National tourism association backs water conservation order

The Clive River is part of a proposed water conservation order. Photo/File

A water conservation order for the Ngaruroro and Clive rivers has received backing from a national tourism association.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) made a submission to the Environmental Protection Authority in support of the proposed water conservation order (WCO) for both rivers on Thursday.

The initial application, which was submitted by five entities, was referred to a special tribunal by Environment Ministry Nick Smith in February.

Public submissions were requested this month and closed on Thursday.

TIA's submission said the order, if granted, would benefit the environment as well as the tourism industry.

TIA chief executive Chris Roberts said a WCO would give assurance to the tourism industry that all essential values and needs would be met for these two rivers.

The rivers hold values of significant importance to the tourism industry including landscapes, water quality, day-trip opportunities, angling, jet boating and a habitat for native birds and fish.

"Fresh water is a pivotal resource for the tourism industry and, unlike some other sectors, we do not need to extract it," he said.

"Tourism values are consistent with the aim of having fresh water that sustains fishing, swimming and mahinga kai/food gathering."

Earlier this week Hawke's Bay Regional Council submitted against the proposed WCO and, in today's Talking Point, chairman Rex Graham said the opposition might seem at odds with the council's goal of protecting rivers and streams but the application posed many threats and risks to Hawke's Bay.

These included affecting the economy by putting high constraints on groundwater use in summer months.

"The water conservation order as it is currently written would decimate horticulture on the Heretaunga Plains and we can't let that happen.

"Primary production is at the heart of the Hawke's Bay economy and many of our jobs depend on it and the council owes it to its community to vigorously oppose this order."

There needed to be a balance between farming and the environment and this order would hurt the agricultural sector, he said.

"If this WCO is accepted as written it will be the death knell to our region."

The special tribunal will be holding a pre-hearing conference in Napier on September 15.