Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Thank you to the Canterbury Mayoral Forum for inviting me to speak today.

Thank you Bede O'Malley for your introduction, and I would like to acknowledge Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and Mark Solomon of Ngai Tahu. My colleague, Environment Minister Nick Smith sends his apologies, unfortunately he couldn't be here today.

Let me start by congratulating the Canterbury Mayoral Forum and the members of its steering group for the progress you have made, and commending the hard work you have put into developing the draft Strategy.

This has been a very long project and one that I have followed closely since becoming Minister. It really is rewarding to see it coming to an end.

It goes without saying that I am very supportive of the general approach that the Strategy has taken.

It represents a big step forward in laying out the foundations for sustainable, integrated management of Canterbury's water resources into the future.

A collaborative approach by local authorities, Ngai Tahu, and stakeholders is a must to resolve conflicting priorities and make tough strategic decisions that will be needed in Canterbury at local and regional levels.

I repeatedly tell farming audiences that progress on irrigation and water storage will not be possible unless such a collaborative approach is pursued and community buy-in is ensured.

For the Government's part, it goes without saying that we are taking the issues surrounding water very seriously. We recognise the importance of water to our economy and environment, and the need to address water issues via this collaborative process.

That's exactly what our recently announced New Start for Fresh Water programme aims to do on a national level.

The focus of the new water programme is on water quality, quantity, allocation and infrastructure, including water storage.

A three-pronged approach will underpin implementation of this new start for fresh water:
• A collaborative process led by the Land and Water Forum so we can establish some common understanding on outcomes and goals for all New Zealanders;
• Ongoing engagement between the Crown and iwi leaders - fresh water is a major natural resource issue for Māori, both because of its cultural significance and its economic value; and
• Central government doing the background and technical work needed to scope policy options and support the Government's direction.

Most importantly, we need to ensure that the changes we make are workable and carefully balance New Zealand's important environmental reputation with the potential for ongoing economic growth from the primary sector.

However, Canterbury is one region that doesn't need to wait for the Land and Water Forum to finish its work. For although the pressures on our water resources are greater than almost anywhere else in New Zealand, this Strategy means that we are now more advanced than any other region in addressing these challenges.

The Government recognises the critical role communities play when it comes to management of water resources. It is very clear to me that the Canterbury community has turned a corner and this draft Strategy shows real leadership.

There is a clear focus on the critical issues impeding economic growth, while highlighting the importance of environmental and recreational outcomes we value so much.

While this strategy is just a first step, it is clear that it is a very important one.

So - it gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the work that has been done by the Canterbury Mayoral Forum in developing and delivering the draft Strategy.

This Government is committed to finally addressing New Zealand's long neglected water challenges - and it's a strong ambition of mine that I am determined to see delivered.

I wish you all the best as you put your Strategy into action.

Thank you.