A crowd has gathered outside the Hawke's Bay Regional Council to demand public access to clean safe water is priority.
They are one of many rallies happening around the country today, as a 15,000 strong petiton that calls on the government to place a moratorium on freshwater exports was presented to parliament.
A group of people rallied outside the regional council, hoisting signs and placards. Co-ordinater Heather Scherger will be speaking to the crowd soon.
Water quality, and water bottling have been contentious topics in Hawke's Bay, especially following the contamination of Havelock North's water supply last year. Recently the regional council agreed all water bottling consent applications would need to be publically notified.
Founder of Bung the Bore - the group behind the petition and the rallies - Jen Branje said today was about "putting people and the environment above the demands of private interests to exploit New Zealand's freshwater".