The election of the first Chairman of the Ruamahanga Whaitua Committtee (RWC), took place this week at a public meeting held in the Martinborough Town Hall. Peter Gawith, a third generation Longbush sheep and beef farmer, was elected by fellow committee members.
The committee chose to elect a deputy chair. Mangaterere Valley resident, Esther Dijkstra, a director of EcoAgriLogic, was elected to this position. The diverse backgrounds, knowledge and experience of the committee will prove an advantage over the months ahead as environmental, economic, social and cultural factors of the Ruamahanga River catchment are debated towards developing an integrated land and water management plan.
“It was great to see a few Wairarapa residents at this meeting. The Ruamahanga Whaitua Committee is in an intensive information gathering phase and we are very keen to include as many people as possible on the journey,” said Peter Gawith, Ruamahanga Committee Chair.
“The greater the range of views, concerns and ideas that are put forward now, the more comprehensive the final land and water management proposal will be.”
“I am delighted to be working with such a talented, experienced and passionate group of farmers, scientists, recreational water-users, community leaders and – above all – advocates for Wairarapa’s water and land.”
