Central Plains Water Trust

The Central Plains Water Trust was established by the Christchurch City and Selwyn District Councils to facilitate sustainable development of Central Canterbury’s water resource.

It continues the work of the Central Plains Water Enhancement Steering Committee to develop proposals for a large scale community water enhancement scheme providing water for irrigation between the Rakaia and the Waimakariri Rivers.

Trustees of the Central Plains Water Trust were appointed by the two Councils to reflect a broad range of skills and experience in areas such as governance, agriculture, engineering, commerce and resource management. Some Trustee appointments were made following recommendations from the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu.

The Trust has formed Central Plains Water Limited, which undertook a share issue in December 2004. The share issue was successful in raising the funds required to progress the water enhancement scheme proposals. As a result, Central Plains Water Limited has around 400 shareholders, these being the owners of properties approximately between the Malvern foothills, the Rakaia River, State Highway One and the Waimakariri River, where it is envisaged that water for irrigation will be provided by the proposed community water enhancement scheme.

A joint Environment Canterbury / Selwyn District Council hearing to consider Central Plains Water Limited's resource consent applications will commence on 25 Feburary 2008 at the Christchurch Town Hall.