Simon Berry and Jen Vella have been acting for the Waikato River Municipal Users Group (“WRMUG”) in relation to appeals against the Waikato Regional Council’s (WRC) Regional Plan Variation 6 (RPV6) regarding water allocation in the Waikato Region. WRMUG comprises all of the municipal authorities which take water from the Waikato River for the purposes of municipal supply (Watercare Services Limited, Waikato District Council, Waipa District Council, Hamilton City Council and Taupo District Council).

WRMUG promoted a “portfolio” approach to allocation of water for municipal supply, which enables municipal supply authorities to address the water needs of towns and cities in accordance with comprehensive Water Conservation and Demand Management Plans as matter of priority. That approach was upheld by the Hearing Committee.

A number of major players (such as Carter Holt Harvey, Genesis, Trustpower and Horticulture New Zealand) lodged appeals against special provision for allocation for domestic and municipal supply. These appeals were heard by the Environment Court in Hamilton between February 2011 and August 2011. WRMUG reached agreement with several parties over the course of the hearing, and there is now general acceptance of the “portfolio” approach to allocation of water to municipal supply and policies. This will enable municipal supply authorities to secure water for existing communities and future growth.

The hearing was adjourned on 4 August 2011 and a decision is expected in November 2011.