Submission to the Board of Inquiry on the proposed National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management

A not for profit incorporated society, the New Zealand Water and Wastes Association (NZWWA) promotes and enables the sustainable management and development of the water environment. With 1500 members the NZWWA’s membership is large and diverse, including Territorial Local Authorities (TLAs), Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), water and wastes services providers, the major consultancies involved in providing engineering, planning and research services to the industry, Crown and other Research Institutes involved in the water and wastes environment, academia, members of the legal fraternity and training providers.

The NZWWA believes that water can be managed far more efficiently and economically that at present. We have identified five key issues that we believe require resolution if long term sustainable water management is to be achieved. There are other important water related issues but these are fundamental precursors to achieving effective freshwater management.