Prime Minister John Key says he wants to see more of the Canterbury Plains irrigated, but that doesn't necessarily mean the Government will support a new body to manage water in the region.
A review group has recommended a new water authority, and says the Canterbury Regional Council should be replaced by commissioners.
Government ministers are meeting regional councillors and other stakeholders on Wednesday to discuss the group's report.
Mr Key says the environmental impact and economic returns of more irrigation would need to balance, and he's confident they will.
When asked about revoking a water conservation order on part of Canterbury's Hurunui River, John Key reiterated that he supports more South Island irrigation but said it's a matter for others to decide how irrigation can be increased.
