Funding boost for local projects and the launch of new environmental awards
Read Waimakariri Water Zone Committee Chair, Carolyne Latham's column on what's happening in the area.
The Waimakariri Zone Committee members were very saddened by the recent passing of Michael Blackwell. Mike represented his community on the zone committee from 2017 and was Chair since August 2019. Mike was liked and respected by all and was passionate about the environment, particularly wetlands and waterways. He was a true gentleman, ever thoughtful and considerate, who showed great courage as he battled illness. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with his family.
What's happening in the Waimakariri water zone
Firstly, we are delighted to tell you about the innovative projects we have recommended for funding from the zone committee Action Plan Fund.
Carolyne Latham, Chair of the Waimakariri Water Zone Committee
The fund allocates $50,000 to support projects in our zone that help meet the Canterbury Water Management Strategy targets and our own Action Plan. We received applications for a range of diverse projects - it's great to see what different groups are getting up to!
New projects in the works
The Zone Committee has approved funding for the following four projects:
- River Bird Nesting Area Weed Clearing – Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group - $5,000
- Wetland Investigation and Restoration, Daiken NZ – Waimakariri Biodiversity Trust - $15,600
- Water Quality Gap Analysis and Nitrates Testing – Waimakariri Landcare Trust - $26,400
- Environmental Awards – Waimakariri Zone Committee (Biodiversity Working Group) - $3,000
You can read more about these initiatives in our latest article.
Environmental awards to be presented
We are particularly excited about the new Environmental Awards being led by the zone committee's Biodiversity Working Group. We want to acknowledge the groups and individuals that are going the extra mile to protect and enhance our local environment. The environmental awards will be presented alongside Waimakariri District Council's Community Awards in September. We will shortly be calling for entries for three criteria which include youth (individual or group, under 18), individual (no age restriction), and group or organisation.
Tips for lifestyle block owners
The zone committee's Lifestyle Block Working Group also recently completed a new resource called Top Ten Tips for Lifestylers. There are more than 6,500 lifestyle blocks in Waimakariri, we know that they want to be doing their bit for the environment but sometimes it's difficult to know where to start. This resource condenses all the information available into the most important areas where improvements will make a difference.
Thank you to everyone who shares our passion for looking after our water and land, keep up your great efforts!
Ngā mihi, Carolyne.