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Waikato Region water allocation update – May 2008 Simon Berry and Lara Blomfield have been acting for the Waikato River Municipal Users Group (WRMUG) in relation to Waikato Regional Plan Variation 6 (RPV6). RPV6 is an innovative measure which regulates the allocation of water throughout the Waikato Region, including the Waikato River. The submissions on RPV6 were heard by a Waikato Regional Council Hearing Committee between December 2007 and March 2008, and the committee heard arguments about competing interests from the municipal supply authorities, electricity generation companies and farming interests. As the name suggests, WRMUG is comprised of those bodies which take water from the Waikato River for municipal supply purposes namely Taupo District Council, Waipa District Council, Hamilton City Council, Waikato District Council and Watercare Services Limited. The municipal authorities support the regime provided by RPV6, particularly as it provides a priority allocation for municipal supply purposes. The Waikato Regional Council Committee is currently deliberating on the evidence of some 50 submitters and a decision is not expected until September. Simon's comments: This case demonstrates the issues which arise in relation to the allocation of what is ultimately our most important resource. I was pleased that the municipal water supply authorities were able to present a united case in support of their need to have the freedom to manage their water supply systems, provided the Regional Council is satisfied that water conservation and efficiency goals will be met. We had a highly competent Hearing Committee but if the experience of water allocation issues in the South Island is anything to go by, appeals to the Environment Court are highly likely.
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