Environment Minister signs Rangitata Water Conservation Order

2006-06-24T14:49:06+12:00

Years of lobbying have paid off after Environment Minister David Benson-Pope yesterday signed-off the Water Conservation Order for the Rangitata River. The Conservation Order identifies the outstanding characteristics of the Rangitata River, and lists the waters that are to be retained in their natural state, said Mr Benson-Pope. The Order also sets out constraints on damming, alteration of river flow and form, maintenance of fish passage, and alteration of water quality that apply to other parts of the river.

The Order completes a process initiated by Fish and Game New Zealand in December 1999 to protect the Rangitata’s outstanding values. The NZRCA has supported the Water Conservation Order application with extensive evidence regarding the nationally important recreational kayaking values of the Rangitata.

Conservation