Environment Canterbury is being encouraged to prove it can walk the talk around the renewal of an irrigation scheme

Tension has been brewing as Canterbury farmers seek consent for the Mayfield/ Hinds /Valetta irrigation scheme - which distributes Rangitata River water.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service says ECan councillor Ian Mackenzie believes a group condemning the scheme, is spreading misinformation.

But freshwater advocate Angus Robson says a push back on the scheme is a chance for ECan to truly follow through on its values - as identified on its website.

He says the public must take a hard look at ECan - and how some of its actions over the past 10 years has caused environmental harm.

ECan has been approached for comment.