Water committee members confirmed

The Greater Wellington Regional Council confirmed membership of the Ruamahanga Whaitua Committee last week.

The whaitua committee is a combination of farmers, water industry, recreational and environmental leaders, along with representatives of Wairarapa's iwi, regional and local councils.

The committee will collaborate on land and water management recommendations that will inform the Greater Wellington Regional Plan in relation to the Ruamahanga catchment.

Nigel Corry, GWRC General Manager Environment Management says Wairarapa is well-served with individuals, businesses and organisations that recognise the importance of good natural water quality, and quantity, in their everyday lives.

"Community meetings about the whaitua committee were very well attended, demonstrating the level of involvement that Wairarapa people want in the future of the region's water resources.

"From the 27, high calibre, applications eight members of the Wairarapa community were chosen for the committee. They are Aidan Bichan, Mike Birch, Esther Dijkstra, Andy Duncan, Rebecca Fox, Peter Gawith, Vanessa Tipoki and Philip Palmer.

"They will join Chris Laidlaw and Elizabeth Burge from Te Upoko Taiao. Siobhan Garlick from Rangitane o Wairarapa, Rawiri Smith from Ngati Kahunhunu ki Wairarapa, Cr Mike Ashby from Carterton District Council, Cr Colin Olds from South Wairarapa District Council and Cr David Holmes from Masterton District Council."

Mr Corry says that the Wairarapa community recognises that water not only defines the shape of the landscape and land use, it also supports many culturally significant and recreational activities.