Our Current Position
Catchment Communities Aotearoa (CCA) acknowledges the Government's announced reforms to regional governance structures, specifically the proposal to abolish elected regional councillors and establish Combined Territories Boards comprising regional mayors.
As the collective voice of New Zealand's catchment communities, CCA recognises that effective land and water management requires stable, science-informed decision-making at the catchment level, regardless of the governance structures we work with.
Key Considerations for CCA
Continuity of Catchment Work
Our member catchment groups work across territorial and regional boundaries. The success of community-led environmental initiatives depends on consistent support and partnership with local government, whatever form that takes. We will work constructively with any governance structure that emerges from this reform process.Importance of Local Knowledge
The proposed reforms emphasise the dual threshold voting system for resource management decisions to ensure both urban and rural voices are heard. This principle aligns with CCA's approach—our catchment communities bring essential local knowledge and practical experience to land and water management. We advocate that this ground-up expertise continues to be valued and integrated into decision-making processes.Science-Based Decision Making
CCA's work is grounded in applied science and community-driven action. As the Resource Management Act reforms proceed alongside these governance changes, we emphasise the critical importance of maintaining access to environmental science, monitoring data, and technical support for catchment communities.Collaboration Across Boundaries
Catchments don't always align with administrative boundaries. Whether governed by regional councils, unitary authorities, or Combined Territories Boards, effective water and land management requires coordination across jurisdictions. CCA will continue to facilitate this collaboration through our national network.
Our Commitment
Catchment Communities Aotearoa remains committed to:
Supporting our member catchment groups through this transition period
Advocating for governance structures that enable effective, science-based land and water management
Ensuring catchment community voices are heard in the reform process
Building partnerships with local government in whatever form it takes
We will monitor developments closely and seek opportunities to contribute constructively to the design and implementation of new governance arrangements that serve New Zealand's environmental and community needs.
Contact
For further information:
Ben Ensor, Chairman
Catchment Communities Aotearoa
M. +64 27 566 8100 | E. ben.ensor@cca.nz
