Wilding conifers pose a major problem in the Canterbury high country. These are self sown trees that have spread from research plots, amenity plantings and farm plantations. They threaten Canterbury’s high country landscapes, tussock grasslands and pasture productivity by competing aggressively for light and space. They also put further pressure on fragile ecosystems and the native species that depend on them.

Environment Canterbury’s Resource Care team are holding two volunteer days during March and April in collaboration with local clubs and groups. At both events, the team will happily provide the tools and show volunteers how to do the job most effectively:

Saturday March 20.  Flock Hill. 
Work will concentrate on the eastern and southern slopes of Constitution Hill.  Access is by 4WD, and transport will be provided from Christchurch by the Combined 4WD Club.  Both locations require a moderate standard of fitness, although there is some easy terrain for the less fit.

On Saturday April 10.  Work will take place at two separate sites:

Corner Creek: At the confluence of the Harper and Avoca River in the Rakaia Gorge.  It is 4WD access only and transport will be provided from Christchurch by the Combined 4WD Clubs.  A moderate/good standard of fitness is required.

Broad Stream.  At Cora Lynn in the Waimakariri catchment. Access is by car. 

People who love the Canterbury high country and want to do their bit to protect it for future generations should bring appropriate clothing/footwear, lunch/water and plenty of enthusiasm.

If you are keen to help, contact James Hoban at Environment Canterbury on 03 371 7182 or if you are a member of one of the clubs below, please contact your club coordinator.

Peninsula Tramping Club- Merv Meredith.
Pegasus Tramping Club - Brian Bonsell.
Christchurch Tramping Club -Warwick Dowling.
High Country Fire Team - Mark Warren.
Over 40’s Tramping Club – Warwick Scadden.
Rangiora Tramping - Bruce Banks.
Club Combined 4WD Clubs – Brent McGuire.

Environment Canterbury officers inspected the farm located at Flemington, near Ashburton, on October 10, 2008 and found that effluent from a travelling irrigator had created severe ponding and run-off onto surrounding land. An infringement notice was served on Mr Spicer informing him that he was in breach of resource consent conditions. On October 15, he was issued with an abatement notice.

Upon re-inspection of the farm on December 16, 2008, Environment Canterbury officers identified problems with the irrigator that would lead to further ponding. Mr Spicer was informed that continued non-compliance would likely result in enforcement action being taken. A large pond of effluent was subsequently discovered on the farm on March 5, 2009.

The defendant said that the incident on March 5 was not deliberate. He claimed that the ponding had occurred because the irrigator had become stationary after getting stuck in a hole in the ground and a bearing had collapsed. Mr Spicer claimed that he was not present on the property that day and a farm worker had set up the irrigator, however he did take full responsibility for the incident.

Mr Spicer’s actions breached sections 338(1)(c) and 340(1)(a) of the Resource Management Act 1991 with regard to the contravening of the abatement notice and section 15(1)(b) and s338(1)(a) in regard to the employee discharging effluent. 

Environment Canterbury expressed concern to Judge Jane Borthwick that there appeared to be a number of farmers who were not complying with their resource consents and failing to monitor their effluent disposal systems.

The Judge imposed a fine of $8000 and $4000 for each offence respectively.  Ninety per cent of the fine was paid to the regional council.

For further information:  Kim Drummond, Environment Canterbury Director Regulation, 03 372 7232, 027 497 8366.

The free family-oriented event will include demonstrations of casting and electric fishing, a chance to try out harakeke (flax) weaving and to plant new native trees and shrubs. There will also be a free barbecue lunch.

“We have aimed to make this a fun day for all ages,” says Debbie Eddington, Educator for Sustainability with Environment Canterbury, which is co-ordinating the event. “We want to increase community awareness of the value of the Orari River mouth and environs.”

While some participants will be keen to express their artistic sides with an environmental art competition involving material found on site, others will be intrigued by the inanga (whitebait) artificial spawning habitat trial along with an opportunity to view a Department of Conservation habitat trial for katipo spiders and a study of the river’s invertebrate life.

The event is being held in conjunction with Seaweek (which this year has the theme Fish for the Future) and is in partnership with the Timaru District Council, Central South Island Fish and Game, Department of Conservation, University of Canterbury, Fonterra and tangata whenua.

There is room for only 70 participants so bookings are essential.

For more information or to make a booking phone Debbie Eddington at Environment Canterbury’s Timaru office on 03 687 7813.

Whilst the council would continue to manage functions outside of water, a Government-appointed “commissioner advisor” would direct water management, supported by an advisory group with largely local, elected representation.

“Keeping a democratically elected council for all functions outside of water management alongside a water ‘commissioner advisor’ and group would preserve Cantabrians’ democratic right to regional representation and provide input into water management,” said Environment Canterbury chair Alec Neill.

The councillors have held a series of informal meetings in recent days to provide an  alternate pathway to those suggested by the Government review panel. The large majority has endorsed the proposal to enter into a negotiated agreement with the Minister for the Environment on the delivery of water management in Canterbury. 

This would ensure that Canterbury ratepayers would vote for regional representatives in the October Local Government elections, and there would be no need for the Government to pass special legislation.

“The councillors’ proposal would protect the local vote as well as acknowledging the Government’s requirement for faster and better tools and systems for managing water,” said Environment Canterbury chairman Alec Neill.  “The council, like the Government, also wants to meet expectations and lift performance in water management.”

South Canterbury Cr Bronwen Murray said that given New Zealanders live in a democracy, the right to elect local government representatives should be sacrosanct. This was a key reason why she was supporting the councillors’ proposal.

The letter and outline proposal were sent to Government Ministers Rodney Hide (Local Government) and Dr Nick Smith (Environment) yesterday. It was to be considered by a central Government group composed of Ministers Hide and Smith as well as Canterbury MPs Kate Wilkinson, David Carter and Gerry Brownlee before going to Cabinet.

 It proposes that the Government:

• Appoints one “commissioner advisor” to run the Resource Management Act functions around water in Canterbury. The commissioner advisor would review planning operations and ensure resource consents were able to be processed within statutory timeframes.
• In addition, the commissioner advisor would be given delegated authority from the council to implement the review group recommendations in relation to the Local Government Act functions.
• To support the commissioner advisor, an advisory group would be set up comprising the chairperson of Environment Canterbury, one representative of Ngai Tahu, one member of the Canterbury mayoral forum, two members of the Local Government NZ Regional Affairs Committee (unitary council and regional council mayors, chairs and chief executives), as well as the commissioner advisor.

“The commissioner advisor and advisory group would remain until the Government was satisfied the council was ready to resume its full range of responsibilities,” said Cr Neill.

Key advantages of the proposal included the ability to provide a transition to broader organisational change in a collaborative way and ensuring the strongly supported Canterbury Water Management Strategy would continue to be rolled out.

The proposal outlines a fast-tracking approach to the long-awaited water chapters of the Natural Resources Regional Plan and the Regional Policy Statement; a review of the council’s planning and consenting functions; criteria and capability/capacity to meet RMA statutory timeframes for resource consents processing; implementing  LGA recommendations in the review group report; progressing the Canterbury Water Management Strategy by establishing zonal committees, a water executive and status under the RMA for the implementation programmes; as well as a review of iwi liaison functions with appropriate resourcing.

For further information:  All councillors are available for comment: see phone list on website  page http://ecan.govt.nz/about-us/your-council/Pages/your-councillors.aspx

Alec Neill, Chairman Environment Canterbury 0274 403 731; Cr Jo Kane, Deputy Chair Environment Canterbury, 027 323 2326; Cr Bronwen Murray 027 206 2878.

Cr Carole Evans, Environment Canterbury public passenger transport committee chair, says that the existing Metro Strategy 2006-2012 is a joint document between the Regional Council and Christchurch City Council, but the new one expands to include the relevant parts of Selwyn and Waimakariri Districts.

“The current Metro Strategy has helped deliver a high quality public transport system, but it is time to plot our course for the future and support the growth of the wider metropolitan area,” she said.

“The strategy has led to a number of significant improvements including new and extended bus services, improvements to the Bus Exchange such as the new D lounge, bus priority helping reduce journey times on Papanui/Main North Road and bike racks on 12 routes.”

Metro services include the Diamond Harbour ferry and over 40 bus services throughout the city and to further destinations including Lincoln, Lyttelton, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Burnham and Rolleston.

“The brochure arriving in your mailbox gives you the opportunity to have your say about how public transport services and supporting infrastructure like bus lanes and interchanges should be further improved in the future. It includes a freepost feedback form that’ll take just a few minutes to do or people can complete the forms online by visiting www.metroinfo.co.nz.”

“Community input is the key to creating a new strategy that will work for all residents of Greater Christchurch.

“As an added incentive to tell us what you think and as a thank you for taking the time, your response will put you in a draw to win a double movie pass or $20 Metrocard voucher,” Cr Evans said.

For information on Metro go to www.metroinfo.org.nz.
For further information: Environment Canterbury Public Passenger Transport Committee Chair Carole Evans, 027 240 3096.

"The work is part of the scientific investigations and monitoring work by Environment Canterbury scientists which provides information on the state of the region's water resource," said Carl Hanson, Environment Canterbury groundwater quality scientist.

The programme involves taking water samples from around 40 wells which will be analysed by Environment Canterbury for water quality. Testing will include nitrate, phosphorus, iron, hardness and other basic water quality parameters.

"This programme will give us a snapshot of groundwater quality in the mid-Waitaki Valley.

"In particular we are looking at water quality trends as well as areas where there are problems.

"The sampling will give us a benchmark for water quality, and provide us with the information we need to develop a long-term monitoring programme for the area,” said Carl Hanson.

URS has been contracted to undertake most of the fieldwork, which will be conducted by environmental scientist Tommy Fluen.

The initial task is to locate a good spread of existing wells – which are on both public and private land – and assess their suitability for sample collection.

Tommy Fluen will carry identification and a letter of introduction from Environment Canterbury. He will either travel in a URS vehicle or an unmarked vehicle.

Individual well-owners will be provided with results from their bores once the samples have been analysed.

For more information:
Carl Hanson
Environment Canterbury Groundwater Quality Scientist
Phone 03 371-7185

"We want to build a robust historical record that will assist us to learn from and plan for these types of events in the future," says Jon Mitchell, Regional Emergency Management Office Manager.

In sending us the photos, footage or stories, people will be agreeing to allow this material to be used by the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and Environment Canterbury.

People should send footage, photos, and stories to tsunamistories@ecan.govt.nz.

For further information contact Jon Mitchell, Regional Emergency Management Office Manager, 0272 080 374 or Sara K. McBride at 021-928-908.

“Most areas in Canterbury had a good start to the irrigation season as a result of an average groundwater recharge over the winter,” said Dr Howard Williams, Environment Canterbury groundwater scientist.

“Since then, however, groundwater levels have declined to below-average levels as a result of average-to-dry summer conditions combined with moderate irrigation demand.”

Rainfall in February has been average to below-average, contributing to average to below-average river and stream flows in foothills rivers and lowland streams, typical of the continued but waning El Niño weather pattern. Flows in some South Canterbury rivers were well below average.

Some areas are also experiencing low rainfalls for this irrigation year, approaching 1 in 10 year levels.  Over a dozen wells have a new lowest groundwater level for this time of year.

According to the NIWA Seasonal Climate Outlook comments for coastal Canterbury, however, both rainfall and stream flows are forecast to be in the normal range for the February to April period .

“Soil moisture levels are also at close to average levels and forecast to remain in the normal range for the rest of the season,” said Dr Williams.

Temperatures should remain at near average levels for the February to April period, also according to the NIWA Seasonal Climate Outlook. 

In the alpine areas stream flows were below average in February but are forecast to be above average for the coming two months as a result of higher than average rainfall on the back of the waning El Niño pattern. Soil moisture should also be above average in the alpine areas.

Irrigation restrictions
In mid-February most catchments within Canterbury had restrictions on at least some tributaries.

Two areas within the West Melton special groundwater zone near Christchurch are under restriction. 

Eleven comments have been received about low groundwater levels this irrigation season, including landowners in Ladbrooks, Hawarden and Lowcliffe.
 
Regional detail
North Canterbury
Kaikoura groundwater levels generally remain in the average to above average range, reflecting the above average rainfalls that have fallen there since Christmas. 

In Waipara, groundwater is exhibiting a wide range of levels, from high to very low, with most water levels in the average range.  Some wells are displaying groundwater levels lower than previous low levels for this time of year. 

Wells in the Ashley–Waimakariri zone display generally above average groundwater levels except for deep wells south of Oxford that are up-gradient of the Waimakariri Irrigation Scheme.  The scheme exerts a strong positive influence on groundwater levels within and down-gradient of its command area.

Mid-Canterbury
Groundwater levels within the Christchurch–West Melton area are lower than average for this time of year.  Two of the Christchurch-West Melton monitoring wells indicate groundwater levels below the first trigger level, so there are two areas under restriction.   Deep wells near the coast and within the Christchurch area are displaying higher than average water levels, perhaps because of the flood events in the Waimakariri River in December and January of this summer.

In the Central Plains, both the Selwyn-Waimakariri and the Rakaia-Selwyn groundwater zones are displaying lower than average groundwater levels with some long-term monitoring wells going dry and some deep wells displaying levels at new lows for this time of year.  Groundwater levels near the Rakaia River and within associated surface water-sourced irrigation schemes are holding up well.  Lowland streams such as the Selwyn River, Irwell River, Kaituna River, Harts Creek and Boggy Creek are flowing at or below their minimum flows.

In the Ashburton-Rakaia zone groundwater is generally at below average levels and some Chertsey wells, such as at Acton on the south bank of the Rakaia River, continue to exhibit very low levels for this time of year.

South Canterbury
In the Mayfield-Hinds groundwater zone, many groundwater readings are below average to very low levels, especially between Hinds and the Rangitata River.  Groundwater levels between the Ashburton River and Rangitata River are generally below average, with some wells displaying levels at historical lows.

South of the Rangitata River, in the vicinity of the Orari River, on the Levels Plain, and around Winchester, Temuka, Geraldine, and in coastal areas beside the Rangitata River, many wells display groundwater levels that are very low or at their lowest for the time of year. 

In the Pareora-Otaio, Makikihi, Waimate, and Fairlie areas,  the shallow aquifer is displaying very low groundwater levels in part because rainfall has been far below average in this portion of Canterbury.  In the Waihao area, shallow groundwater is at average levels.  Deeper groundwater remains at low levels as a result of summer irrigation demand.

Forecast until April 2010
According to the NIWA seasonal outlook website at: http://www.niwa.co.nz/our-science/climate/publications/all/cu/new-zealand-climate-update-128-a-february-2010/outlook---february-to-april-2010, temperatures are likely to be near or below average, seasonal rainfall is expected to be in the normal range and soil moisture levels and stream flows are most likely to be normal.

Monitoring data
The most recent monitoring data are available at: http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/groundwater-levels/Pages/Default.aspx.  Note that at this webpage, any well number with recent observations can be brought up as an envelope and time series plot.  If you have difficulty, call Howard Williams at the number below.

Irrigation restrictions
For an updated list of irrigation restrictions go to http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/irrigation-restrictions/pages/default.aspx. 

For more information:
Ken Taylor: ECan Director Investigations and Monitoring, 027 2954 359 or
Adam Martin: ECan surface water scientist, 03 372 7350 or
Dr Howard Williams: ECan groundwater scientist, office: 03 371 7175
     a/h: 027 434 2617.

Staff from the Environment Canterbury, the local authorities, Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management and emergency services worked through from early Sunday morning until yesterday afternoon, informing the public, gathering information. planning, and carrying out the plans.

“While we can always improve on our response, overall the event was handled professionally,” said Robert Upton, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller.

“Our relationship with the media was excellent and they certainly played a big role in assisting us with getting the message out there. We thank them for their hard work. We also thank those members of the public who took responsible action and supported our emergency services.”

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management advises there will be ongoing sea level fluctuations and tidal effects for the rest of the day throughout the country. People are advised to continue to take caution in coastal areas.

For further information contact Robert Upton, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller, 027 270 2762 or Sara K. McBride at 021-928-908.

Special caution should continue to be exercised around restricted waterways, such as harbours, inlets and river mouths. High tide is scheduled for around 5pm in Lyttelton Harbour.

We encourage people to continue to be aware that may be changes in sea levels around beaches, river mouths, inlets, jetties, wharfs, and bays. Earlier advice to stay away from river mouths is still in place, due to the unpredictable nature of the sea around these areas. Strong currents and surges, particularly nearer to the shore, may affect boaties.

For further information contact Bob Upton, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller, 027 270 2762 or Katherine Trought at 027 531 3261. For more specific information regarding Banks Peninsula and the Christchurch area, please contact Kay Carston on 027 637 7916.

Any changes in predications based on new information will be communicated immediately to the public, as it possible that any effects may be delayed by six or more hours.

The tide is now coming in, so we strongly encourage people to continue to be aware that there may be changes in sea levels around beaches, river mouths, inlets, jetties, wharfs, and bays. Earlier advice to stay away from river mouths is still in place, due to the unpredictable nature of the sea around these areas. Strong currents and surges, particularly nearer to the shore, may affect boaties.

For further information contact Jon Mitchell, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller, 0272 080 374 or Katherine Trought at 0275313261.

For more specific information regarding Banks Peninsula and the Christchurch area, please contact Rachel Graham on 027 241 0244.

Historical information shows that tsunami waves from South America are generally lower in the Banks Peninsula and Christchurch than in the Chatham Islands. The situation will be monitored for the rest of the day, and the situation may change as further information becomes available. 
 
Currently the first recorded wave was 20 centimetres; however subsequent waves may be larger. 

This information gives Civil Defence Emergency Management a two hour lead time to manage any necessary evacuations and response throughout the region. Currently, all local authorities have activated their Emergency Operation Centres and are monitoring the situation closely.

Residents are advised to await instructions from their local authorities.

For further information contact Jon Mitchell, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller, 0272 080 374 or Sara McBride at 021-928-908.  For more specific information regarding Banks Peninsula and the Christchurch area, please contact Rachel Graham on 027 241 0244.

Emergency Coordination Centre activated since 0100 28 February 2010.  A media release has been issued outlining risk to Canterbury coast including specific advice for Banks Peninsula, and advising farmers to move stock from low lying areas.  People gathering along beaches will be moved on and residents have been advised to stay away from coastal areas. 

Kaikoura District Council

The centre is basing its planning on the possibility of a one metre wave. The Peninsula Road is closed and staff are evacuating freedom campers from along the beach areas. Notifications via radio that low lying residents should be prepared to evacuate. Staff are on standby to close SH1 north from Cheviot if required in coordination with Police and the Marlborough District Council.

Hurunui District Council

Volunteers in coastal communities have been informing residents to stay away the beach.

Waimakariri District Council

Volunteers in coastal communities have been advising residents to stay off the beach and will focus their efforts on contacting people fishing at the Waimakariri River mouth.

Christchurch City Council

Staff are preparing for potential evacuation of low lying areas of Banks Peninsula from Teddington, south of Lyttelton to Akaroa. Shipping movements in Lyttelton port cancelled for the day.  For more information, contact Rachel Graham at the Christchurch City Council on 027 241 0244.

Selwyn District Council

Rakaia fishing competition organisers were informed at 0530 of the possible tsunami.  There are approximately 700 competitors over length of river and  Ellesmere Search and Rescue are currently advising people to move from the river mouth.

Ashburton District Council

Coastal settlements have been advised of the possible tsunami.  Rakaia Search and Rescue is currently at river mouth advising people to move inland and staff are working to approximately one km upstream of mouth.

Timaru District Council

Staff have been in contact with PrimePort and emergency contacts at coastal hut communities have advised of the threat.

Waimate District Council

Roading staff to put signs up on road to Waihao Box and coordinating with the Waitaki District Council regarding any impact on the Waitaki River mouth.

For further information contact Jon Mitchell, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller, 0272 080 374 or Sara McBride at 021-928-908.

• Essential medicines, toilet items and baby needs,
• Important Documents,
• Radio and torch (with batteries),
• Emergency bottled water,
• Extra clothing and footwear.

Residents in all coastal areas, particularly Christchurch suburbs around the estuary and Banks Peninsula communities, should:

1. Stay off beaches
2. Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, including boating activities)
3. Do not go sightseeing – people gathering at beaches will be moved on
4. Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
5. Listen to official radio and/or TV stations for updates (emergency radio stations are listed at the back of the Yellow Pages)
6. Follow instructions of your local Civil Defence authorities.
7. Farmers are advised to move stock to higher ground.

Tide levels for Canterbury are as follows:

Christchurch (New Brighton)	0905 NZDT 28 February 2010
Timaru	0837 NZDT 28 February 2010

The low tide in Canterbury coinciding with the first arrival time of the tsunami waves will allow for continual assessment of the need for managed evacuations. It has been confirmed that a tsunami has been generated and the first wave is expected to arrive in New Zealand in the areas around the Chatham Islands at approximately 07:05 am 28 February 2010. 

In Canterbury, the wave is expected to arrive at 8.30 a.m. near to low tide.  The first wave may arrive later and may not be the largest.  Water levels will continue to fluctuate during the day. We will be monitoring the situation throughout the day.  Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

For further information contact Jon Mitchell, Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller, 0272 080 374 or Sara McBride at 021-928-908.

The $3.3M in funding will be raised via a targeted rate on all Environment Canterbury ratepayers, on behalf of all Canterbury councils.  The 2010/11 Annual Plan is an update of Environment Canterbury’s 2009-2019 Long Term Council Community Plan, and the Canterbury Water Management Strategy funding is included for the first time as an amendment to that plan. Council endorsed the Canterbury Water Management Strategy in November 2009.

“Implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy relies on adequate funding and resourcing and Environment Canterbury has provided this over the past eight years as it has facilitated development of an integrated approach to water management in Canterbury.

“Without this commitment to ongoing funding from Environment Canterbury implementation of the Strategy would not be able to continue.”

In addition to the $3.3M in funding, Environment Canterbury’s technical staff will continue to support implementation of the Strategy by providing expert advice and ongoing access to information and other resources.

“The Canterbury Water Management Strategy represents a balanced and integrated approach to address the issues relating to water infrastructure, economic development, water efficiency and use, as well as environmental restoration and improvement, and will deliver significant benefits to Canterbury communities.

“It represents a broad collaborative approach which has involved local, regional and central government, Ngai Tahu, as well as key water stakeholders.

“Community members have also taken an active interest in the development of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy with around 2000 public submissions during public consultation in 2008 and 2009.

“Environment Canterbury also welcomes the ongoing support for the Canterbury Water Management Strategy from the Mayoral Forum – which this week gave the green light to forming the regional and zone committees which will be the backbone of the strategy,” said Cr Neill.

The ten Canterbury territorial authorities are considering a combined contribution of around $300,000 to partly fund the regional and zone committees.

Funding proposal
The proposed funding of $3.3M from Environment Canterbury for the 2010/11 financial year will be used to:

• Establish the water executive – a small team of technical staff which will:
o Set-up regional and zone water management committees.
o Provide support and guidance for the preparation of implementation programmes by water management committees.
o Manage implementation programmes on a day-to-day basis.
o Implement the Immediate Steps ecosystem restoration programme.

• Establish regional and zone water management committees, which will work on:
o Environmental targets and measures.
o Environmental restoration.
o Water requirements for economic development.
o Land-use practices.
o Water infrastructure requirements.
o Customary use.
o Recreational and amenity provision.
o Commercial activity and use.

• Immediate Steps (ecosystem restoration programme):
o There is a need for immediate and significant action to halt the gradual overall decline of ecosystems and prevent the rapid decline in some habitats and species in Canterbury.
o Restoration and protection of biodiversity will become a pre-requisite of any new or reconfigured development, but it will take time before these programmes come into effect.

• Proposal for funding Immediate Steps: the CWMS considered four options over five years:
o $2M ($400,000 per year)
o $5M ($1M per year)
o $10M ($2M per year) – recommended
o $20M ($4M per year)

• This funding is a mix of the Environment Canterbury targeted rate, user contributions, and other funding sources.
 
For more information: Environment Canterbury Chairman Alec Neill, 027 440-3071.

Environment Canterbury’s North Canterbury Cr Jo Kane said although more signs may be helpful, people still have to take extreme care and weigh up the risks around any water body – rivers, beaches, streams, swimming pools.

“People need to be aware that calm patches on a river or beach are not necessarily safe places to swim and rivers like the Waimakariri may have concealed hazards. We have to keep pushing these messages if we are to prevent more drownings.”

Large bridges and their piers will always pose a potential hazard which may lead to strong currents and unexpected eddies, which swimmers may not see from the bank.

“Given the dynamic, ever-shifting nature of braided rivers, it is not practical to put up signs at all potentially dangerous river sites in Canterbury, or even to predict where they all are,” said Environment Canterbury parks manager Ross Campbell.

“Environment Canterbury works with both the Water Safety Council and the Coastguard to review swimming signage and interpretation. We place a lot of importance upon the need for water safety education because we know that every summer people overlook or miss the no swimming signs.

“Environment Canterbury was active following the previous drowning in 2008, working with NZ Coastguard which paid for a large warning sign up on the bridge pier where swimmers on the river bank were more likely to see it. Any sign placed near the river on the bank is at risk of being washed away by the next flood.

“As well as signs on each entrance road and at the pier on the road bridge, Environment Canterbury has also installed signs at boat ramps along the river upstream of the State Highway bridge. There is helpful information supplied by the Water Safety Council at the Kaiapoi Island regional park kiosk.

“Environment Canterbury makes a point of encouraging people to swim upstream of the road bridges, at the Otukaikino confluence and also in the much safer Ashley River/Rakahuri. Swimming holes are created along the Ashley each summer and advertised in local papers and through the media.”

 It was a matter of education and encouraging people to seek out local knowledge of safe places to swim in rivers first, he said.
For further information: Ross Campbell Environment Canterbury Property, Parks and Forests Manager, 027 438 4488 or Cr Jo Kane, Environment Canterbury Cr North Canterbury 027 323 2326.

Due to the publicity around the coming ban, record numbers of people have been registering and booking assessments. “Phone enquiries to Environment Canterbury have soared. Last February, there were 1500 calls about the Clean Heat project and it is looking like we will reach 3000 calls for the same period this year,” said Environment Canterbury air portfolio chair Sir Kerry Burke said.

“This strong demand for Clean Heat assistance means that people are waiting longer than usual for a free assessment and installers are getting booked up as well.”

Sir Kerry said that although Environment Canterbury is now booking assessments for April, it is important that people continue to register for Clean Heat assistance, even if the installation of a low pollution appliance cannot occur until after April 1.

“If you cannot meet the deadline, work out how you’re going to heat your home until the new appliance is installed,” said Sir Kerry.  “We don’t want people risking a $300 fine, and if you have taken steps to replace an open fire or older burner, our enforcement officers will take that into account.”

Sir Kerry said that for people living in rental properties, the tenant and the landlord are equally responsible for ensuring the open fire or older burner is not used during winter after April 1. “People will need to use an alternative to heat their home or install an efficient, low pollution appliance.”

Sir Kerry said the intention to introduce a ban to deliver cleaner air had been discussed for many years in Christchurch and many people have already taken action. The Clean Heat Project has already helped 16,000 households prepare for the ban over a seven year period. 

Clean Heat is funded through a ten-year targeted rate scheme to help 26,000 households insulate and switch to cleaner heating over its lifetime. The Clean Heat Project offers a range of financial plans to homeowners including interest-free loans, full subsidies for people who qualify for a Christchurch City Council rates rebate, partial subsidies and landlord subsidies. 

Its success has already improved air quality in the city.  “There has been a noticeable drop in pollution levels over recent winters. The community expectation is that we keep up that momentum,” Sir Kerry said.

To find out if they are eligible for Clean Heat assistance, people should check www.cleanheat.co.nz or call 0800 329276 (0800 EC WARM).

Environment Canterbury Air Portfolio Chair Cr Sir Kerry Burke (03) 355-8104. 

The Ministers have stated that the report is for consideration only. If implemented the recommendations would have a significant and wide-ranging impact on the regional council and its activities and Chair Alec Neill acknowledged that there is a considerable amount of work required to better understand the implications for the organisation.

“It has been made clear to me by the Minister that there will be rigorous consideration of the options and significant debate about the recommendations before any final decisions are made,” said Mr Neill.  “Some of the options under consideration will require new legislation before they can be implemented.”

Mr Neill said he was pleased that the report acknowledged and was complimentary about the organisation’s management team and staff, and the way that staff worked.

“The report is very positive in outlining excellence in the process and procedures we use, and quite rightly states that in many areas Environment Canterbury is a leader in what it does and how it delivers.

Mr Neill said that the government review was initiated as a result of historical concerns in relation to the management of Resource Management Act processes during the 2007/08 year. The report confirms that processes have been put in place that largely address those concerns.

 “In the last year, we have significantly improved both process and performance, with 90% of consents now being processed on time. I am disappointed that the review team has chosen not to highlight the improvements in those areas and have largely ignored the fact that Environment Canterbury is acknowledged as a leader in many areas including clean air, passenger transport and regional transportation and urban planning.

“In addition the work that Environment Canterbury has led on the development of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy is nationally significant,” said Mr Neill.

The report also indicates that relationship tensions that exist between the territorial authorities and Environment Canterbury are the fault of both parties and not solely the responsibility of Environment Canterbury.

“When I was elected Chair five months ago, I identified my key organisational priorities. One of those priorities was the Canterbury Water Management Strategy which has been six years in the making.

“I see the implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy continuing in the same collaborative fashion that we have achieved as region in recent years. This work is too important for us to lose momentum and Environment Canterbury wishes to continue to play a leading role in implementation of the strategy,” concluded Mr Neill.

END

For more information: Chairman Alec Neill phone 0274 403 731
The government report: www.beehive.govt.nz/minister/nick+smith.

Further Information

Government Review of Environment Canterbury

The document released today by Environment Minister Nick Smith is a report to Government only. It does not represent a decision made by Government. The Ministers are now considering the options and recommendations in the report before deciding what action to take.

The review was called for based on historical data related to consent processing times. The data was collected in the 2007/8 year. Current consent processing times demonstrate 90% compliance. The report findings do not appropriately acknowledge this significant improvement.

The report recognises excellence in Environment Canterbury with comments such as:
“We believe that with the exception of water, the Council functions as an effective body (in some areas the Review Group considers ECan to be well ahead of most other local authorities) and that the best  outcome for the region is for the Council; to continue to discharge responsibility for all other functions other than water.”

Between 2001 and 2008, Environment Canterbury processed 25% of New Zealand’s regional consents, which on average equated to nearly 2,500 consents per year. The next closest regional council was Auckland at 9%. From January to December 2008, Environment Canterbury made decisions on almost 4,000 consents.

One of the main reasons for this has been the increased demand for water.  The consented area for irrigated land increased at an average of 11% per annum - this annual increase is equivalent to the total area consented for irrigation in Otago – the region in New Zealand with the second largest area irrigated after Canterbury.

The organisation has responded appropriately to the increasing demand for consents including:
1. Appointing a new Director and Section Manager
2. Creating a separate Consents Review Section
3. Recruitment of additional staff
4. Initiating an external process review with the aim of developing specific process improvements with significant productivity gains.
5. Holding industry workshops.
6. Introducing new guidebook/application forms and supporting information.

Environment Canterbury has signalled that it will work constructively with him to determine the best solution moving forward.

Environment Canterbury, the Department of Conservation and a number of local councils hold the Weedbuster Awards every two years to recognise people who help manage pest plants in Canterbury. This work is done in volunteers’ own time, and many also promote weed awareness or education in their community.

Entry is open to individual volunteers and people who are part of a community group or an industry initiative. Volunteers may receive financial support from grants to cover operational costs, but time spent doing the work must be donated. There is no age restriction and people can nominate themselves.

The last awards in 2008 received 14 nominations from across Canterbury, seven of which were nominations for groups and individuals working in the Port Hills/Banks Peninsula area. 

Taylors Mistake resident Keith Briden won the Canterbury Unsung Hero award for his dedication to killing the yellow plant pest boneseed. He showed classic Kiwi ingenuity in developing a new Weedbusting tool to allow him to spray hard-to-access boneseed plants on cliff sides, without the need for specialist abseiling equipment and expertise.

Ian Jury of South New Brighton and Sally Tripp from Governors Bay were also highly commended for their individual efforts in Weedbuster activities.  The judges also highly commended the Summit Road Society Weekenders work on public land with their focus on new and "upcoming" weeds, preventing these plants getting  a foothold. In 2007 they achieved a noticeable reduction in pest cotoneaster species in Victoria Park.

Canterbury regional Weedbuster Co-ordinator Gemma Bradfield (Environment Canterbury) said that although the Port Hills/Banks Peninsula communities have featured strongly in previous Weedbuster awards, she thought there were still many under-appreciated volunteers around the Peninsula that may not know about the awards.

“They may also be unaware there are active regional and national Weedbuster networks they could plug into for help and advice,” said Ms Bradfield.

Environment Canterbury Councillor and Pest Chair Eugenie Sage said that the purpose of the awards is to give public recognition to the many people who give so freely of their time to fight a dirty and unglamorous war against weeds.

“It is always a pleasure to be able to congratulate and encourage the groups and individuals in our communities who often work quietly and unseen on weed control. Weed busting helps our native plants and wildlife survive and flourish.  2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity and so their valuable work is more relevant than ever,” she says.

If you think of a local school/group/individual to put forward for the 2010 Weedbuster awards, please visit www.weedbusters.org.nz or contact Gemma Bradfield (Environment Canterbury) 03 364 9860 to make your nomination.  Entries close March 31.

Environment Canterbury Pest Management Committee Chair Councillor Eugenie Sage, can be contacted on (03) 329 3177 or 021 155 3937.

Environment Canterbury, the Department of Conservation and a number of local councils hold the Weedbuster Awards every two years to recognise people who help manage pest plants in Canterbury. This work is done in volunteers’ own time, and many also promote weed awareness or education in their community.

Entry is open to individual volunteers,  and people who are part of a community group or an industry initiative. Volunteers may receive financial support from grants to cover operational costs, but time spent doing the work must be donated. There is no age restriction and people can nominate themselves.

The last awards in 2008 received 14 nominations from across Canterbury. South Canterbury stepped up for the 2008 Weedbuster awards with five strong Weedbuster contenders for work in the Public Land and Education categories.

These included the Kurow Town Enhancement Group (Public Land), the Lake Alexandrina Conservation Trust (Public Land), the Lindis Pass Conservation Trust (Public Land), the Ohau Conservation Trust (Public Land) and Third Age Adventures (Education). 

The Kurow Town Enhancement group took out the Public Land award. The judges had been impressed with what the group had achieved for the community, not only in Weedbusting but also through re-planting and landscaping. 

Canterbury regional Weedbuster Co-ordinator Gemma Bradfield (Environment Canterbury) said that the judges recognised that the Kurow Town Enhancement group had worked hard to gain support and form partnerships.

“They particularly liked how a series of carefully planned actions had built positive momentum in the community,” said Ms Bradfield.

Third Age Adventures, an over-60s group established by Aoraki Polytechnic demonstrated how theory can become practice and won the Weedbusters 2008 Education section. 

“Third Age Adventures have been actively controlling wilding pines, an important 'pest plant' particularly in the high country and Mackenzie Basin. The judges had said they liked the initiative shown in setting up a group like this and wholeheartedly supported the group’s choice in targeting wilding pines,” said Ms Bradfield.

“Although South Canterbury communities have featured strongly in previous Weedbuster awards, there will be many under-appreciated local volunteers that don’t know about them. They may also be unaware there are active regional and national Weedbuster networks they could plug into for help and advice,” said Ms Bradfield.

Environment Canterbury Councillor and Pest Chair Eugenie Sage said that the purpose of the awards is to give public recognition to people and communities who give freely of their time to fight a dirty and unglamorous war against weeds. 

“The awards seek to encourage the groups and individuals in our communities who often work quietly and unseen on weed control. 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity and so their valuable work is more relevant than ever. Ongoing Weedbusting can play a crucial role in successful restoration projects.” said Cr Sage.

If you think of a local school/group/individual to put forward for the 2010 Weedbuster awards, please visit www.weedbusters.org.nz or contact Gemma Bradfield (Environment Canterbury) 03 364 9860 to make your nomination.  Entries close March 31.

Environment Canterbury Pest Management Committee Chair Councillor Eugenie Sage, can be contacted on (03) 329 3177 or 021 155 3937.