14 November 2006
On 11 November 2006 the CPW applications for resource consents and designations to SDC were notified.
Many received letters this week from SDC regarding the CPW application for landuse consents and designations.
We were disappointed SDC did not include the submission forms in the letters that went out to 5000 plus landowners/ratepayers.  We were also shocked at the lack of specific detail given to seriously affected landowners.  
Enquiries to SDC this week indicate that under the RMA they do not have to send out submission forms or detailed information about the application and the designations. They say all the info is in the AEE and there are further info and reports available at Service Centres.
IT'S UP TO AFFECTED LANDOWNERS AND CONCERNED PEOPLE TO GO AND SEEK OUT THE INFO. THIS IS ASSUMING THAT YOU KNOW THAT YOUR LAND IS AFFECTED -THE LETTER FROM THE COUNCIL DOES NOT SPECIFICALLY TELL LANDOWNERS THAT THEIR LAND MAY BE DESIGNATED.
We think this is an appalling situation. It`s possible that some people could find a designation placed on their land and NOT be aware of it!!    The lists and maps of the canals have altered considerably since the original application so you need to re check this information.  It means little though, as CPW plan to make more alterations as the process continues. If you find a canal is now not crossing your property, you still need to be vigilant as that could change with the stroke of a pen!
Liz and I studied the application at SDC yesterday. There are 114 land parcels to be designated for the major components of the scheme i.e. Dam & Reservoir (29),  Headrace and lower intakes (61),  Upper Waimakariri Intake and Tunnel  (24).
507 land parcels are affected by the Distribution Network canals.  (CPW have applied for Resource Consents for the network canals,  not a designation.)
Submission forms can be collected from SDC Service Centres or downloaded from the Council Website. The Council also has 4 discs that cover the AEE and further reports. There are 30 volumes of documents to `plough` through. All very confusing and hopelessly time consuming. ( One integrated AEE would have been so much easier).  There are two forms to collect, Forms 13 (for the land use consents) and 21 (for the designations).      For more info you should ring Dion Douglas or e.mail him at Dion.Douglas@selwyn.govt.nz.  or check  the Council`s website at www.selwyn.govt.nz
The submission forms are complicated so people will need help.  The MHPS is planning more free Workshops  beginning at  Glentunnel Hall  Nov 29. and Coalgate Bowling Club on Dec 4 at 7.30pm (will be advertised in local papers).  We hope to have an RMA lawyer present to explain the designations process. We are also compiling an information sheet to go out with the submission forms.   
Please ring or e.mail us for further info.
Rosalie 03  3182 632 and Liz 03  3182 643