Dear All,

Submissions
Thanks to all who completed submissions to Selwyn District Council (SDC) on the Central Plains Water landuse/designation applications which closed 29 January 2007.   We understand that SDC received about 500 submissions and that there will be a Joint Hearing in June 2007?   We have requested that SDC make available a full copy of submissions for the public to read and analyse.
The committee has been disappointed at the lack of assistance given the public by Central Plains Water and SDC to make the process simpler and to provide more detail about the issues and implications, especially the designation process.   It's been a complex and confusing exercise and we feel sure the issues are not well understood by many.   The Society held submissions workshops in Darfield,  Glentunnel,  Coalgate and Sheffield.   The MHPS committee and many individual members worked hard to inform people and gather submissions.

We have been sent copies of many fine submissions from individuals and groups.  
Four members of the MHPS Committee  worked on the Society`s submission during the busy holiday period!   Special thanks to Mojo and Barry Mathers and Liz Weir for their efforts.  These committee members put together an excellent submission which is attached for your info.

Hearing      
The Society has a lot of work ahead preparing evidence and finding expert witnesses to speak at the Hearing.  It's important too, that individuals appear to present their submissions in person. Recently we were informed that  " the most skilled and experienced lawyers have often been completely outdone by the little guy who speaks from the heart."
We need MHPS members to stand up and speak about the human cost and the potential environmental loss that will occur if this scheme proceeds. Your written submissions will be considered, but it's so much more powerful if you speak in support of your submission.  The MHPS committee will be willing to assist any who feel unsure about speaking at the Hearing.

Up~the~creek CD  was released before Christmas.  Thanks to MHPS member John Kelcher for his efforts in producing the CD and making the proceeds from the sales   available to the MHPS Inc.   The CD is a  compilation of local musicians calling for better protection of our water.   Please support us with this fundraiser which will allow us to fund expert witnesses for the Hearing. ( They make great gifts.)
The CD`s are $20 + $1.50 postage.   ( Cheques should be made out to: The Malvern Hills Protection Society Inc.  and posted to  Rosalie Snoyink,  6 Homebush Road,   Glentunnel )

CPW Trust Public Meeting      
In December we were informed by an 'alert' member of the public, that CPW had advertised a public meeting, in the ChCh Press to be held in Darfield at 4pm on Thursday 14 December 2006.   It was a very small advert which we would have missed.  There were no meeting notices placed in the local newspapers.  The MHPS committee set about helping the Central Plains Water Trust publicise the meeting, by using our e.mail and phone networks. About 80 people turned up to the meeting - a great turnout given the short notice and the time of year!
The CPW Trust Deed requires a meeting be held to present and receive public comment on the Trust`s annual report.  The Central Plains Water Trust was set up in 2003 and has been in breach of the Deed as we understand  no such public meetings have occurred until Dec 2006. Doug Marsh, the CPWT Chairman addressed the meeting and other trustees present were Claire Mulcock and Doug Catherwood.  Derek Crombie was also present.  Many good questions were put to the Trustees who were left in no doubt about the feelings of those in  attendance!    

Trustees  
SDC have advised us that the current trustees as at 8 December 2007 are:
Doug Marsh - Chairman
Dick Davison, Doug Catherwood,  David Haslam, Denis O'Rourke,   Viv Smart and       Clare Williams.   "Claire Mulcock does have an involvement with the Trust but her term has not been formally renewed as she has not been reappointed by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment at this time"   (Douglas Marshall  SDC).
We understand that John Donkers, Willie Palmer and Bruce Irvine have resigned from the Trust and that some Trustees await re-appointment for a further term.

Priority     
In early December 2007, Chief High Court Judge, Justice Randerson upheld the Environment Court decision to decline the Central Plains Water Trust appeal against granting Ngai Tahu Properties Ltd. priority rights to Waimakariri water.
We understand that CPW will now challenge this decision in the Appeals Court.
Central Plains Water is also challenging the two Synlait takes from the Rakaia River,  the Environment Court,  set down to be heard 13  February 2007.

Again, thank you everyone for your support!  
Best wishes from the MHPS Committee.
Rosalie Snoyink   
Liz Weir