The Government’s moratorium on water use applications for the Hurunui River continues to win widespread support, but it’s not having it all its own way.

Environment Minister Nick Smith approved a request from the commissioners in charge of the Canterbury Regional Council that no more requests be considered until October next year.

Former Environment Canterbury councillor Eugenie Sage says while she supports the moratorium, she has grave concerns about the Government’s eventual solution.

“This concept of balance that the current National-Act Government has is all about taking a little bit more from the environment to allow more economic development – balance never seems to be in the environment’s favour.

"Any scheme on the Hurunui which involves a dam on the south branch or the north branch or a dam at lake Sumner would have very serious consequences for the health of the river or its value for recreation.”

And Federated Farmers Mid-Canterbury President Michael Morrow says while he's also in favour of the moratorium, he hopes the Government doesn’t make a habit of it.

“Moratoria should really only be used where there is a clear need to buy some time and create some space, get a plan working and get some results started.

"We’d be very concerned if moratoria started to be used as a tool for instance to effect consent changes and that kind of thing.

"In this case though I think it’s valid and that’s why you’re seeing pretty good buy-in from the parties involved.”