Ted Talks - December 2024
Hear from Kaikōura Water Zone Committee chair Ted Howard about the latest in local water management.
Welcome to summer!
For many of us, thoughts are now turning to the Christmas break and spending some much-deserved time with friends and whānau.
I’ve also been reflecting on the water zone committee’s work over the past year – and our key accomplishments.
2024 highlights
Allocating the committee’s Action Plan funding.
We have recommended budget support for various projects that benefit the environment or engage the community on environmental issues.
Kaikōura Water Zone Committee chair Ted Howard
Remembering our former commissioner, David Bedford
Recognising and remembering former Environment Canterbury commissioner, David Bedford, following his passing.
David was a committee member from our first meeting until March 2017. Earlier this year, the committee was honoured to arrange a memorial seat at the mouth of the Waikoau/Lyell Creek, along with a small unveiling service.
David was passionate about Kaikōura and finding ways to help the environment while maximising human wellbeing.
He even went so far as to put up a case of his wine to incentivise farmers in our district to be first to meet new requirements around water quality. It was a privilege and pleasure to work with him.
The blessing of the David Bedford memorial seat
Seaweek 2024
We were pleased to support many events during March to celebrate Seaweek. This included the popular ‘blue fish’ treasure hunt, and the Lyell Creek and Beach Clean-up.
Field trip to Hurunui
The committee recently ventured to the Hurunui to visit two sites that are trialling new solutions to water-related issues. This was a valuable opportunity to see on-the-ground mahi at a local level, that could be applied elsewhere.
Annual Waiau Toa/Clarence community evening
This year’s annual hui on biodiversity and weed control at the Waiau Toa was certainly a highlight. It was great to see landowners and other agencies/groups come together and reflect on ten years of collective mahi and discuss future priorities.
It was also a treat to have Heath Melville return for this (Heath is a former Environment Canterbury senior biodiversity advisor who’s recently moved further north) - as his knowledge, passion and commitment to the Waiau Toa are invaluable.
Speaking of the Waiau Toa, one of the biggest highlights for me was volunteering four days of my time in March to work with a team on weed control along the river.
We focused on the area from the Ravine area down to the Boundary Stream – taking out invasive gorse, broom, willow and buddleia.
The weeds in this area have been a concern for our committee from its earliest days, so it was very satisfying to get stuck in and tackle these pests.
Toxic algae: If in doubt, keep them out
It’s worth noting that as we hit summer, toxic algae becomes more prevalent in our rivers and lakes. The resulting blooms can cause serious harm to people and animals. Dogs are drawn to the musty smell of the algae and will often investigate – usually by eating or licking it. Even a small amount (a teaspoon) can be deadly to animals, so it’s important you know what to look out for.
Read more about toxic algae, and what it looks like, on our 'Toxic algae’ webpage, and check out the LAWA website for information on which sites are safe to swim in.
On that note, I wish you all a safe and happy holiday period – and I look forward to touching base again in 2025.
Ted.