Using the expert panel approach to determine minimum flows

Abstract

In this research I have examined the various methods available to regional councils to enable them to determine appropriate minimum flows for waterways within their regions. In the New Zealand planning context there are a number of values the Resource Management Act 1991 requires regional councils to take into consideration when detennining minimum flows. In general terms these values are ecological, cultural and landscape. A limitation of the "accepted" methods is that they focus on protecting ecological values of the waterway. Many of the methods available rely upon a certain amount of hydrological and ecological data being available. When this data is unavailable the implementation of these methods is impossible. When minimum flows need to be determined in a timely manner there is no alternative method available. Swale and Harris (1995) describes the expert panel approach which uses recognised experts to provide an opinion on what they consider to be appropriate minimum flows. This approach requires very little hydrological and/or ecological data being available as it relies upon expert opinion. The Canterbury Regional Council have modified the approach described by Swale and Harris (1995) to fit into the New Zealand planning context and implemented the modified approach in two catchments within its region. This research examines how the approach was implemented in these catchments and the experiences gained from its implementation. This research then describes a robust process to be used when implementing the expert panel approach. This process is based on the positive and negative experiences gained from the two case studies.