Applications are being sought from members of the public interested in helping run a $34 million business.

That sum is what Waikato Regional Council spends managing our catchments each year, protecting Waikato communities from the likes of flooding and soil erosion, controlling plant and animal pests and enhancing biodiversity.

A key part of that work is the involvement of catchment zone subcommittees, which include community representatives, in the integration of the various catchment management activities.

“This is a great chance for people to be involved in helping us deliver a wide range of crucial services to the community,” said integrated management committee co-chairs Stuart Husband and Stu Kneebone.

The subcommittees, which advise the regional council on how work should be carried out, operate in eight zones:

• Taupo
• Upper Waikato
• Waipa
• West Coast
• Central
• Lower Waikato
• Coromandel
• Waihou Piako.

“Nominations for community representatives are being sought in all these areas,” said Crs Husband and Kneebone.

Examples of current activities carried out in these areas include:

• developing zone plans with district councils, iwi and the wider community
• working with agencies such as the Department of Conservation and district councils
• managing large flood control and pest control projects
• protecting and restoring natural areas.

To help make decisions in these areas of work, the council is looking for subcommittee nominations from enthusiastic people who:

•  have good relevant networks, and the ability to use them for two-way communication with the subcommittees
• have relevant previous experience, such as being on the board of a group or providing advice to such a body
• have an interest or experience in areas such as river management, pest control, promoting biodiversity, soil health, land management and coastal issues.

Those interested in a position should visit http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Council/About-us/Our-council/Catchment-liaison-subcommittees/ for more details and a nomination form.

Nominations close at 4pm on 30 April.