Horizons works in partnership with the community to protect and enhance our region's waterways. These waterways are a vital resource; crucial to our economic, environmental, social and cultural wellbeing. Through our regulatory and non-regulatory work programmes we aim to restore pride and mana in the region's waterways and ensure they are available for the enjoyment of future generations.
Horizons' Freshwater Submission October 2019
Submissions to central government’s Essential Freshwater Package closed on 31 October 2019. In addition to supporting LGNZ’s local government sector-wide submission, which includes 13 case studies that have examined the impact of the proposed package on a variety of regions, Horizons Regional Council has also submitted. While Council supports the outcomes government is looking to achieve, including the focus on freshwater ecosystem health, and regulation to manage contaminants, we do not believe a one-size-fits all regulatory approach is the answer. We are also looking to Government to partner with us in developing a suitable transition package for any final agreed changes. Regional Councils are an integral part of the solution and we will continue to work with government to find a solution that provides freshwater reforms that are achievable as well as affordable to our communities.
If you’re interested in hosting a planting day on your property or joining in one of the many community planting days around the Region, contact the Freshwater Team on toll free 0508 800 800 for further info. Below you'll find our Community Guide to stream restoration using riparian planting, and our Riparian Planting for Bees pamphlet.
Riparian zones can be used to maintain and improve water quality. Once fenced and planted, they filter nutrients, sediment and bacteria that leave the land as runoff. Healthy riparian zones will improve the health of your waterway.
Looking to carry out riparian fencing and planting? Check out our riparian planting guides. There's one for each ecological area. Funding assistance may also be available.