The meeting will begin with a report from the Department of Conservation (DOC) on the Hinds River / Hekeao catchment. The presentation looks at the in-stream intrinsic values of the catchment and will help inform the committee’s sub-regional limit setting process.

Since finalising its Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for water management in late 2011, a major focus for the committee has been developing a sub-regional chapter for nutrient loss limits in the Hinds catchment.

The committee began working with the community last year to look at environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes for the Hinds Plains area. The committee has held a series of public meetings to get local feedback to help it develop water quality and quantity limits for this area.

These limits will feed in to the Hinds Plains section of the Ashburton chapter in the proposed Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP), which is expected to be completed later this year. The proposed LWRP provides the regulatory framework to facilitate delivery of the community’s aspirations for water management – as set out in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

The DOC report shows that despite being highly modified, there is still a variety of habitats and significant values within the catchment. Habitats include a small hapua / river mouth lagoon, river channels, wetlands, and artificial drains which have become substitute habitats for a number of native aquatic species. At the meeting, the committee will also consider the cultural values of the catchment.

The committee will finish the meeting with an update from the Ashburton District Council on stockwater takes in the zone. The update will focus on a recent survey to determine how levels of service and the efficiency of the stockwater network can be improved.

The Ashburton Zone Committee is a joint committee of the Ashburton District Council and Environment Canterbury. The Ashburton zone extends from the Rakaia River to the Rangitata River and includes Ashburton, Rakaia and Methven.

Zone Committee meeting information:
Ashburton Zone Committee meeting
1:00pm, Tuesday 28 May
Council Chambers, 5 Baring Square West, Ashburton
Link to agenda

The committee will begin the meeting by offering members of the public a chance to contribute to the meeting, should they wish.

Following this, the committee will receive an update from the Regional Committee, which considers regional issues of environmental restoration and repair; land use impacts on water quality; as well as water storage, distribution and efficiency options.

The committee will then turn its attention to sub-regional planning processes for the Wairewa / Lake Forsyth catchment – a major focus for the year. In particular, the committee is focussed on developing outcomes for water quantity and water quality limits for the catchment.

The Zone Committee established a Working Party in February 2012 to work with Environment Canterbury to develop a detailed plan for the Wairewa / Lake Forsyth catchment to feed in to its proposed Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP).

Environment Canterbury’s LWRP is one of a number of key mechanisms that will deliver the goals of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) – to deliver long-term social, economic, cultural, and environmental benefits from the water resource.

The LWRP will start with default limits for water use, water allocation, and nutrients, and then put the limits in a catchment context. The Working Party has been looking at building its understanding of the impacts of limits, identifying indicators of success, and developing a plan for involving the community in the limit setting process.

The committee will finish the meeting with an update on wetlands in the zone. The Banks Peninsula Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for water management recommends two priority wetlands should be selected for protection and regeneration.

At the meeting, the committee will receive a report on the 12 wetlands in the zone, and consider the processes and actions required to enhance the state of the selected wetlands.

The Banks Peninsula ZIP was endorsed by both Christchurch City and Environment Canterbury councils last month as the basis for the design of council work programmes for freshwater. Its recommendations were developed collaboratively with the community to enable present and future generations the greatest environmental, cultural, social and economic benefits from the region’s water.

The Banks Peninsula Zone Committee typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Zone Committee meetings are open to the public.

Meeting details:
Banks Peninsula Zone Committee meeting
4pm, Tuesday, 21 May.
In Little River Rugby Clubrooms, Main Road, Little River
Link to agenda

Community members will have the chance to hear about the proposed Hurunui Waiau River Regional Plan, how it will be implemented, and a discussion on how to engage with locals affected by the Plan.

Environment Canterbury accepted the recommendations in the Plan at a council meeting on April 18, the Plan was notified on April 27, and appeals close on Monday, May 20. The Plan is the first to come through the community collaborative process led by the zone committee, and then tested through the rigour of the Resource Management Act.

The Plan seeks a balance between allowing for irrigation development and protecting in-stream values. It does this by implementing the community recommendations in the Hurunui Waiau zone implementation programme.

The zone committee will have a key role in implementing the Plan, and may be asked to provide guidance on whether there should be a review of consents to change minimum flows and the timing of such a review. There are likely to be other roles for the committee that complement that of Environment Canterbury staff and other organisations.

The committee will be also updated on the Hurunui District Plan review by Hurunui District Council and Environment Canterbury staff. The update will cover how the review may relate to the water management recommendations made in the committee’s Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP), and how committee and community members can be involved.

The committee will receive an update on the Hurunui Water Project, before going on to discuss the Waipara River. Committee members are having a field-trip to the Waipara River prior to the meeting, as a follow up to a field-trip in March.

In particular, the committee will learn about the cultural and biodiversity values of the river, as well as its provision of stock water.
The Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee is a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and Hurunui District Council. It includes seven community members, two Rūnanga representatives, and one each from Hurunui District Council, and Environment Canterbury.

Meeting information:
Hurunui-Waiau Zone Committee meeting
4pm, Monday, 20 May
In the Hurunui District Council Chambers, 66 Carters Road, Amberley 

The committee is particularly focussed on how it can deliver better environmental and cultural outcomes more quickly, while also ensuring its actions will be technically achievable and financially, socially and culturally acceptable.

Once developed, the limits will become part of a Selwyn-Waihora sub-regional chapter in the proposed Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP), due to become operative in 2014.

Environment Canterbury’s proposed Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) is one of a number of key mechanisms that will deliver the goals of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) – to deliver long-term social, economic, cultural, and environmental benefits from the water resource.

The plan will start with default limits for water use, water allocation, and nutrients, and then put the limits in a catchment context. The sub-catchment limits being developed by the zone committees, and involving a wide range of stakeholders, will then be reflected in the sub-regional sections of the proposed LWRP.

By building its understanding of the impacts of limits (via scenario testing) the committee will be able to make technically and socially informed recommendations on limits. The underpinning assumptions of the scenarios being tested are available on the website www.ecan.govt.nz/selwyn-waihora .

At Tuesday’s meeting the committee will specifically look at identifying additional catchment, lake, or stream actions that could deliver better environmental and cultural outcomes, and develop a Nitrogen limit to be achieved by best practice farming. The committee will also hear which mitigation activities will benefit water quality the most.

Next, the committee will look at its recommendations in relation to major water storage in the zone. The committee will consider a report which compares the expected outcomes of potential water management options against the Principles and Targets of the CWMS. The report identifies “red flags” for storage development where the effects could contravene the goals and objectives of the CWMS.

Following this, the committee will discuss engaging community input in to its water quality and quantity recommendations. A series of public meetings will be held between June and November. These will specifically focus on changes to minimum flows, and water takes from the Waikekewai and Taumutu Creeks. 

The committee will finish the meeting by discussing options for improving ecological and cultural flows in lowland streams and hill‐fed rivers faster.

The Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee is a joint committee of the Christchurch City and Selwyn District councils, and Environment Canterbury. Meetings are typically held monthly on a Tuesday and are open to the public. Time is given at each meeting for attendees to contribute, should they wish.

Meeting information:

Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee meeting
Tuesday, 21 May at 1pm
Selwyn District Council Offices, Norman Kirk Drive, Rolleston

For a link to agenda visit www.ecan.govt.nz/canterburywater prior to the meeting.

The committee will begin the meeting with a report from its representative on the Regional Committee, before inviting members of the public in attendance to contribute to the meeting if they wish.

Now the committee’s Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for water management has been finalised and endorsed by councils, it is focussed on implementing its on-the-ground activities, and particularly, sub-regional planning processes for the zone.

The sub-regional chapter will supersede the default water quality limits in Environment Canterbury’s proposed Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) for the Upper Waitaki.

At Friday’s meeting the committee will particularly focus on developing the outcomes outlined in the ZIP to inform decisions for water quality limits in the zone.

The committee will also discuss its schedule for community engagement around water quality limits, which is expected to include a series of community meetings in July and November.

Following this, the committee will be asked to consider granting additional Immediate Steps biodiversity funding to a willow control project.

The Immediate Steps programme is a key component of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS). The programme aims for the protection of ecosystems and habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater diversity. Zone Committees decide the priorities for each zone and distribute the funding, which also requires a third party contribution.

To date around $90,000 of Immediate Steps funding has been allocated by the zone committee. There is still significant funding available for local biodiversity projects. Application forms can be found by searching ‘Immediate Steps’ at www.ecan.govt.nz.

The committee will finish the meeting with an update on audited self-management implementation in the zone, before taking a field trip to an irrigated farm to look at the use of farm environment management, plans.

The Upper Waitaki Zone Committee operates as a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Waitaki and Mackenzie District councils. Zone committee meetings are open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend.

Meeting information
Upper Waitaki Zone Committee meeting
9:30am, Friday, May 17th
Mackenzie Country Inn, Twizel

The report sets out the shared vision of the Mackenzie Agreement, and a proposal to establish the Mackenzie Country Trust with a new piece of legislation.

The shared vision – as set out in the report – represents the agreed position between the local community and national organisations with an interest in the Mackenzie area.

The three councils will work together to consider the report. This will include how the councils can respond to the report through Resource Management Act plans and the work of the Upper Waitaki zone committee.

The three councils will also advise local community members and national stakeholders of their response to the report and likely actions.

The meetings will specifically focus on water quality and quantity limits within the South Canterbury Coastal Streams area - between the Otaio River in the north, and Morven Drain in the south. The western boundary is the Waihao River catchment in the Hunters Hills, and the eastern boundary is the Pacific Ocean.

The meetings reflect the Lower Waitaki – South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee’s recent focus on developing recommendations on limits for the Waitaki sub-regional section of Environment Canterbury’s proposed Land & Water Regional Plan (pLWRP).

The proposed LWRP provides the framework to facilitate delivery of the community’s aspirations for water management – as set out in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS).

Lower Waitaki – South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee Chair Robin Murphy said local input is important to ensuring decisions are made in the bests interests of the zone.

“The underlying philosophy of the CWMS is that local communities are best placed to make decisions on local water management.

“We are keen to engage with community members to ensure a wide range of views are represented in the recommendations we make.

“Specifically, we need to hear people’s views on water quality and quantity limits in the area to guide the development a sub-regional plan for our zone, which will feed in to the proposed LWRP.

“The LWRP will start with default limits for water use, water allocation, and nutrients, and then put the limits in a catchment context. Our focus is currently on building our understanding of the impacts of limits so we can make informed recommendations.

“As it was with developing our ZIP, community input is vital to developing effective solutions to address the issues facing our water resource so we hope to see plenty of people at the meetings,” he said.

The Lower Waitaki – South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee finalised its Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for water management in early 2012 to give effect to the principles and targets outline in the CWMS.

The CWMS aims to enable present and future generations to gain the greatest social, economic, recreational and cultural benefits from our water resources within an environmentally sustainable framework.

The zone committee will meet for its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday 15 May at 2:30pm, following the limit setting community meeting. The committee will focus on discussing community feedback from the meetings. The meeting is open to the public and an agenda will be made available at www.ecan.govt.nz/canterburywater prior to the meeting.

The committee will also receive an update from Environment Canterbury on its progress in implementing the on-the-ground land use and water quality aspects of the Lower Waitaki Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for water management.

The Lower Waitaki-South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee operates as a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Waimate and Waitaki District Councils. The zone extends from the Otaio catchment in the north, to the Waitaki Dam in the south, taking in Waimate, Kurow and Duntroon.

Limit Setting Meeting details:

Waimate Community Hall, Queen St, Waimate:
Tuesday, 14 May 6:30 to 8:30pm
Wednesday 15 May 12:00 to 2:00 pm (some food provided)

Monthly Zone Committee Meeting details:

Waimate Community Hall, Queen St, Waimate:
2:30pm, Wednesday, 15 May 2013

Biodiversity Team Leader Jo Abbott welcomed the one-month jail sentence handed down to Samuel John Townhill, who pleaded guilty to Department of Conservation charges of destroying nests and disturbing a protected species when he drove into a 3000-strong colony last November. 

“This behaviour was totally unacceptable,” Dr Abbott said. “Unfortunately it’s not the first time a motorist has driven on to the river bed and destroyed nests and eggs of a very vulnerable species which deserts its eggs or chicks if disturbed.”

The black-billed gull is the most threatened gull species in the world. Disturbing protected birds and destroying nests is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1953 which can result in imprisonment or a fine of $100,000.

Many organisations are working to protect these species and improve biodiversity in the Ashburton area - the Ashburton Canterbury Water Management Zone Committee, Fish & Game, Forest & Bird, the Ashburton District Council Biodiversity Action Plan Group, the Ashburton River/Hakatere Mouth Action Committee and Environment Canterbury.

“They have put a lot of work into improving the habitat and health of the river, including predator control funded by Environment Canterbury, and into raising awareness of the black-billed gull colony and lobbying for its protection,” Dr Abbott said. “We must not allow the actions of a few to spoil this work.”

A number of steps have been taken to bolster protection and enhance the gulls’ habitat. For example, the Environment Canterbury Biosecurity team undertakes pest control and river engineers blocked access to the site as a result of the vandalism. There are prominent ‘Endangered Bird’ signs at a number of locations along the river.

The Biodiversity Officer for the Ashburton Canterbury Water Management Zone Committee, Lyndsey Husband, is exploring options for two access points to the Ashburton River which were temporarily blocked during last year’s nesting season, working with river users and the local community to identify a solution which will protect nesting birds and also enable recreational use outside the nesting season. The option currently being considered is gates which would be closed when birds are nesting and open for the rest of the year. “We also always need members of the public to keep an eye out and report to DOC or the police if they see any disturbance to the birds,” Jo Abbott said.

Environment Canterbury is continuing its support of BRaid Incorporated (Braided River Aid), an umbrella organisation set up in 2006 to protect braided river ecosystems in general and birds in particular. BRaid believes that education of and information to community groups, territorial authorities and other agencies active in braided river management are vital to the protection and recognition of braided river ecosystems. It ran a highly successful course in September 2012 and is planning another in September this year. For course information contact val.clemens@xtra.co.nz.

Background

Black-billed gulls (not to be confused with the larger, more numerous and aggressive red-billed gulls) are classified as “Nationally endangered” and internationally as “Endangered”, making it the world’s most threatened gull species. They are braided river specialists and only nest in river beds, whereas red-billed gulls are a coastal species.

In November 2007, the Ashburton River colony was attacked by vandals who killed over 100 birds.

The Ashburton River is one of the most significant rivers for braided river birds in Canterbury. The Ashburton District Council has identified the river as an Area of Significant Nature Conservation Value in its district plan.

However, due to factors such as weed encroachment, flow changes, predation and disturbances, all bird populations have declined. Historically the Ashburton River had some of the highest counts of black-billed gulls of any braided river, but numbers have fallen substantially in recent years.

Environment Canterbury has a wide variety of responsibilities in relation to braided rivers – managing riverbeds, and water flow and allocation; flood control works; biosecurity and biodiversity pest control; encouraging sustainable management, and habitat protection and enhancement.

The New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS) considered that the fire had collapsed into itself to such an extent that it was now safe to begin the process of raking out the burning MDF and dousing it with water.

Environment Canterbury Compliance and Monitoring Manager Brett Aldridge says everyone has wanted the fire to be put out, but up to this point, doing so had been a health and safety issue.

“NZFS, Environment Canterbury, the Medical Office of Health and the owner have been working collaboratively to mitigate the effects of the fire on surrounding neighbourhoods and businesses, and we have been controlling the fire to get to this point where we can start to put it out.

“While the fire has caused a nuisance, especially to residents, it has been a fine balancing act between the health risk to residents and the safety of those workers who have to work in dangerous conditions to put the fire out.

“Environment Canterbury has been monitoring the content of the smoke and the Medical Officer of Health has said that there has been minimal risk to human health during the fire.

“Of course we are all aware that is has been a difficult time for residents who have been affected by the smoke. We are just really pleased that now we can move ahead and get the fire out as soon and as safely as possible.’’

Assistant Area Commander Steve Kennedy says putting out the fire will be a “huge job’’.

“It has been frustrating for everyone waiting to get to this stage when we can move in the machinery to deconstruct the pile of burning material and to extinguish it. At this stage, we are not sure how long it will take to completely put it out, but we should have a better idea once we get further into the pile.

“But we have now started the process and will be moving as fast as is safely possible to put it out.’’

The Minister used section 27of the CER Act to both redefine some of the region’s Clean Air Zones and to allow ultra-low emissions burners to be installed in new homes.

“We know that Christchurch people want to be able to burn wood as it is a good sustainable form of home heating. Changing the air plan rules will incentivise the home heating industry to develop technology to produce burners which have so few emissions they can be put into new homes without compromising air quality.

“There some promising prototypes for these burners and we have developed a set of standards which are now available to the home heating industry. We welcome the Minister’s decision to fast-track this change and help make this technology happen.’’

Mr Bedford says the realignment of Clean Air Zones to reflect new areas of growth after the earthquakes will also help protect air quality across the city.

“Patterns of development across greater Christchurch have changed in the past few years and there is a trend for new residential areas on the outskirts of the city. Adjusting the Clean Air Zones to reflect these residential developments ensures there are no inequalities around installing wood burners in new homes.

Under Christchurch’s Air Plan since 2002, wood burners have not been permitted in new homes in Clean Air Zone 1. While this will change when ultra-low emission burners are developed, Mr Bedford says it is important to ensure all homeowners are bound by the same rules.

The meeting will begin with an opportunity for members of the public in attendance to contribute to the meeting if they wish.

Next, the committee will receive an update from its representative on the Regional Committee, which covers region-wide environmental restoration and repair; land use impacts on water quality; as well as water storage, distribution and efficiency options.
The zone committee will then continue its work to develop water quality and quantity limits for the zone. These limits will become part of a Selwyn-Waihora sub-regional chapter in Environment Canterbury’s proposed Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP), due to become operative in 2014.

Environment Canterbury’s proposed Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) is one of a number of key mechanisms that will deliver the goals of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy – to deliver long-term social, economic, cultural, and environmental benefits from the water resource.

The proposed plan will start with default limits for water use, water allocation, and nutrients, and then put the limits in a catchment context. The sub-catchment limits being developed by the zone committees, and involving a wide range of stakeholders, will then be reflected in the sub-regional sections of the proposed LWRP.

By building its understanding of the impacts of limits (via scenario testing) the committee will be able to make technically and socially informed recommendations on limits. The underpinning assumptions of the scenarios being tested are available on the website www.ecan.govt.nz/selwyn-waihora .

At Tuesday’s meeting the committee will specifically discuss options for improving ecological and cultural flows in the lowland streams and hill‐fed rivers, and identify the options it wishes to explore in more detail and include in their solution package.

Following this, the committee will look at the Target Stream Augmentation (TSA) project that explores how the Selwyn District Council (SDC) stock water race network could be utilised to provide targeted recharge that augments lowland streams in an efficient and timely manner.

Providing piped and channelled water systems for drinking, drainage and sewerage is the responsibility of the SDC. Sustaining natural waterways (lakes, rivers, groundwater) is the responsibility of Environment Canterbury.

At the meeting the committee will discuss how a collaborative approach to the project can align the desired outcomes with the committee’s priority of protecting and enhancing the health of lowland waterways in the zone.

The Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee is a joint committee of the Christchurch City and Selwyn District councils, and Environment Canterbury.

Meeting information

Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee meeting
Tuesday, 7 May at 1pm
Selwyn District Council Offices, Norman Kirk Drive, Rolleston

For a link to agenda visit www.ecan.govt.nz/canterburywater prior to the meeting.

The Sur Este 700 has been berthed in Timaru for the past week while operators gauged the extent of the damage and to ensure its safe passage further north.

Environment Canterbury has been monitoring the situation since the vessel arrived in the region earlier in the week.

“We are satisfied with how things have gone so far,” says Regional Harbourmaster Jim Dilley, “While the vessel was berthed in Timaru, we took the precaution of having oil spill booms placed around the damaged area of the vessel in case of any discharge of diesel.”

Mr Dilley explains that a large quantity of diesel and water was moved from the damaged tank before the vessel reached Timaru and that has now been completely removed from the vessel.

“Environment Canterbury will continue to work closely with the vessel operator to further minimise any potential impact on the environment or navigation safety.

The committee will begin the meeting by offering members of the public a chance to contribute, should they wish to, before receiving an update from the Regional Committee.

The committee will then receive a report from the Nutrient and Water Use Efficiency Working Group, which has been focussed on engaging with industry stakeholders to hear the views of groups involved in land use, and set‐up an engagement forum for on‐going consultation.

Following this, the committee will receive a report from the Lowland Stream Working Group, which has been focussing on planting and fencing initiatives, and considering the next priority catchment to focus on.

Next, the committee will be updated by its members who attended the Stock Water Race Advisory Board meeting last month. The advisory board monitors and gives input in to how water races are run.

A key focus for Monday’s committee meeting will be on agreeing on its programme schedule for implementing the Land Use and Water Quality and Biodiversity Components of its Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) in year two (April 2012/13).

The Waimakariri ZIP was developed with the community to address water management issues in the zone. It includes 56 recommendations to Environment Canterbury, Waimakariri District Council, and other parties. Around half of the recommendations relate to on-the-ground action including biodiversity, land use and water quality, nutrient management, and audited self-management.

The committee will finish the meeting by receiving an update on consents in the zone, before going on to discuss its role in a region-wide review of the Immediate Steps biodiversity funding programme.

The $10 million Immediate Steps programme is a key component of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS). The programme aims for the protection of ecosystems and habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater diversity. Zone committees decide the priorities for each zone and distribute the funding, which also requires a third party contribution.

The Waimakariri Zone Committee, formed in September 2010, operates as a joint committee of Environment Canterbury, and the Waimakariri District Council. It features six community members as well as two Rūnanga representatives and two from councils.

The zone includes the Ashley River catchment and shares the Waimakariri catchment below the gorge with the Selwyn- Waihora and Christchurch-West Melton zones. It includes Kaiapoi, Rangiora and Oxford.

Meeting information

Waimakariri Zone Committee meeting
3:30pm, Monday, 6 May
Committee Rooms, Waimakariri District, Council, 215 High Street, Rangiora

Link to agenda: http://ecan.govt.nz/publications/Council/waimakariri-zone-meeting-60513.pdf

The meeting will start with an opportunity for community members to contribute, before it goes on to receive an update on water supply and infrastructure options in the zone.

A key focus for the zone committee this year is looking at ways to bring additional water into the zone to allow for enhanced environmental outcomes, and to replace existing surface and groundwater takes. Additional water would also provide for an increase in irrigated land area. 

At the meeting, the committee will be updated on water supply concepts for the zone, and discuss their impact on water quality and quantity.

Following this, the committee will receive a NIWA report on flushing flows in Opuha system, and hold a debrief session on its recent field trip.

Prior to last month’s meeting the committee visited the Upper Rangitata to engage with local people and visit Deep Stream, one of the areas which has received Immediate Steps biodiversity funding to protect and enhance a significant wetland. 

Next, the zone committee will consider six local projects for Immediate Steps biodiversity funding. The six projects all endeavour to protect and restore coastal and freshwater lagoons and wetlands and areas of remnant habitat for indigenous flora and fauna.

The $10m Immediate Steps programme is a key component of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS), which aims to protect ecosystems and habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater diversity.

Zone committees decide the priorities for each zone and distribute the funding, which also requires a third party contribution. To date, the Orari-Opihi-Pareora has granted around half of its $300,000 pool to 12 projects, including some multi-year projects.

The zone committee will then go on to focus on water quality, with a discussion on the regional regulatory context for consenting new developments, and the implications for consent applications in each of red, orange and green allocation zones.

The committee will also receive a report providing information on the current consent conditions relating to the Rangitata South Irrigation Scheme, and in particular how it relates to nutrient management. The report follows up on a presentation and discussion the committee held with scheme members at its previous meeting.

The committee will finish the meeting with an update from its Water Quality Working Group, and an update from its representative on the Regional Committee, which covers region-wide environmental restoration and repair; land use impacts on water quality; as well as water storage, distribution and efficiency options.

The OOP Zone Committee operates as a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Timaru and Mackenzie District Councils. The zone extends south from the Rangitata River through to the Pareora catchment. It includes all of the Timaru district and parts of the Mackenzie and Waimate districts.

Meeting Details

Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee meeting
1:30pm, Monday, 6 May
Meeting Room 1, Timaru District Council, 2 King George Place, Timaru

A full agenda will be available at www.ecan.govt.nz/canterburywater prior to the meeting.

This year’s duck shooting season opens on Saturday, May 4.

The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury District Health Board is warning the toxic algal bloom notice, for Te Wairewa/Lake Forsyth on Banks Peninsula, Lake Rotorua near Kaikoura and Lake Roundabout near Ashburton, remains in place as duck shooting season approaches.

Dr Alistair Humphrey, Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, says the lakes are still in bloom with concentrations of blue-green algae (planktonic cyanobacteria) above the levels considered to be safe for recreational activities.

“People should avoid contact with these lakes until the health warnings have been lifted, because there is increased probability of respiratory, irritation and allergy symptoms from exposure to the high density of the cyanobacterial material present,” Dr Humphrey says. “If you experience any of these symptoms visit your general practice team immediately and please let your doctor know if you have had contact with the lake water.”

Dr Humphrey says algae are particularly harmful to dogs and hunters should not let their pets come into contact with or drink water from the lakes.

“Hunters should also wash their hands thoroughly if they come in contact with the lake water or when handling ducks from these lakes. However, ducks can be cooked and eaten if their gut has been removed.”

Environment Canterbury continues to monitor the lakes and the public will be advised when they are clear of concentrations of algae deemed to be of public health significance.

Background

Facts about cyanobacteria:

The algae occur naturally but can increase rapidly during warmer months.

If the water is cloudy, discoloured, or has small globules suspended in it, avoid all contact.

Not all cyanobacterial blooms are visible and toxins can persist after the blooms disappear.

Cyanobacterial concentrations can change quickly with changing environmental conditions such as wind. If a health warning is in place avoid contact with the water.

More information - http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/swimming-water-quality/Pages/lake-warnings.aspx

The Waimakariri CWMS Zone Committee granted over $22,000 of Immediate Steps funding to four projects which seek to protect and restore the ecological value of existing wetlands, lakes and protect braided river birds.

“Works will primarily consist of stock exclusion fencing and will also include targeted weed control and native tree planting,” said Murray Lang, Zone Committee Chair. One of the projects is located at Waikuku Beach. Landowner Duncan Clay is keen to see the wetlands riparian margin restored with native vegetation and is retiring much of the area from stock grazing.

He is also looking forward to seeing the area used as an educational resource for local schools, which will be invited to be involved with its restoration. "I am very pleased to be working with Environment Canterbury towards improving the quality of this natural wetland," Mr Clay said.

Other Waimakariri projects are in back dune lakes which support waterfowl and need control of female grey willow and restoration planting to enhance native bird habitat and contribute to lake health.

“Wetland seeps in the Oxford foothills are being fenced to prevent stock damage and encourage natural regeneration,” Murray Lang said. “The landowner has also committed to restoration planting which will complement the natural regeneration that will occur once stock are removed.”

The Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group has received funding for traps to help their work in removing predators that threaten braided river birds such as wrybill. “The Group’s dedication has seen the birds on the river maintain a steady population and in some cases increase, which is in contrast to most other rivers in Canterbury where there is a sharp decline in these threatened river species,” Mr Lang said.

Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Team Leader Jo Abbott says 27 projects throughout Canterbury were granted funding of over $173,000 through the Biodiversity Fund and the Honda Treefund. “These projects will protect and enhance a wide variety of ecosystem types and help achieve the goals of the CWMS and the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy,” Dr Abbott said. Seven Honda Treefund projects were funded.

Since the CWMS Immediate Steps programme started in 2010, funding has been allocated to over 120 projects which contribute to native tree planting, pest and stock exclusion fencing plus other initiatives including weed control pest control and fish habitat protection across the region.

So far this financial year Environment Canterbury has allocated over $1.18 million to a wide variety of projects in wetlands, hill country catchments, lowland streams and dryland ecosystems. This will help Cantabrians to protect and restore valued biodiversity by funding pest and stock exclusion fencing of over 21 kilometres and planting over 33,000 native plants from projects approved in March alone.

Dr Abbott said she was impressed with the general standard of applications and how many valuable contributions people in Canterbury are making towards enhancement and protection of our biodiversity.

If you have a biodiversity project for which you would like funding or advice contact the Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Team on 0800 324 636. More information – www.ecan.govt.nz/biodiversity

Background

Environment Canterbury is involved in allocating funds from three separate biodiversity funding strands:

1. Biodiversity Fund - Environment Canterbury allocates $400,000 a year to a range of important biodiversity projects across the Canterbury region. Funding is targeted towards the highest priority on-the-ground actions aimed at protecting and restoring the region’s biodiversity within a variety of ecosystem types, including wetlands, drylands, lowland streams and native vegetation remnants.

    

2. The Immediate Steps programme is a key component of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. Through this fund, $1.24 million is allocated to projects annually. Contributions are required from third parties. The programme aims for the protection of ecosystems and habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater diversity. Projects allocated funding will reflect the principles of the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy and ki uta ki tai – “From the mountains to the sea”. CWMS Zone Committees decide the priorities for their zone and significant funding is also available to the Regional Committee to support regionally significant biodiversity projects.

    

3. Environment Canterbury also allocates grants on behalf of the Honda TreeFund, including to school projects. Honda sponsors 10 native trees to be planted for every new car sold, with another three funded by local Honda dealers.

The Upper Waitaki CWMS Zone Committee allocated $13,300 of Immediate Steps funds to two projects, one to undertake wilding pine control in an intermontane basin wetland and the other to fence an intermontane stream and associated wetland.

Barry Shepherd, Upper Waitaki Chair, said wilding pines are threatening a large example of red tussock wetland with high species diversity. “The seed source has already been removed and this project will take out the remaining wildings and help restore the integrity of the ecosystem,” Mr Shepherd said.

Another intermontane basin and associated wetland has been allocated funding to install stock exclusion fencing. “This project is adjacent to a Department of Conservation wetland and will contribute to a large area of protected wetland and associated stream.”

Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Team Leader Jo Abbott says 27 projects throughout the region were granted funding of over $173,000 through the Biodiversity Fund and the Honda Treefund. “These projects will protect and enhance a wide variety of ecosystem types and help achieve the goals of the CWMS and Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy,” Dr Abbott said. Seven Honda Treefund projects were funded.

Since the CWMS Immediate Steps programme started in 2010, funding has been allocated to over 120 projects which contribute to native tree planting, pest and stock exclusion fencing plus other initiatives including weed control pest control and fish habitat protection across the region.

So far this financial year Environment Canterbury has allocated funding of over $1.18 million to a wide variety of projects in wetlands, hill country catchments, lowland streams and dryland ecosystems. This will help Cantabrians to protect and restore valued biodiversity by funding pest and stock exclusion fencing of over 21 kilometres and planting over 33,000 native plants from projects approved in March alone.

Dr Abbott said she was impressed with the general standard of funding applications and how many valuable contributions people in Canterbury are making towards enhancement and protection of our biodiversity.

If you have a biodiversity project for which you would like funding or advice, contact the Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Team on 0800 324 636. More information – www.ecan.govt.nz/biodiversity

Background

Environment Canterbury is involved in allocating funds from three separate biodiversity funding strands:

1. Biodiversity Fund - Environment Canterbury allocates $400,000 a year to a range of important biodiversity projects across the Canterbury region. Funding is targeted towards the highest priority on-the-ground actions aimed at protecting and restoring the region’s biodiversity within a variety of ecosystem types, including wetlands, drylands, lowland streams and native vegetation remnants.

    

2. The Immediate Steps programme is a key component of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. Through this fund, $1.24 million is allocated to projects annually. Contributions are required from third parties. The programme aims for the protection of ecosystems and habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater diversity. Projects allocated funding will reflect the principles of the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy and ki uta ki tai – “From the mountains to the sea”. CWMS Zone Committees decide the priorities for their zone and significant funding is also available to the Regional Committee to support regionally significant biodiversity projects.

    

3. Environment Canterbury also allocates grants on behalf of the Honda TreeFund, including to school projects. Honda sponsors 10 native trees to be planted for every new car sold, with another three funded by local Honda dealers.

The Christchurch West Melton CWMS Zone Committee allocated over $74,000 of Immediate Steps funding to support stock fencing, weed control and planting projects in regionally significant wetlands and waterways.

Zone Committee Chair Ian Fox says two projects have been allocated funding in regionally significant wetlands which are highly productive ecosystems that support threatened species such as Australasian bittern and marsh crake.

“Lowland streams projects have also been allocated funding which will support fencing out stock from the waterways and restoring the riparian margins,” Mr Fox said. “These actions will contribute to in-stream health and support native and sports fish as well as native birds.”

Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Team Leader Jo Abbott says 27 projects throughout Canterbury were granted funding of over $173,000 through the Biodiversity Fund and the Honda Treefund. “These projects will protect and enhance a wide variety of ecosystem types and help achieve the goals of the CWMS and Canterbury biodiversity Strategy,” Dr Abbott said. Seven Honda Treefund projects were funded.

Since the CWMS Immediate Steps programme started in 2010, funding has been allocated to over 120 projects which contribute to native tree planting, pest and stock exclusion fencing plus other initiatives including weed control pest control and fish habitat protection across the region.

So far this financial year Environment Canterbury has allocated funding of over $1.18 million to a wide variety of projects in wetlands, hill country catchments, lowland streams and dryland ecosystems. This will help Cantabrians to protect and restore valued biodiversity by funding pest and stock exclusion fencing of over 21 kilometres and planting over 33,000 native plants from projects approved in March alone.

Dr Abbott said she was impressed with the general standard of funding applications and how many valuable contributions people in Canterbury are making towards enhancement and protection of our biodiversity.

The Christchurch West Melton Zone committee recently finalised its Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) and is now looking for more projects which contribute to the protection of biodiversity in the zone. “We welcome applications for projects that will help enhance the natural environment we all benefit from and enjoy,” Ian Fox said.

If you have a biodiversity project for which you would like funding or advice, contact the Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Team on 0800 324 636. More information – www.ecan.govt.nz/biodiversity

Background

Environment Canterbury is involved in allocating funds from three separate biodiversity funding strands:

1. Biodiversity Fund - Environment Canterbury allocates $400,000 a year to a range of important biodiversity projects across the Canterbury region. Funding is targeted towards the highest priority on-the-ground actions aimed at protecting and restoring the region’s biodiversity within a variety of ecosystem types, including wetlands, drylands, lowland streams and native vegetation remnants.

    

2. The Immediate Steps programme is a key component of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. Through this fund, $1.24 million is allocated to projects annually. Contributions are required from third parties. The programme aims for the protection of ecosystems and habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater diversity. Projects allocated funding will reflect the principles of the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy and ki uta ki tai – “From the mountains to the sea”. CWMS Zone Committees decide the priorities for their zone and significant funding is also available to the Regional Committee to support regionally significant biodiversity projects.

    

3. Environment Canterbury also allocates grants on behalf of the Honda TreeFund, including to school projects. Honda sponsors 10 native trees to be planted for every new car sold, with another three funded by local Honda dealers.

Biodiversity Team Leader Jo Abbott says 27 projects were granted funding of over $173,000 through the Biodiversity Fund and the Honda Treefund. “These projects will protect and enhance a wide variety of ecosystem types and help achieve the goals of the CWMS and Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy,” Dr Abbott said. Seven Honda Treefund projects were funded.

Since the CWMS Immediate Steps programme started in 2010, funding has been allocated to over 120 projects. “These projects contribute to native tree planting, pest and stock exclusion fencing plus other initiatives including weed control pest control and fish habitat protection across the region,” Dr Abbott said.

So far this financial year Environment Canterbury has allocated funding of over $1.18 million to a wide variety of projects in wetlands, hill country catchments, lowland streams and dryland ecosystems.

“This will help Cantabrians to protect and restore valued biodiversity by funding pest and stock exclusion fencing of over 21 kilometres and planting more than 33,000 native plants from projects approved in March alone,” Dr Abbott said.

The Christchurch West Melton CWMS Zone committee recently allocated over $74,000 of Immediate Steps funding to support stock fencing, weed control and planting projects in regionally significant wetlands and waterways.

The Waimakariri CWMS Zone Committee granted over $22,000 of Immediate Steps funds to four projects which seek to protect and restore the ecological value of existing wetlands, lakes and protect braided river birds.

The Upper Waitaki zone committee allocated $12,000 of Immediate Steps funds to two projects, one to undertake wilding pine control in an intermontane basin wetland and the other to fence an intermontane stream and associated wetland.

Dr Abbott said she was impressed with the general standard of funding applications and how many valuable contributions people in Canterbury are making towards enhancement and protection of our biodiversity.

If you have a biodiversity project for which you would like funding or advice, contact the Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Team on 0800 324 636. More information – www.ecan.govt.nz/biodiversity

Background

Environment Canterbury is involved in allocating funds from three separate biodiversity funding strands:

1. Biodiversity Fund - Environment Canterbury allocates some $400,000 a year to a range of important biodiversity projects across the Canterbury region. Funding is targeted towards the highest priority on-the-ground actions aimed at protecting and restoring the region’s biodiversity within a variety of ecosystem types, including wetlands, drylands, lowland streams and native vegetation remnants.

    

2. The Immediate Steps programme is a key component of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. Through this fund, $1.24 million is allocated to projects annually. Contributions are required from third parties. The programme aims for the protection of ecosystems and habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater diversity. Projects allocated funding will reflect the principles of the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy and ki uta ki tai – “From the mountains to the sea”. CWMS Zone Committees decide the priorities for their zone and significant funding is also available to the Regional Committee to support regionally significant biodiversity projects.

    

3. Environment Canterbury also allocates grants on behalf of the Honda TreeFund, including to school projects. Honda sponsors 10 native trees to be planted for every new car sold, with another three funded by local Honda dealers.

Environment Canterbury Director of Resource Management Kim Drummond says unwanted freshwater pests such as didymo, hornwort and lagarosiphon pose a serious threat to rivers, streams and lakes. “Once in a waterway they can disperse rapidly and destroy the environmental, recreational and aesthetic values of our waterways,” Mr Drummond said.

“We are asking hunters moving between waterways to Check, Clean, Dry any equipment that has come into contact with river or lake water – particularly boots and decoys. Some freshwater pests are microscopic and can be spread by a single drop of water. Even if you can’t see the pest you could be spreading it.”

Lagarosiphon is now established in Lake Benmore and is also present in a number of ponds and stock races throughout Canterbury. Kim Drummond says it is important that lagarosiphon is not transported to other waterways. “Even very small fragments can grow and invade a lake or river. Check, Clean Dry is crucial in helping prevent the spread of this pest,” Mr Drummond said. 

“Before leaving a waterway, people should check items and leave any debris they find at the waterway. All items should then be cleaned for at least one minute with a five per cent solution of biodegradable dishwashing solution. That’s about one tablespoon of detergent per 250ml. Water absorbent materials such as boots require longer soaking times to allow thorough saturation.

“Drying will kill most freshwater pests, but even slightly moist items can harbour microscopic pests for months. To ensure cells are dead by drying, the item must be completely dry to the touch, inside and out, then left dry for at least another 48 hours before use,” Mr Drummond said.

“Following these simple procedures will help stop freshwater pests from spreading throughout New Zealand waterways. It’s everyone’s responsibility to try to preserve the environmental integrity of our waterways for future generations. “Remember to Check, Clean, Dry when moving from one waterway to another, anywhere in New Zealand.”