Accord to keep Rangitikei River safe

Moves are afoot to create an accord for the Rangitikei River. PHOTO/ BEVAN CONLEY

The future health and use of the Rangitikei River could soon be protected by an accord.

Treasured Natural Environment Group, which involves Rangitikei District Council and other community organisations, has begun discussions around setting up a Rangitikei River Accord.

Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson was supportive of the move and said the river was highly important for a number of people in the district.

"Often these accords are set up after there is a major problem. Here we're taking the step to look at it before it gets to that issue," he said. "It's very early days in terms of this accord. We're wanting to see first, what groups are wanting to be involved."

Mr Watson said he supported the accord in principle and has asked his council to do the same. "We shouldn't have to wait until we have major water quality issues or conflicts about how it is used. Let's be proactive now while the Rangitikei river is still in good condition, in maintaining it even more," he wrote to the council.

Mr Watson said the accord would support work already being done by the Rangitikei Environment Group and the upgrading of wastewater treatment plants in the district.

The accord aims to care for the health of the river while encouraging its use.

Such an accord is already in place for the Manawatu River which sets out a vision for a healthy river used by everyone. Contributing organisations include Horizons Regional Council, Federated Farmers, DoC, Massey University, Fonterra, Fish & Game, councils, iwi, hapu.