The newly appointed Christchurch West Melton Water Zone Committee Chair Kevin Brown thanks outgoing Chair Arapata Reuben for his passion, dedication, and commitment to freshwater management in Christchurch.

At our 30 July meeting, I was elected Chair of the Christchurch West Melton Water Zone Committee. I feel privileged to have been both nominated and voted in by my fellow Committee members.

I look forward to the challenge of leading this important Committee, as we strive to deliver the community’s aspirations for freshwater in Christchurch West Melton Water Zone.

Thanking Reuben’s contribution to freshwater management

I would like to start by thanking Arapata Reuben for his contribution and passion in the role of Chair over the last six years.

Arapata has a wealth of knowledge on water matters and has inspired the committee to work towards fair and equitable solutions in water management.

He has steered the committee to a commitment of community engagement and education with the Stormwater Superhero campaign. 

I know that there is a considerable amount of time needed, outside of the normal zone committee meetings, and Arapata has always given this willingly.

Other appointments

I’d also like to congratulate Committee member Annabelle Hasselman for being elected Deputy Chair, and Les Wanhalla on being re-elected as our Regional Committee Representative.

Both Committee members are long standing contributors to water management and bring experience to their roles.

Water quality a priority for the Committee

I have served on the Committee for the past four years, two of those as Deputy Chair.

During this time stormwater pollution, riparian planting, Christchurch’s drinking water and presence at community events have been priorities of the Zone Committee as we strive to deliver community goals for protecting and enhancing freshwater and biodiversity in our zone.

I feel that a key component of the Zone Committee’s task is to engage with the public to enhance the knowledge of all freshwater bodies in the area.

For instance, the Stormwater Superhero campaign is aimed at raising the profile of the quality (or lack of quality) of our urban streams – sometimes called “Urban Stream Syndrome”.

Only public participation and knowledge will improve this situation in the future.

Continuing biodiversity projects

The Committee looks forward to continuing biodiversity work in the zone and supporting funding for projects that protect and enhance local flora and fauna.

We already have several projects we are looking at suggesting to Environment Canterbury, for Immediate Steps funding.

We believe these projects can make a real difference and provide value to the local environment and the community. Watch this space!

Welcoming your input

Community engagement is important to us. We value your knowledge and ideas, and would like to know what your thoughts are on issues such as stormwater management and stream health in the Christchurch West Melton Water Zone.

Ways to get in touch:

• Come along to one of our Committee meetings.
• Meet your zone representatives.
• Subscribe to our mailing list.
• Read more about the work happening in the Christchurch West Melton Water Zone.