Natural resources key for farmer and mediator

George Lyons.

Smart thinking around water use, coastal erosion and protecting the production value of the Heretaunga Plains are key campaign issues for local farmer and mediator George Lyons who is seeking election in the Hastings District Council's Heretaunga Ward.

Mr Lyons, who operated a cropping, livestock and viticulture enterprise near Bridge Pa, Hastings, was also a member of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) and a registered provider for support services with the Ministry of Education.

He was a former chairman of the Hastings Rural Community Board, a Landmarks Trust member and was on the council's Landmarks Advisory Group which promoted environmental enhancement through architecture, landscaping and public art.

Mr Lyons said the Heretaunga Plains included some of the most productive land in New Zealand and the council had a responsibility to safeguard the area from urban sprawl.

"Its soils and water are our most valuable resources and should be cared for. The council needs to foster sustainable land use and increased productivity by working alongside tangata whenua and all landowners."

He was concerned investment in property and production by ratepayers such as orchardists and vegetable growers was being devastated by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council's ban of irrigation at the height of the season with little regard for long term implications.

"The Hastings District Council needs to persuade the Hawke's Bay Regional Council to undertake robust research on the amount of water in the Heretaunga Plains aquifer to ensure its ratepayers do not lose out."

Clive, Haumoana and Te Awanga added character to the Hastings district and must maintain their fair share of council services, he said.

Mr Lyons said coastal erosion was a significant issue and the council must put pressure the regional council to issue a resource consent so it can take action to save areas like the Clifton Domain.