Request to shareholders to make a submission to ECan in support of the Hekeao Hinds Water Enhancement Trust (HHWET) before 5pm 19 July 2024

What is HHWET?

• HHWET is the trust that operates a number of environmental enhancement projects in mid-Canterbury (including Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and Near River Recharge (NRR) projects. See:  hhwet.org.nz

Why is HHWET important?

• Irrigators (BCI, MHV and independent) rely on HHWET’s work to assist in achieving nutrient reductions in Plan Change 2 area (south of the South Branch of the Ashburton river). HHWET activities could also potentially play a role in the rest of mid-Canterbury.
• Without HHWET activities, it will be more difficult and expensive to achieve lower levels of nitrates in groundwater.

What support does HHWET need?

• HHWET is currently trying to get resource consents for its MAR and NRR sites.
• Failure to secure consents would see most of the MAR and NRR sites closed down.
• The HHWET consents are being publicly notified – which means that anyone in NZ can make submissions. It is important that the voice of mid-Canterbury farmers is heard during this process.
• Note that HHWET’s consents are to release water into the ground for environmental enhancement – and the only water they use is water than cannot be used for irrigation

What are we asking Shareholders to do?

• We are asking all BCI shareholders to make a submission to ECan in favour of HHWET’s consent application.

How do Shareholders make a submission?

There appears to be an issue with the ECan online submissions portal, therefore we recommend that you:

• Download and complete the Submission form RDRML and HHWET
• Email the completed submissions form to hearings@ecan.govt.nz and brett@hhwet.org.nz.
• Forward a copy of your submission to Nick Daniels, BCI CEO nickd@bciwater.co.nz – to ensure we are well informed when we present the BCI Submission to the Commissioner.

See HHWET-RDRML hearing submissions overview 01072024 for some supporting information provided by HHWET that can assist your submission.

What should Shareholders include in their submission?

• One argument made against HHWET is that farmers in the catchment haven’t made sufficient changes to drive improved environmental outcomes – and HHWET is a substitute for on-farm change. This is not correct.  We suggest that you include specifics about the actions you have taken on farm to drive a reduction in leaching and environmental improvements.
• Include any other reasons why you support continuation of HHWET’s activities.
• If you are comfortable doing so, we highly recommend that you also request personally presenting your views at the public hearings. As a local voice you are a powerful advocate for your community.

Submissions close 5pm on 19^th July.  We realise this is a busy time for you, but it is important that as many individuals as possible make a submission in support of granting HHWET’s consent. 

Please get in touch if there is any more information or support you need with completing a submission.

Nick Daniels – 027 603 3732