Council to sign MOU on water

Council intends to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Te Ati Awa Ki Whakarongotai covering the management of the District’s water resources.
 
A draft MOU went before Council today (September 30).

The draft MOU’s preamble notes that an MOU already exists between Council and Te Ati Awa that lays down the general principles of the partnership between Council and local iwi.
 
Mayor Jenny Rowan said water was a precious resource and iwi were understandably keen to be involved in decision making.
 
“It is expected that on the signing of this MOU, Te Ati Awa will then commission a Cultural Impact Assessment on Council’s top ranked water supply options, River Re-charge with Groundwater and the Lower Maungakotukutuku Dam.
 
“It is anticipated that the Cultural Impact Assessment will be completed before a Resource Consent application is lodged mid 2011.”

The draft MOU says Council and Te Ati Awa will work together in the spirit of partnership “to explore practical, innovative, culturally appropriate management of water, including the supply of potable water to all communities within the Waikanae, Paraparaumu and Raumati catchment areas.”