The Matawii Water Storage Reservoir, which will provide drinking water for Kaikohe and support Northland’s horticulture and agriculture sectors, is the first of a number of infrastructure projects earmarked for a speedy consenting process under the Act, which aims to accelerate New Zealand’s economic recovery from covid-19.
The 750,000 cubic metre water reservoir in the upper catchment of the Kopenui Stream, east of Kaikohe, will be used to supply water for town supply (residential, commercial and industrial uses) and irrigation.
Environment Minister David Parker says the project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to regional investment.
“Northland’s economy has been hit hard by the covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
“The construction of the reservoir will have a positive effect on employment in the region, and the increased supply of water to the area will have the knock-on effect of assisting other investment prospects to help us build back stronger.”
Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust, which is behind the project, estimates that the project could bring an increase in GDP of $9 million a year and an additional 60 full-time equivalent jobs – representing a 2% increase in employment in Kaikohe and its immediate surrounding area.
The decision to approve the project was made by an expert consenting panel led by former Environment Court chief justice Laurie Newhook. The decision was made in 55 days from the time the application was lodged with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), around half the time it takes for a similar consent to be granted under the Resource Management Act (RMA) consenting process.
IrrigationNZ chief executive Vanessa Winning says getting approval for a project of this size shows what can be done if the Government, iwi, and industry work together with common goals.
“This move also supports signals for positive changes to the RMA – something we would welcome to allow for more streamlined and fair investment,” she said.
“We are heartened by this regional focus under the Fast Track Consenting Act, and are keen for the incoming Government to further progress sensible water capture and storage infrastructure desperately needed in the driest parts of our country, where security of food production is becoming more difficult.”
