Newsletter Febuary 2010

We've had a short break from CPW matters but are now back into it.
Since our last News Update in October 2009, the CPW Hearing commissioners have released Minutes 11-14.

Minute 11 on the 30th of October outlined the intended decision that consents for a revised scheme would be granted subject to conditions and mitigation and that the designations would be confirmed on the modified scheme. This decision was a disappointment to the Society as there are still many people who will be affected by the headrace and distribution system. We remain concerned about the level of the proposed water abstractions from the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers.

Minute 12 related to the Waimakariri River water take.
Minutes 13 set out the timetable for further hearing dates.
Minute 14 informs that conditions are currently being re-drafted and will be lodged on 15th February. Two hearing days have been set aside 24th & 25th March to explore any points of difference between ECan officers, CPW and relevant submitters.

A final decision is not expected before May 2010.
Commissioners' Minutes can be viewed on the following ECan link :
http://ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/consent-projects/central-plains-water/Pages/latest-updates.aspx

Requiring Status Authority (RAS)
The Society has written to Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment, reiterating our concerns regarding CPW's RAS. It is now over 4 years since designations were placed on properties and the possibility of those designations remaining for another 8 -10 years is completely unacceptable. (See attached letter).
We have received a short reply from the Minister stating:
Given the seriousness of the matters that you have raised, I am seeking a response from CPWL before I form an opinion. I expect to be able to provide you with my response in early March 2010. Thank you for your patience on this matter.

Where to from here...
Many people think that the scheme is over because consents for the dam, reservoir and Upper Waimakariri Intake were rejected by the commissioners. Unfortunately this is not the case. The consents will be granted for water takes from both the Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers. CPW still intends to construct the headrace canal through the Coalgate and Malvern Hills areas, and to build 450 kms of network canals across the Canterbury Plains.

MHPS Committee
In January the Society had its first committee meeting of the year. Marty Lucas has stepped down and two new committee members were appointed. The Society wishes to acknowledge and thank Marty for his contribution.
The 2010 MHPS committee is:
Chairman - Barry Mathers
Vice Chairman - Colin Morris
Secretary - Liz Weir
Treasurer - Rosalie Snoyink
Committee members:
Brian Thompson
Maureen Robertson
Bronwyn Horner
Gillian Deans
Tim Deans

Malvern Hills UK
On Tuesday 9 February, Brian and Helen Thompson hosted two visitors, Anne and David Cheale from the Malvern Hills Preservation Trust, Worcester, U.K.  They contacted the Society via the Internet and spent one night with Liz Weir. Liz arranged for them to meet with some of the locals on the top of the Thompson's Hartley Hills property. Over a picnic lunch we discussed the Malvern Hills. Some memorable info... the Malvern Hills UK receive one million visitors a year and the Trust takes 300,000 pounds a year in parking fees!!! Malvern Hills, Canterbury NZ, is a much quieter place.

Environmental Defence Free One Day Workshop
This Workshop will be held in Christchurch, at the Millenium Hotel, 14 Cathedral Square, on Saturday 27 February 2010 8.45am - 6.15pm.
Barry Mathers will represent the Society at the Workshop.