In four years the water in most major catchments in New Zealand will be fully allocated.
A "gold rush" for water is underway.
No water means no new business, causing significant loss for the country.
These are among the findings of a two-year $300,000 research project into New Zealand's fresh water problems.
Collaboration
The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development, has worked with 19 other organisations, and consulted with a further 14, in a collaborative project to produce what it calls the "Best Use Solution".
The research finds between 20% and 80% of water allocated for commercial use (including municipal water supply) in some waterways is not being used at any one point in time.
Policy recommendations
Among the report's recommendations is a policy to allow the easier transfer of water from one commercial user to another.
This could add an extra $180 to $300 million in output to the economy each year.
It proposes integrated catchment management plans, and a cap on the contaminants allowed into waterways - also allowing these discharge rights to be transferred between water users.
The proposals include providing better security for community use of water (environment, recreation, customary rights) and funding for groups which advocate for those interests.
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Download the Best Use Solution Summary
Click here to download (PDF - 4.83MB)
Download the Best Use Solution Full Report
Click here to download (PDF - 2.58MB)
Media releases
Click here to go to the main news and media page.
Feedback:
The Business Council seeks your comments on the Best use Solution.
Please e-mail our project leader, Heather Stonyer
Heather.stonyer@nzbcsd.org.nz.
Telephone: 64 9 525 9727
Office@nzbcsd.org.nz
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