The president of Federated Farmers William Rolleston is supporting the Government's plan for partial return to democracy for the Canterbury Regional Council.
Dr William Rolleston Photo: Supplied
The government is about to confirm its preferred option after consulting on a mixed model of six appointed commissioners and seven elected councillors.
It said the work the commissioners had been doing to bring in a water management plan for the region would be put at risk if there was a full return to democracy.
Dr Rolleston said it was not true to say there was a lack of democracy in Canterbury as the commissioners had been appointed by elected government ministers.
"What I think we need to try and avoid is that we end up with politics getting in the way of what really needs to be a logical and scientific approach."
Dr Rolleston said it was important the views of urban voters were not allowed to dominate decision making around the council table.