Rangitikei District Council

A Treasured Natural Environment

Chair: Chris Shenton, Land Assets Coordinator, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Apa

The Environment Theme Group meets quarterly in Marton, and the key focus over the next 12 months is the formation of eight catchment groups focussing on the Rangitikei River.

The Treasured Natural Environment theme group identified issues around community involvement and understanding of environmental issues and initiatives.

The group identified that increased community ownership and understanding of issues could be remedied by holding community led forums on the Rangitikei River and biodiversity within the region.

The group also recognised that it was important to have the community view incorporated into regulatory and planning documents developed by agencies, such as the Rangitikei District Plan.

The three issues identified by the group are:

1. The Rangitikei River as a treasured natural feature and indicator of general environmental health
2. Control of invasive non-native pest species
3. Barriers to community engagement and understanding of planning documents and decisions

One of the major decisions this year has been to create eight catchment groups along the length of the Rangitikei River.  In some cases, this will mean linking with existing groups that are already active in the area, rather than creating anything new.  By establishing a network of interested local people, along with agencies and organisations, we can look to move from discussion to action – and improve the quality of the Rangitikei River environment.

Four inaugural catchment group meetings are being run in 2012, with the remaining four being planned for 2013.

If you have a local interest in any area along the Rangitikei River, please come along to a meeting. - > Click here for meeting details

If you think there is a way you or your organisation to contribute to the actions or goal, please do not hesitate to contact Rebecca Tayler at the Rangitikei District Council.