The Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway proposal was released on January 30th, 2003. Initial consultation has included the following Councils, organizations and groups:

• The Otago Regional Council
• The Queenstown Lakes District Council
• The Central Otago District Council
• The Clutha District Council
• The Department of Conservation
• Land Information New Zealand
• The Otago Conservation Board
• The Otago Fish and Game Council
• The Guardians of Lake Wanaka
• Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, Upper Clutha
• The Upper Clutha Environmental Society
• The Clutha Fisheries Trust
• The Historic Places Trust
• Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and Kai Tahu ki Otago
• Contact Energy

The majority of the above have expressed support in principle whether tabled at meetings or through their CEO's or spokespersons. There has been no negative feedback.

The Department of Conservation has given support in principle for the proposal, having determined that it is consistent with the Otago Conservation Strategy, 1998.

A Clutha River Parkway Steering Group was formed in October 2003. The Steering Group is an Incorporated Society with Charitable and Donee Status. The Steering Group has now contracted a leading multi-disciplinary consultancy, GHD Ltd, to oversee the project, and a Project Management Team has commenced a 3-year programme of work, including:

• A series of consultation meetings in towns and communities along the river, including stakeholder liaison and landowner liaison via a landowner database.
• A River Corridor Landscape Study to define the Parkway, examine degradation issues, collate inventories, and identify mechanisms to protect and enhance the natural, recreational and cultural values of the corridor. (Separate contract.)
• Research appropriate and effective statutory protection mechanisms, and prepare variations/amendments to the respective District Plans, with the aim of establishing a Clutha Corridor Landscape (CCL) zone or esplanade reserve. 
• Promote stakeholder participation in the Steering Group, which in the long-term may form the nucleus of a statutory Parkway Authority, Trust or Commission. 
• Research further funding and prepare grant applications.
• Identify projects and initiatives that will involve the community in the Parkway, such as ecological restoration, historic site restoration, access and trail improvement and construction with DOC, eco tourism and heritage tourism opportunities, outdoor education/school programmes, and multi-sport events.
• Promote stakeholder and public participation at all levels.
• Oversee contracts and budgets approved by the Steering Group.
• Manage media releases.

Summary:
The Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway is a nationally important conservation project in response to extreme development pressure, especially in the Upper Clutha Valley.

Initial consultation has included some 15 interested organizations, resulting in widespread support. More consultation is planned, with the aim of including all stakeholders in the project, including the public.

Several key organizations are already represented on the Clutha River Parkway Steering Group, officially or unofficially. The Group will continue to expand its stakeholder base.
 
The Ministry for the Environment is supporting this project through the Sustainable Management Fund. The Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Central Otago District Council are assisting directly, and are liaising with the Clutha District Council, and the Otago Regional Council. 

The Clutha River Parkway Newsgroup has over 250 members, including all known stakeholders. Feedback from the newsgroup indicates enthusiastic interest and support. To join our Newsgroup Mailing List, please click here.

Further information and document downloads are available under 'Our Vision'. 

If you would like to make an online donation or offer sponsorship, please click here.