Article – Jonathan Leask – Local Democracy ReporterCommunity representatives have a seat at the table as the new freshwater leadership group is taking shape in Mid Canterbury. Community representatives have a seat at the table as the new freshwater leadership group is taking shape in Mid Canterbury. Ashburton District Council, Environment Canterbury, mana whenua, and community representatives met in Ashburton last week to discuss how a local freshwater leadership group for the Hakatere region, and its shared boundaries with the Rakaia and Rangitata rivers, might look and function. Former Ashburton water zone committee members Bill Thomas and Angela Cushnie attended the discussion to represent the interests of the community, and potential inclusion of the Mid Canterbury Community Advisory Group. Both councils and mana whenua were happy to be joined at the table by representatives from the new Mid Canterbury Community Advisory Group, which will represent local catchment collective groups, industry and community and environmental groups.