The agreement gives Ngai Tahu closer involvement but no financial payment.
Meridian Energy Ltd-South Canterbury Irrigation Trust obtained resource consent in April last year to take water from the lower Waitaki River for the 40,000ha scheme but Ngai Tahu, along with its Moeraki, Waihao and Arowhenua runanga, appealed to the Environment Court.
Yesterday, Meridian, the trust and Ngai Tahu jointly announced an agreement had been reached and the appeal, scheduled to be heard by the court on a date to be set early next year, would be withdrawn.
Meridian's chief executive Tim Lusk said yesterday the agreement was a great example of what could be achieved when partners and community came together to agree mutually beneficial solutions to issues raised by proposals like Hunter Downs.
"We greatly value our relationship with Ngai Tahu. Both Meridian and Ngai Tahu are committed to sustainable management of the Waitaki River, its natural resources and achieving positive outcomes for the region," he said.
Meridian, the trust and Ngai Tahu developed a solution that would allow for a closer governance role in the project for Ngai Tahu and also in improving Wainono Lagoon water quality.
The lagoon was of great cultural significance to Ngai Tahu, important for mahinga kai (food gathering) and rich in biodiversity, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon said.
"It is very pleasing that under this agreement the Waihao, Moeraki and Arowhenua Runanga will be able to work together with Meridian and the trust to help protect the cultural values of the lagoon and improve water quality," he said.
Hunter Downs committee chairman Ian Moore said discussions with Ngai Tahu produced valuable ideas and methods of working together.
"The framework agreed will enable Ngai Tahu input, alongside Meridian and the farmers, delivering improved environmental benefits for the region.
"I see this approach, along with the community liaison committee, strengthening the scheme and delivering lasting benefits to the area," he said.
Other details of the agreement included the name of the trust being changed to the Hunter Downs Irrigation Scheme Trust to reflect where the consent was held and the scheme was moving to a development phase; a nominee of the runanga sitting as a trustee; and that the consent holder would also apply for variations to the conditions of the water consent to provide for water quality and environmental outcomes.
An Implementation Advisory Group would include representation from the three runanga. The group would provide guidance on the water consent variation and the application for the Wainono Lagoon augmentation consents.
Once the appeals were heard, the focus would be on scheme development and promotion.
