Water Conservation Order

After years of advocating, for and protecting the Springs, in 2013 Ngāti Tama and Tākaka local Andrew Yuill submitted an application for a Water Conservation Order to the Minister for the Environment to protect the waters of Te Waikoropupū and its associated water bodies.

In 2017 the Minister for the Environment, David Parker accepted the application saying “The Waikoropupū Springs are the largest freshwater springs in New Zealand and contain the clearest water measured anywhere in the world. These iconic waters are well deserving of consideration for a WCO - the highest protection possible for a water body.”

WHAT IS A WATER CONSERVATION ORDER?

The Resource Management Act (1991) says that a Water Conservation Order (WCO) is designed to recognise and protect the ‘outstanding values’ of particular bodies of water, such as Te Waikoropupū. They may be applied over rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, wetlands or aquifers and geothermal water.

Go to www.epa.govt.nz for up to date information on the Water Conservation Order for the Springs.

THE PROCESS OF TE WAIKOROPUPŪ’S Water Conservation Order

2013

Ngāti Tama submit their first Water Conservation applicationthe Minister

2017Ngāti Tama resubmit the WCO and it is accepted by the Minister for the Environment

Minister for the Environment appoints a Special Tribunal

2018 - 1783 submissions were received by MiNEE. 94.6% of submitters supported the WCO

Hearings were held in Mohua for submissions to be heard from all parties

2020The Special Tribunal recommends the WCO be granted to the Arthur Marble Aquifer and the Springs.