Irrigators are sucking our rivers dry: update to He awa reo/ rivertalk opening 24 November
On October 30, 2009 Environment Canterbury gave Central Plains Water, a private company, consent to take water from the Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers for irrigation on the Central Canterbury Plains. Waianiwaniwa Valley farmers were are delighted that their valley will not be flooded for a dam but a private company still got the water rights.
“Canterbury water belongs to all of us. We love our rivers but their water is being sucked up into irrigators and our rivers are varnishing. This is a sad day for our rivers and us all ” says artist Sally Hope
Twelve artists who care deeply about our water and our environment, are staging an exhibition about the Waimakariri River at Coca Gallery opening 5.30 pm, 24 November 2009.
At the opening Lady Diana Isaac will award the prizes for the three Canterbury School children who won Alpine Jet River rides for themselves and their families with their river art. Their art has been framed and will be exhibited along side the adult art.
Alpine Jets is threatened with closure if this scheme goes ahead.
At the closing of this exhibition at 2 pm, 12th December Russell Norman of the Green Party will be speaking, along with Murray Rodgers of the Water Rights Trust. The well known singers Malcolm McNeill and Rima Te Wiata are supporting the water cause by performing.
Hi Jane, my colleague Ruth Dyson passed on your letter re Artistsforsaveourwater.
Not only am I your local MP, I am also Labour’s spokesman on water quality and am campaigning on issues such as the spread of dairying.
I’d like to catch up
My phone number is 0274 305501