Institutions for water resources management in North Canterbury: a case study

Abstract

The Canterbury water economy is moving from a development to a mature phase. Increased water demand for agricultural purposes, especially irrigation, will place considerable stress on available water supplies and accelerate conflict with other water users.

A complex institutional system exists for managing water resources in North Canterbury. This study examines these institutional arrangements and the decision-making processes of the North Canterbury Regional Water Board. The focus is upon an ex poste evaluation of the events which lead to the preparation of water allocation plans for the Waiau and Hurunui Rivers. It is shown that those groups and interests whose social power is not institutionalised are unlikely to secure more than marginal changes to the status quo. Greater changes can be secured only by directing political activity at the policy making level.

The study concludes that existing institutional arrangements lead to suboptimal social decisions. Various strategies for strengthening water management institutions and policies are outlined.