Water coming down a dry reach of the Selwyn River/Waikirikiri - ‘River of Stones’.
What does ‘over-allocated’ mean and how did it happen? “Over-allocation” is when a water resource has been allocated beyond limits set and freshwater objectives (such as flows to support ecological and cultural values) are not being met. The limits, and our understanding of the impact of water takes, have changed over the last two decades. Between 2002 and 2012, differing viewpoints on water rights meant that recommendations for new consents were litigated at hearings and with the lack of strong limits, often granted. The Selwyn Te Waihora Water Plan reduces water allocation limits by 35% to meet flow requirements for ecological and cultural purposes. New irrigation consents are prohibited. 11