Whanganui River representatives sought

Horizons seeks community representatives for Te Awa Tupua strategy group.

Horizons Regional Council is seeking four community representatives to help look after the Whanganui River.

Horizons group manager of strategy and regulation Nic Peet said the positions were part of a strategy group responsible for advancing the environmental, social, cultural and economic health and wellbeing of the river.

"The next few years will see new ground broken in the collective attempts of multiple parties to understand, listen to and respect the needs of the river and of each other," says Dr Peet.

"This strategy group is part of the Treaty of Waitangi settlement for the Whanganui River, a settlement that provides special recognition of Te Awa Tupua as a legal person with rights, powers, duties and liabilities."

Horizons is seeking people from the Ruapehu and Whanganui Districts to represent the following communities on the strategy group:

• One member to represent environmental and conservation interests
• One member to represent tourism interests
• One member to represent recreational interests
• One member to represent the primary sector.

Dr Peet says these roles will suit individuals that are self motivated, operate well within their own community, and can work collaboratively with others in a considerate manner.

"As a community representative, the preferred applicants will keep their community informed, seek their views and voice their ideas and feedback; and assist in the development of Te Heke Ngāhuru ki Te Awa Tupua, the Te Awa Tupua management strategy," he said.

"These four representatives will be part of a group of 17, including appointments to be made by iwi and other councils."

Application can be made at http://www.horizons.govt.nz/about-our-region-and-council/iwi-hapu/treaty-settlements

Applications close on 24 November 2017.