Otago Water Resource Users Group (OWRUG) was formed in 1989 to advocate for balanced, sustainable water policy and solutions for water users in the Otago region. 

 OWRUG is an Otago wide collaborative water user alliance maintaining outcomes that support local businesses and local communities and Otago’s environment. OWRUG has been an incorporated Society since 2022 and is working to build its membership across the wider Otago region so all water users can have a voice.

In the past, OWRUG representation had been funded by many water users including irrigation schemes/companies, the Central Otago District Council and Pioneer Energy.  The organisation has always been led and driven by water users and continues to be today.

The historical effort applied to OWRUG, by individual water users for the good of the collective, has not been lost on present water users. We are in a strong position to advocate, communicate, and support our water user community to implement practical scientific policy, which is needed now, more than ever.

OWRUG unites Otago’s water users and advocates for balance so our communities, our businesses and our environment can thrive now and for future generations.

Please click here for the OWRUG constitution