Sustainable outcomes and tangible improvements to freshwater resources start with a refined plan

Proposed Southland Water and Land Plan

The proposed Southland Water and Land Plan sets out how the Southland Regional Council will manage the protection, use, and development of Southland’s natural resources and achieve tangible improvements to freshwater across Southland. The Plan’s objectives, policies, and rules guide how land and water is to be used. Drafted with the concepts of “te mana o te wai” (putting the health and wellbeing of freshwater first) and “ki uta ki tai” (from mountains to the sea) at its core, it informs a holistic approach to sustainable use and development of resources.

Southland’s three district councils engaged us to advise on the Plan and help prepare submissions relating to their responsibilities to provide and operate critical infrastructure. The submissions changed the decisions-version of the Plan with respect to developing, maintaining, and operating such infrastructure and addressed many of the councils’ concerns with the initial plan.

We continued to advise the councils through the Environment Court appeal process by preparing and presenting technical evidence, supporting facilitated mediation, and serving as expert witnesses until all appeals were satisfactorily resolved.