Calls for water rights review

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 17, 22 September 1987, Page 1

Calls for water rights review

The current Water Rights governing the use of the Wanganui River are unsatisfactory and in urgent need of review, according to the conveners of a public meeting called to address the issue in Taumarunui next month. The purpose of the meeting is to form a coalition of interested sector groups to actively lobby for a major Governmental review of the 30 year old Tongariro Power Development

"minimum flow regime". Also given as objectives of the meeting are: "To explain the present water management system of the Wanganui River and tributaries and the Tongariro Power Scheme" and "To explain the Ecological and Recreational benefits to a natural flow". The King Country Branch of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, who are sponsoring the meeting, believe the River should be managed according to its status as the centrepiece of the new

Whanganui National Park. Although the* Wanganui River is not legally incorporated in the Park, Branch Spokesman, William Allen, points out that in the eyes of the general public and overseas tourists, the River is synonymous with the Park. "Indeed, the Park is referred to as the Wanganui River National Park far more often than its correct title," he said. "It is not surprising that this misconception is widespread because the recreational and tourism advantages of

a River beginning at the snowline, passing over spectacular rapids, through steep gorges, high country forest, farmlands and townships and then to quiet waters through virgin lowland forest, are immense - and cannot be overstated." "Initial responses to the formation of a coalition group to seek this review have been encouraging," said Mr Allen, "and several groups and individuals representing varied interests have already expressed a desire to be part of such an effort." Although the meeting was being held in Taumarunui, Mr Allen added that he would like to hear from any groups or individuals in the Wanganui, Pipiriki/Raetihi/Ohakune, Turangi areas who would be interested in seeing a major review of the Wanganui River Water Rights. He stressed that the coalition would not be putting forward the views of any particular sector. "It has one role, and one role only - to act as a common focal point through which the efforts of many different interests can be channelled to obtain a Water Rights review. "Once this is achieved, individual groups will then be free to make their own representations in the usual way." The public meeting will be held in Taumarunui on Tuesday 20 October.