Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Questions were raised about the use of market-based instruments and concerns about
the:
potential for monopolies;
impact on property rights;
privatisation of a public good;
impact on the environment and community; and
framework within which a market would operate.
There was also a view also that there is a need for improved integrated catchment
management. This included greater recognition of the linkages between urban and rural
water issues, and between different parts of the physical water resource system.
Following consultation the scope of the WPoA was broadened to include urban water
quality issues in response to concerns expressed by submitters.
Following consultation
Following consultation a series of studies were undertaken into specific policy areas
to clarify earlier work and work through issues raised during the consultation. It included
a range of sub-projects exploring lessons from other countries and other resources in
terms of the balance between market-based and administrative mechanisms for managing
water. Lessons from the management of natural resources, other than water, in New
Zealand were also explored.
Conclusion
The WPoA is concerned with improving the way freshwater is managed in New
Zealand. In particular it is concerned about water quality and water allocation issues.
The impacts of agricultural activities on water are a significant part of this. To date, the
WPoA has scoped issues and problems with the current management framework and has
consulted publicly and extensively on a range of potential actions to improve the
management framework.
The WPoA still has one year until it is complete. In the next six months the New
Zealand Government is expected to signal the direction it wants the WPoA to take in
determining specific changes to New Zealand's water management framework.
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