Council is updating its Water Races Bylaw, which sets out rules for day-to-day maintenance of water races and changes to the network.

A small number of minor changes to the bylaw are proposed, including updating titles and adding diagrams, and a draft bylaw will be out for consultation on 30 May.

Group Manager of Democracy and Engagement Toni Durham said Councillors worked through the draft bylaw and its clauses at a workshop recently with Council staff.

“This Water Races Bylaw has a lot to do with the day-to-day maintenance of water races and is due to expire in 2026. For instance, it requires stockwater users to make sure their races are clear so that water can run freely, and that there is a 6-metre setback on one side of the race to enable race cleaning.”

Mrs Durham said even though Council was proposing to stop delivering stockwater by 2027, it could not let the bylaw expire.

“The water races still need to be maintained and operated as usual while the stockwater exit work unfolds, and it helps educate new people moving to the district about their obligations around water races.”

The bylaw also requires stockwater users to keep animals like cattle and pigs out of water races, and to build proper drinking bays.

The consultation period will end on 29 June, with hearings in August. Residents can read the consultation document and submit feedback online at itsourplace.nz from 30 May.