Ashburton River: economic impact of changes to flow regimes and allocation

Abstract

The Ashburton River is a varied catchment, with the South Branch rising in the alpine zone, and the North Branch in the foothills. There are also a number of smaller foothill streams in the upper part of the catchment, and spring fed streams in the lower part. The South Branch includes a number of highly valued lakes in its upper part. The Hakatere/Ashburton provides habitat for rare birds, fish, plants and other species, as well as a range of recreations values. The river and its tributaries are associated with the townships of Methven and Ashburton, and irrigation and stockwater are taken directly from it, and from groundwater that is linked to the river system. ECan is considering alterations to the allocation and flow regime to better protect ecological values and irrigator reliability. They are consulting with the stakeholder community on potential options, and as part of that consultation wish to obtain information on the economic impacts of a number of different management regimes.