Chris Allen: Water management combined effort

When it comes to setting water limits it is an understatement that this is a complicated beast.

Nothing should be allowed to interfere with our combined objective

Fresh water is this country's greatest natural asset. No one would argue with you there, except in election year. In the process of setting social, cultural, economic and environmental values for water we must not let election hype distract us from what we are trying to achieve. The balancing act may involve robbing Peter to pay Paul, but that is the price of living.

The recently introduced national policy statement (NPS) for water management is a major first and we need everyone at the table to be part of the solution rather than politicking from the sidelines.

In Canterbury we've jumped ahead in the water quality conversation by setting up 10 zone committees appointed by Environment Canterbury (ECan) and the region's city and district councils. They are in charge of developing zone implementation programmes, or ZIPs. You could say they are zipping up recommendations to ECan on water quality and quantity limits.

When it comes to setting water limits it is an understatement that this is a complicated beast. It is typified by a debate of perspectives, frequently based on opinion rather than fact. As Dr Michelle Shields observes in her ladder of inference: "We take in raw data, filter it based on previous experiences, beliefs and preferences, interpret it, and form emotional reactions, form assumptions, develop conclusions, then confirm our beliefs based on what transpires".

A key part of the process is the establishment of community values, where data, science, economic impacts, and values play a major part in the community debate about Canterbury's land use and water quality.

This is a process that takes consideration and inclusion; it is not a time for rushing rules through to a deadline as the unintended consequences for a community may outweigh any gains.

We are at a pivotal time in determining our future as a region, but before you find the solution you need to identify the problem, and from that solutions should be achieved over sensible timeframes. Although we already have the ball rolling in this process, it has largely been based on conflicting perceptions and values. We must now take the time to address the solutions, fully understanding the costs and implications.

I believe we all are looking for a way to live sustainably as a community and a country, but one man's sustainability may be another man's exploitation. So the Canterbury water management strategy (CWMS), states that infrastructure and development should take place alongside environmental protection and restoration. Hear, hear. The CWMS contains 10 sets of targets that must be achieved in parallel.

If you thought this was going to be easy you can think again. The NPS framework on fresh water quality is tough on all New Zealand, with absolutely no free passes for farming or urban communities.

We are now all in the same boat, so perhaps now we can admit that we have some of the most pristine rivers in the world.

The farming community is investing extensively in environmental science, but when it comes to biological systems there is no instant gratification. Just like a super-tanker, it takes time to navigate the minefield that is human livelihoods, dreams and values. It is extremely important to give farmers and urban communities realistic timeframes to invest and adapt.

When you are dealing with the Canterbury land and water regional plan, Environment Canterbury's implementation of the NPS, the only way to make your voice heard is through High Court appeal on points of law.

Within the limited appeal rights, Federated Farmers has chosen to appeal key parts of the plan that to us are of the greatest concern.

Meanwhile we are working constructively with Environment Canterbury to address other issues. We are our own organisation and our approach has been very much a reflection of today's regulatory climate, if you are not at the table you are on the menu.

It is not easy to balance community values, so the key is for the community to be informed with accurate and unbiased information.

Federated Farmers is not in this because it's easy, we are in this because everyone needs to be heard, especially those whose hands are in the soil.

We are part of the solution and looking at the big picture is fundamental in getting this right. Setting people and communities up to fail is not an option; we are working damn hard to provide solutions that serve the wellbeing of the whole region.

• Chris Allen is Federated Farmers' mid-Canterbury provincial president and board member