Advocacy
The Association is dedicated to advancing the collective interests of its members. By uniting voices within the industry, participants strengthen the Association’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of Hawke’s Bay wine professionals are not only heard but effectively addressed.
TANK (PC9)
TANK, or Plan Change 9, is Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s proposed framework for managing freshwater in the Tūtaekurī, Ahuriri, Ngaruroro and Karamū catchments. It seeks to reduce water takes from the region’s waterways and connected aquifer, with potentially significant implications for vineyard irrigation.
Hawke’s Bay Wine has been involved since the plan change’s development began more than a decade ago. Following notification in 2020, HBW engaged specialist legal and planning advisers to challenge provisions that could limit members’ access to sufficient water. Our concerns centre on whether the proposed allocation methods adequately recognise vineyard requirements, seasonal variability and the needs of businesses that have used water efficiently. We are also seeking greater transparency and a clear pathway for growers whose irrigation needs are not adequately reflected in historical use or modelled allocations.
The Commissioners’ decision provided limited remedies to address these concerns. With financial support from affected members, HBW lodged an appeal to the Environment Court. Mediation in May 2024 did not resolve the key allocation issues, and the appeal remains unresolved.
HBW’s focus is on achieving a practical, fair and transparent framework that protects freshwater while giving winegrowers sufficient certainty and access to water to sustain their vineyards and plan for the future.
Led By:
Emma Taylor, Lead, HB Wine Water Advocacy Group
Peter Hurlstone, Deputy Chair, HBW
Brent Linn, EO, HBW
Hawke’s Bay Wine continues to represent members’ interests in TANK Plan Change 9, seeking a practical and transparent approach to water allocation that supports sustainable winegrowing while protecting our freshwater resources.
Why HBW is involved
HBW has been involved since the plan change’s development began more than a decade ago. Following notification in 2020, we engaged specialist legal and planning advisers to challenge provisions that could limit members’ access to sufficient irrigation water.
Our concerns center on the Council’s “actual and reasonable use” framework, including its reliance on historical water use and modelled irrigation requirements. We want to ensure allocations recognise vineyard needs, seasonal variability and the circumstances of growers who have used water efficiently. We are also seeking clear options for growers whose requirements are not adequately reflected in the standard calculations.
The Commissioners’ decision provided limited remedies to address these concerns. With financial support from affected members, HBW lodged an appeal to the Environment Court. Mediation in May 2024 did not resolve the key allocation issues.
Where things stand
TANK has not been withdrawn, and the appeal remains unresolved. The latest advice is that HBRC is retaining the Environment Court appeal process and intends to revisit its position following the November General Election.
The proceedings have experienced pauses while the implications of national resource management reform are considered. A confirmed timetable for resolving HBW’s outstanding appeal points is not yet available.
A pause in the appeal does not remove TANK’s regulatory effect. Members should continue to follow their consent conditions and any applicable water restrictions.
Work on behalf of members
HBW and the Water Users’ Group have brought together specialist legal and technical expertise and substantially progressed the evidence supporting our appeal. We continue to work with other primary sector appellants where we share concerns.
Alongside this work, we have engaged with HBRC on individual allocation issues and additional assessment requirements associated with Plan Change 7, Outstanding Water Bodies. These requirements can add cost and complexity for members seeking replacement consents.
We are also following longer-term opportunities being explored through Heretaunga Sustainable Water, including water storage and collective consenting. These initiatives remain in development.
What consent extensions mean
Changes to resource management legislation have extended many eligible water permits, providing growers with more time while the new planning system is introduced.
The initial extension took qualifying consents through to 31 December 2027. Further legislation provides for qualifying consents to continue, generally until 24 months after the specified transition date to the new system. The exact expiry date will depend on the transition timetable and the provisions applying to each permit.
These extensions provide greater short-term certainty, but they do not increase authorised water allocations or resolve the issues raised in HBW’s appeal. Members should confirm their own permit’s expiry date and extension status with HBRC before making decisions about replacement applications.
What members can do now
As the irrigation season gets underway, please:
Check that water meters and telemetry systems are operating correctly.
Keep accurate, reliable records of water use.
Continue to comply with consent conditions and applicable restrictions.
Seek advice before withdrawing a replacement consent application or accepting an allocation that may not meet your vineyard’s needs.
Let HBW know if you receive correspondence raising concerns about allocations or additional assessment requirements.
Thank you to the members whose financial contributions have supported this work. Your support enables us to maintain a strong, informed voice for Hawke’s Bay winegrowers.
We will continue to monitor Council decisions, Court directions and the transition to the new resource management system, and share updates as the position becomes clearer.
For questions or to discuss a consenting concern, please contact [email protected].
