legislation and policies, and in particular the Resource Management Act (RMA). In 2001 Regional Councils were given power of general competence under the RMA, which gives them the authority to issue and police water consents. As the urban sprawl and industrial development increase so does competition for the resources. The Land and Water Forum is looking to come up with solutions for the nation as a whole and collaboratively. The Bay of Plenty has its own unique culture, geography demographics and it is to this point I look to identify how water users, in particular those in the district of the Western Bay of Plenty, could improve some of the issues they see as a concern going forward. So in a region with an abundance of water there is a sense that we are on the brink of a frantic water grab and what is the conversation between users and council?