Part 9
Water conservation orders

199 Purpose of water conservation orders
  • (1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Part 2, the purpose of a water conservation order is to recognise and sustain—

    • (a) outstanding amenity or intrinsic values which are afforded by waters in their natural state:

    • (b) where waters are no longer in their natural state, the amenity or intrinsic values of those waters which in themselves warrant protection because they are considered outstanding.

    (2) A water conservation order may provide for any of the following:

    • (a) the preservation as far as possible in its natural state of any water body that is considered to be outstanding:

    • (b) the protection of characteristics which any water body has or contributes to, and which are considered to be outstanding,—

      • (i) as a habitat for terrestrial or aquatic organisms:

      • (ii) as a fishery:

      • (iii) for its wild, scenic, or other natural characteristics:

      • (iv) for scientific and ecological values:

      • (v) for recreational, historical, spiritual, or cultural purposes:

    • (c) the protection of characteristics which any water body has or contributes to, and which are considered to be of outstanding significance in accordance with tikanga Maori.