for the Waitaki

Environment Canterbury have recently applied to reduce the minimum flow in the Lower Waitaki River from 150 cumecs to 102 cumecs, for periods over summer. A lower minimum flow would risk even poorer water quality, more didymo infestation, greater exposure of island-nesting birds to predation, and reduction of angling opportunities by up to 30% in the lower river, amongst other things.

Here at the Lower Waitaki River Management Society, we're raising funds to enable us to defend the existing 150 cumec minimum flow at upcoming Hearings, where a Commissioner will decide whether to accept the proposal.You can support our efforts by purchasing a NZ$100 limited edition (1/150) Waitaki River Share Certificate, representing a nominal One Cumec of the minimum environmental flow of the Lower Waitaki River. This unique certificate is created by renowned local artist Donna Demente - a piece of local history that we anticipate will become a collector's item!

The same legislation that removed ECan's elected councillors also prevents the Commissioner's decision from being appealed to the Environment Court, making it even more important that we have a strong and compelling case at this upcoming Hearing. With help from the Society, more than 80% of the ~500 public submissions were against reducing the minimum flow. Please help us to fund a strong team of experts that can take the public's message to the Commissioner: leave the minimum flow at 150 cumecs!