Canterbury's water management has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of seven community representatives to the Regional Committee of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

"The establishment of the Regional Committee is a major achievement in building a community-driven approach to water management," said David Caygill, Environment Canterbury Commissioner.

"Environment Canterbury is working with communities around Canterbury to develop enduring solutions to protect our fresh water rivers, streams and lakes for generations to come.

"We are also very pleased to announce Dr Andy Pearce has been appointed by Dame Margaret Bazley as Chair of the Regional Committee.

"Andy brings a wealth of governance experience and a deep understanding of the issues around the sustainable management of water.

"His leadership experience, technical expertise and commitment to the collaborative approach of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy will be a welcome addition to the Regional Committee.

"Establishment of the Regional Committee marks the culmination of more than six years of work by the Mayoral Forum, Environment Canterbury and many other organisations and individuals to develop a comprehensive and integrated strategy for water management."

The seven community appointees were selected after a thorough and rigorous process. They are Hugh Logan, Jay Graybill, Hamish Cuthbert, Eugenie Sage, John Donkers, Hugh Canard and Terry Heiler (brief bios follow).

"We had a field of 39 very strong candidates for the Regional Committee," said David Caygill.

"At the start of this process we said we were looking for people with a range of interests to provide collective experience and expertise in a range of areas.

"Looking at the community committee appointees I believe we have achieved that goal. In addition to their individual expertise, experience and leadership skills, each committee member has a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively."

Joining the community members on the Regional Committee are Environment Canterbury Commissioners David Caygill and Peter Skelton; Chrissie Williams from Christchurch City Council; district council representatives Ron Keating, Bede O'Malley and Nigel Gormack, a representative or appointee from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu; three runanga appointees (from north, mid and south Canterbury); as well as a representative from each of the 10 zone committees. The appointments are for a three year term.

"The role of the Regional Committee is to address water management issues that cannot be effectively tackled at a zone level," said David Caygill.

"This role includes working with local communities and zone committees to build trust and understanding that the Canterbury Water Management Strategy is the best opportunity we have to achieve solutions which will stand us in good stead for generations to come."

The Committee will tackle regional issues of environmental restoration and repair; land-use impacts on water quality; as well as water storage, distribution and efficiency options.

A key focus for the Regional Committee will be the Immediate Steps biodiversity programme. It will have around $240,000 in funding this year to support and implement projects that have a regional impact.

The Regional Committee operates as a committee of Environment Canterbury under the Local Government Act.