Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour believes most New Zealanders do not want water used to irrigate vast areas of the
fragile Mackenzie basin environment and turn it into intensive farming. Labour is committed
to protecting the Mackenzie basin.
Labour will do this in part by stopping tenure review (see Labour‟s South Island High Country
policy). As the continuing owner of pastoral leases in the Mackenzie basin, the Crown can
limit the uses of this land to low intensity pastoralism. This will protect landscape values and
limit environmental impacts.
Labour wants to see the current collaborative community and stakeholder process continue
in the Mackenzie basin. However, we will make clear that this is a unique part of New
Zealand – and that there are some fundamental conservation principles to be included in any
plan for protection, management and development of the Mackenzie basin.
Labour will protect the Mackenzie basin from inappropriate water use and irrigation.
Water allocation and management
Allocation of water in New Zealand has historically been on a „first-come-first-served‟ basis.
With rapidly increasing demand, this approach is outmoded, and does not encourage best or
most efficient use.
Labour supports the sustainable use of water in both urban and rural areas. This requires
water to be managed on an integrated catchment basis, and for extraction not to exceed
natural replenishment. Water should be returned to the environment in good condition
(including with proper treatment for sewage and industrial discharges).
Households must receive enough water for basic drinking and sanitation needs (to be paid
for through council rates or a set fee) before any direct charging is made for additional
consumption.
In rural areas, major users get water virtually for nothing. Farmers who are allocated water
tend to regard it as something they now own and can trade. Despite water being a public
resource, National favours unchecked water trading for private profit.
Labour will ensure the sustainable use of water in both urban and rural areas, as a
public resource.
A resource rental mechanism
Democratically elected regional councils are the best vehicle to administer water allocation.
An allocation system should be established so that water goes to the best uses rather than
to who applies first. The system would also ensure that water use is sustainable and not at
the expense of the environment.
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