Hosting MP Rachel Brooking
At the beginning of August, members of the MCG committee welcomed MP Rachel Brooking to the catchment. Committee members spoke about the challenges in balancing environmental, social and economic needs, and discussed the practical work already underway across the catchment. From water quality monitoring and riparian planting to weed control and community engagement, the group showcased the effort and commitment that goes into caring for our river and land.
Visits like this help decision-makers understand what’s happening on the ground in our communities, and reinforce the importance of practical, locally led solutions.
Consent Extensions Confirmed
– and a catch
In mid-August, ORC announced that consent holders with water permits will have an extra five years added to the expiry date of their current consents. This follows last year’s law change which paused progress on a new land and water plan.
However, the catch is that this extension does not cover consents for dams, diversions or discharges. We are currently discussing with ORC how to make an extension for those consents as easy as possible.
We’re very pleased about the extension announced. At the same time, we remain focused on the important work already underway – implementing our Catchment Management Plan, monitoring the health of the river, and progressing our environmental projects.
These efforts all support our mission to maintain a healthy river and ensure water security and water quality for future generations. By continuing to work together, we can achieve positive outcomes for the catchment and our community.
MCG Membership
Many of you will have already received an email with a membership form, giving us the chance to communicate with you directly as a member.
If you haven’t received the form but would still like to join, you can find the membership form on our website: www.mcg.org.nz/become-a-member.
Not sure which membership category you fit into? If you only access water through your irrigation scheme, then your category is ‘Scheme Shareholder Member’.
If you have any questions, please get in touch at admin@mcg.org.nz or phone 027 259 9198.
AGM Wrap-Up
Our 2025 Annual General Meeting was held on 18 September at the Omakau Rugby Clubrooms. It was great to have a good turnout, with plenty of support for the work MCG is doing. Thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to a successful event. The evening was a chance to reflect on progress over the past year and share updates on projects, and priorities for the year ahead.
We thank Anna Gillespie, Mary Flannery and Ken Gillespie who have all been on the committee for several years and who stood down at this AGM. Karl McDiarmid resigned his position at this AGM also due to time pressures.
We welcome Glen Harrex, Paul Jacobson, Bevan McKnight and Rusty Neville to the committee.
Stronger Penalties for Environmental Breaches
From 1 September 2025, fines for environmental breaches have increased significantly nationwide. The changes, made by Government, update penalties that had not been reviewed since 1999.
Infringement fees now distinguish between individuals and companies, with fines ranging from $600 up to $4000 depending on the offence. The aim is to ensure penalties act as a real deterrent, rather than being cheaper than complying with the rules.
You can read the full ORC press release on our website: mcg.org.nz/useful-links.
Soil Health Monitoring Programme
The land and soil science team at ORC are looking for local sites to join their soil health monitoring programme this spring.
It involves taking samples along a single 50m transect for chemical, physical and biological soil properties, and they would return every five years to repeat the process. Data compares land uses, soil types and areas and it contributes to council and national reporting. The data is anonymous and only reported in aggregated or non-identifiable ways. The results are shared with the individual landowners – what the samples say and what they mean.
They’re looking for dairy, drystock, orchard and vineyard properties to help build a long-term soil dataset. If you’d like to be involved, email admin@mcg.org.nz
Click to read more about what's been happening for the Thomsons Project and Waiora Manuherekia Project:
