Auckland Council recently released a discussion document on developing ‘a water strategy to ensure a secure, sustainable, and healthy future for water in Auckland’. We covered this issue in the March update, but to briefly recap, as to the advancement of a co-governance agenda, concerns centre on the following statements:

Case management conferences have now been scheduled for the priority cases and their overlapping claims. These will take place between 28th May and 27th June, in 10 locations throughout the country - from Whangarei to Dunedin. These hearings are only for claimants and their counsel.

In addition to encouraging family, friends, and colleagues to take action, approach other potential interested parties, such as boating clubs, fishing groups, bach owners, community groups, and anyone else with close associations with the coast, suggesting they also file Notices of Appearance;

Under Crown engagement, the general public will be able to object to or support any application as part of a public enquiry process seeking submissions. This process has not yet begun. The sequence and timing for determination of Crown engagement applications are being developed and information about this will be published on the Justice Department website in due course.