MNZ Recreational Boating Adviser, Jim Lilley, says the draft plan has been developed to address navigation safety issues raised by river users. Growth in the holiday population, coupled with a general increase in tourism across the South Island, has resulted in increased recreational activity around and on the surface of the river, he says.
“The draft plan recognises that there is increased activity on the Wairau River, with many different users having varying needs. The ultimate goal of the plan is to address these needs, while making the river a safe and enjoyable environment for all users.”
Mr Lilley says the first consultation round will close on 31 March, and will be followed by ongoing consultation with community and key stakeholder groups in order to complete the draft.
“The process will take some time because after the draft has been agreed, resources are required to support the infrastructure. This will then be followed by a series of ‘temporary upliftings’ for a period of two years to allow fine tuning of specific details of the plan after further input from bach owners , the local authorities, iwi and users of the Wairau River.”
EDITORS NOTE: JIM LILLEY WILL BE AT THE RIVER BESIDE THE BLENHEIM ROWING CLUB AT10:00AM ON THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY WITH NEW SIGNAGE OUTLINING THE DRAFT PLAN TO USERS. PLEASE CONTACT JIM ON 027 538 7566 TO ARRANGE PHOTOS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION.
For further information contact:
RCCNZ Media Line
Phone 04 499 7318
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