Institute for Governance and Policy Studies & the School of Government
Abstract
A refrain heard often in respect of Canterbury’s current approach to water governance is ‘there had to be a better way’. Canterbury has 12.7% of the national population, contributes 13% to GDP, and yet encompasses 17% of New Zealand’s land area, much of which, because of soil type and slope, is considered irrigable. What happens in Canterbury has material significance for the country as a whole. So, what is Canterbury doing about the management of its water resources, why do those involved think it could be ‘a better way’, and is there evidence that they might be right
