ISSUE #87
SEPTEMBER 2015
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R U O Y
O T A K I A W
COUNCIL L A N O I G E R WAIKATO M O R F E T A D NEWS UP L A N IO G E R R YOU
Voice of youth heard on river health For 18 months Jason Sebestian has been a voice for Waikato’s youth, speaking up for the health of the Waikato and Waipā rivers as part of a multi-stakeholder project. But he says it’s now time for other young people to have their say, as the Healthy Rivers: Plan for Change/Wai Ora: He Rautaki Whakapaipai project nears a major milestone. The specially-formed 24-member Collaborative Stakeholder Group he’s part of is developing changes to the Waikato Regional Plan, which will be notified for public feedback next year. “I find it incredibly rewarding to be able to sit in a room with people from different backgrounds and experiences to hear what they think and to work together on a common goal,” says Jason. Over time, the plan change will help to reduce sediment, bacteria and nutrients entering water bodies in the 1.1 million hectare Waikato and Waipā river catchments.
Have your say in October Engagement events and a survey starting in late October will be people’s last chance to provide feedback to the Collaborative Stakeholder Group before they recommend a solution for the rivers. “I believe more needs to be done to protect the rivers, because if we leave it any later than this our future generations will be left with an even tougher job,” says the 24-year-old from Hamilton. “Our rivers affect so many people in the region – whether you are a farmer, an environmental advocate, a swimmer, a kayaker, a rural or urban resident. “Even if the only interaction you have with the river is appreciating how beautiful it looks, you should have your say on what could be done.
“It’s vital our communities get involved in this process. This plan change proposes solutions that will hopefully reverse the trend of worsening water quality in these rivers. It is a major opportunity for people to be involved in something that will bring about big changes to our water over the near and far future.” Jason is especially keen to hear from the region’s youth. “Any decisions that are made around safeguarding the health of these rivers and waters are going to be long term, with long term impacts, and that means our younger and future generations will be involved in both the solutions and reaping the rewards from them,” he says. Turn to page 4 to find out how you can get involved. waikatoregion.govt.nz/healthyrivers