Feedback on E coli, nutrient and sediment runoff sought in Taranaki

Taranaki locals are being asked to have their say on developing new targets for the region’s rivers and streams.

The Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) was organising 16 drop-in sessions around the region this month to shape rules for its Taranaki Land and Freshwater Plan 2025.

Council chair Charlotte Littlewood said changes were coming for farmers, industry, businesses and communities who used water and it wanted to hear from those directly affected.

“This community conversation is really where the rubber hits the road in terms of setting the rules around how we balance competing pressures on our waterways so we want to hear from as many people as possible.”

Littlewood said council had been talking with the community for a couple of years about freshwater management units, the vision for freshwater and the environmental outcomes people would like to see.

“Now we’re asking about actual targets. What levels of E coli, sediment and nutrients in our waterways are acceptable? What limits should be put on how much water can be taken out of a waterway? These are vital questions in establishing the rules.”

She said TRC staff would be on hand at the drop-in sessions to answer questions about proposed freshwater targets aimed at improving water quality in Taranaki’s rivers and streams in the short, medium and long term.

The targets would impact all those who use water or whose business activity impacts freshwater bodies, Littlewood said.

“This includes farmers who have a dairy effluent consent or a consent to take water, as well as business owners with a consent to use water. Rule changes around sediment will also affect those carrying out earthworks.

“We’re also expecting to hear from people across the region who cherish our hundreds of waterways. You might be worried that freshwater ecosystems are under too much pressure or your local stream isn’t the way you remember it.

Details of the drop-in sessions could be found online, as well as online submissions.

The consultation ends 2 August.