Some regions in the South Island are facing a "water rush" from farmers converting from lambs and wool to higher-value intensive dairying cropping, says an environmental lobbyist.
"Water is fast assuming the value of gold in Canterbury," said Forest and Bird conservation manager Kevin Hackwell.
"There is a gold rush mentality as
farms convert to dairying, but it is putting enormous strain on the environment."
Mr Hackwell was commenting on the announcement that Environment Court judge John Jackson has recommended to the Government that a water conservation order be placed on the Rangitata River in South Canterbury.
Mr Hackwell said the recommendation was hugely important, because it would protect the river from future dam construction, and set minimum flows to protect the river and its native fish and birds.
The Rangitata was one of the nation's finest braided rivers, and its protection was vital to avoiding the potential extinction of birds such as wrybills.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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