The application claims there are outstanding values that need protection, including habitat, ecological and recreational.
But Federated Farmers submitted that none of the values identified set this river catchment apart from others in New Zealand, nor justify a WCO.
A report shows there are 26 species of fish and koura, including flounder, eels, kahawai and various types of bully, and four introduced species.
The total number of species was padded out with four unidentified "species" for good measure. Most species have a conservation status of 'not threatened' or 'at risk/declining'. One species, the mosquito fish, is noted to be a pest.
The conservation status not threatened is the least concerning category in the New Zealand Threat Classification System, and is described by the Department of Conservation website as being for "populations that are sufficiently large and stable that there is little concern about their future". The status 'at risk/declining' is described as being "population declining but still common".
Federated Farmers submitted that these are not outstanding fish values, if these species present in the catchment are common and abundant around the country.
Habitat values were also claimed to be 'outstanding'. The applicant notes that braided rivers are common in the South Island, but are 'becoming rare' in the North Island.
Federated Farmers is not sure what the applicant means by saying braided rivers in the North Island are 'becoming rare', as if the rivers are disappearing completely off the map.
But braided rivers occur in every district in the South Island (except Dunedin and Clutha) and in five districts (Hastings, Central Hawke's Bay, Rangitikei, Manawatu and Kapiti Coast) and two city authorities (Napier and Palmerston North) in the North Island, radiating off the main axial ranges.
This does not look like braided rivers are rare on a national basis, nor on a North Island basis.
Nor has the applicant proved that recreational values are 'outstanding'.
The Mohaka River in Hawke's Bay has been found to have outstanding trout fishery and amenity for water sports, and a Water Conservation Order was granted for this river in 2004.
The recreational values in the Ngaruroro River are not outstanding even on a regional basis, let alone on a national basis.
I can hear the jet boats from my farm, mainly on Sundays. I've also cast a line in the river and been swimming myself. Recreation is something farmers recognise as a legitimate activity and we participate ourselves. It is not under threat from being banned or even limited in the river, so why is there a perceived need for a WCO?
There are about 850 farms within the Ngaruroro and Clive River catchment, which are overwhelmingly drystock. Many of these have been farmed for generations and their produce is enjoyed in homes and restaurants around the country and internationally.
A plan change for this catchment was in the chute and due to come out in December, so it's not as if this river was being ignored.
A plan change allows everyone - from a farmer up by the ranges to an angler casting line at the mouth of the river - to participate and say what they value. Values can then be balanced so sustainable management is reached, including the farming values that put food on the family table.
Some of the WCO applicants had even been sitting around the table working on the plan change alongside farmers, growers and other community representatives. However, the fact they were preparing an alternative means they have sold collaboration as a concept down the river.
Rhea Dasent is a Senior Policy Adviser for Federated Farmers.
