We would like to recognise the outstanding contribution that John Wilkie has made to this council and the work of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS).

Below is a citation from Dame Margaret Bazley:

“John has been a member of the CWMS Regional Committee since it was set up in November 2010, and a member of the Upper Waitaki Zone Committee since it was set up in February 2011.

He has been a member of three of the CWMS Regional Committee Working Groups – biodiversity, land use and water quality, and infrastructure.

He has been a very consistent Ngāi Tahu presence on all these committees, in fact in the entire CWMS.  He has consistently championed Ngāi Tahu values and has gained absolute respect from fellow committee members – mayors, Environment Canterbury commissioners, farmers, environmentalists, and all others.

His style of continuing to come to the table, listen to all views and expect to be listened to in return has led to far greater understanding of Ngāi Tahu values that is now evident in projects.

He has continued his commitment to work that pre-dates the CWMS, in particular the Ahuriri tributary long fin protection, and brought that knowledge to inform the regional committee project on long finned eels.

So a sincere thank you John, for all your work, and the positive and influential impact you have had on our staff, the wider community and the future health of Canterbury’s waterways.”

John and Gloria Wilkie with Dame Margaret Bazley (right).

John and Gloria Wilkie with Dame Margaret Bazley (right).