Discussions for formation of Waitaki Lakes board

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32971, 18 July 1972, Page 11

Discussions for formation of Waitaki Lakes board

The way was now clear for discussion to begin for the formation, within 12 to 18 months, of a board of control for the Waitaki Lakes district, Mr R. G. Talbot, member of Parliament for South Canterbury, told the annual meeting of the Waitaki Lakes Committee at Twizel at the week-end. Mr Talbot’s announcement comes after a statement made early in May by the Minister of Lands (Mr MacIntyre), who then gave approval in principle to the formation of the new board.

Among the factors requiring further investigation, Mr Talbot said, would be the extent of the area to be covered under the proposed board’s control. “Different treatment is required for the almost wholly recreational hydro lakes as compared with the natural lakes of Ohau, Pukaki, and Tekapo; and I feel it would be wiser for the board to concentrate its activities on the hydro lakes,” Mr Talbot said. The local authorities directly associated with the area—the counties of Mackenzie, Waimate, and Waitaki—had already accepted in principle the establishment of the new board of control, he said. “I have now been informed by the Assistant DirectorGeneral of Lands (Mr N. S. Coad) that the commissioners at Dunedin and Christchurch have been at work preparing background material which will be necessary so that the full story can be put before the local authorities concerned to assist them in making their decision about the level of financial contribution,” Mr Talbot said. “The work is not quite finished, but I am hopeful that discussions will be opened soon with the local bodies concerned.” As chairman of the Waitaki Lakes Committee, Mr Talbot said that with the co-operation evident from the local authorities in the area lay the chance to create one of the greatest regionaldevelopment projects in the

central South Island “and, in fact, in New Zealand.” The project, he said, was of national significance, made possible by the development of the hydro lakes and canals in association with the natural lakes and the unique scenic environment of the area. During the last eight years,

the Waitaki Lakes Committee had been involved in developing and guiding the environmental development of the Waitaki Valley, Mr Talbot said. “We have taken the lead in an area where great water resources are being harnessed for the nation’s development. It has been our aim and object to keep this development in balance with Nature. I believe we are achieving this balance with considerable success.” The challenge of the committee had been to have the vision necessary to plan for future demands and to maintain a balance between the man-made and natural attractions of the area. “Our organisation has, I believe, set a standard which could be the basis for similar organisations in regions such as the Clutha Valley, where basic changes are being considered for the use of water resources,” Mr Talbot said.

A Clutha Valley Committee set up on the same independent lines as the Waitaki Lakes Committee could be an influential force in the early stages of planning for the Clutha Valley proposals. Mr Talbot said.