It was interesting to read of the Auditor General’s report on water which was released this week. His observation is that the water sector is a mess. Local authorities have differing standards. Central Government is all over the place on the matter. Essentially the Auditor General said that it’s a … [Read more...]
Is it time to review the management of water services in Canterbury:
It was interesting in Jim Lunday’s address last week that he was promoting the management of water from the mountains to the sea. That seemed incredibly sensible. His argument that water does not differentiate where it flows, despite the artificial structures we have put in place to supposedly … [Read more...]
Water Issues Feb 2020
It was interesting to note that the Government has agreed to support Hawkes Bay Councils as they struggle to address their self-inflicted problems with their water supplies. The whole issue with water and Central Government interfering around New Zealand was brought about because the Hastings City … [Read more...]
Last Week – Forest and Bird
Last week we had Annabeth Cohen who gave an excellent summary of the proposed legislation to clean up our rivers. I found it fascinating. Here is a link to how you can make submissions to the Government on the proposed clean waters legislation Here is Aaron Campbell’s video of the talk. … [Read more...]
Citizen Juries
I found this article this week really enlightening... https://www.newsroom.co.nz/2019/09/20/818021/building-bridges-over-troubled-water. Essentially the writers were saying that it is important that we struggle to find new ways of engaging at a deeper level on fundamental topics like water. … [Read more...]
Is this an interesting solution to the farms in North Canterbury which pollute our aquifers:
I have been thinking about the talks we have had recently on water where there has been much talk about leaching of nitrates into our aquifers. The The Press had an article last Tuesday labelled “The farmer who ditched sprays” about David Crutchley, who farms using regenerative farming … [Read more...]
Last weeks Speaker Ben Harris
Last week we had a really interesting address by Ben Harris. I am attracted to speakers who challenge conventional thinking by being scientific, and thoughtful, about an important topic. Like water. Ben started out by pointing out that much of the world required chlorine in its water for public … [Read more...]
Last Week’s Speaker Helen Beaumont
Last week we had a really good talk by Helen Beaumont, head of the Three Waters at CCC. Helen gave the shortest address we have had at the Tuesday Club and left room for the greatest number of questions we have had to date! If you missed it watch it here The staff at CCC have been committed to … [Read more...]
This week’s Speaker: Ben Harris
This week we have a scientist who argues that we should not be putting chlorine in our water at all. He advocates that our personal health risks far outweigh the public health benefits in Christchurch. His argument is that we don’t have dreadful water. Why chlorinate? He has been a … [Read more...]
Our Canterbury rivers, a conversation worth having:
I heard Te Maire Tau, Upuku of Tuahiwi Marae, speak recently. He spoke of the desire of Ngai Tahu to be the owners of our river beds. I found that thought a really interesting one. We have had significant Ngai Tahu governance presence in this region, especially since the earthquakes. They were … [Read more...]