Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Environment Canterbury © 2023
Retrieved: 4:30pm, Mon 25 Sep 2023
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/fishing-vessel-aground-near-shell-bay-in-banks-peninsula/
Biodiversity benefits from region-wide funding
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Project funding
The $1.67 million in support will benefit vital protection and restoration projects, covering a range of focus areas. These include braided river catchment-scale projects, wetlands, fish habitat and passage, habitat restoration and region-wide terrestrial projects.
The work aligns with the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB), which helps ensure a consistent approach to protecting the country’s indigenous biodiversity.
Additionally, over $600,000 has been allocated to the landscape regeneration programme – Me Uru Rākau, focusing on the Waiau Uwha and the upper Rakaia river catchments, and $600,000 continues to be allocated to the Pest Free Banks Peninsula initiative.
Staff will continue to monitor projects completed in previous years, as well as implement ongoing biodiversity projects funded from previous years.
Our regional leader biodiversity Shaun Burkett said investment in the priority ecosystems continues this year and beyond.
“Our biodiversity project work is focused on maintaining indigenous biodiversity across Waitaha/Canterbury in line with the expectations of the NPS-IB.
“We were not able to fund all of the work we wanted to do; however, the majority of our projects are multi-year partnerships, emphasising our long-term commitment to the community,” he said.
Regional priority projects
This workstream delivers landscape-scale, multi-year biodiversity projects on sites with high biodiversity values where threats can be addressed by non-regulatory action.
Sites have been identified across braided rivers, wetlands, and other freshwater ecosystems.
A total of $500,000 has been allocated to 11 projects across the region.
Projects funded include:
- Supporting catchment scale-weed control in the Ōtukaikino catchment, assisting key partner organisations.
- Supporting the protection of High Bare Peak on Banks Peninsula through fencing and covenanting.
- Implementation of the recently developed Upper Waimakariri River weed strategy.
- Protecting threatened braided river bird habitat in Hakatere/Ashburton River.
- Piloting a regional weed control programme, which will fund a team to do weed control work at high-value, high-priority biodiversity sites in the Mid-Canterbury area.
Braided rivers
Canterbury’s braided rivers and their precious environments are a top priority for our biodiversity funding, helping ensure the protection of some of our most unique and endangered species.
A total of $335,000 has been allocated to support these projects across the region and is matched by other contributions both financial, in-kind and volunteer.
Projects funded include:
- Clarence Waiau Toa: black-fronted tern predator control and enhanced safe nesting islands (phase two trial of linear trap lines); data analysis of phase one.
- Upper Rangitata and Rakaia rivers: weed control; camera monitoring for predators (to assess trapping effectiveness).
- Tracking karoro/southern black-backed gull movements to inform better management.
- Understanding food resource use in braided river systems.
Wetlands
It’s estimated that about 90 percent of the country’s wetlands have been lost over the past 200 years.
Canterbury’s wetlands are now some of our rarest and most at-risk ecosystems.
A total of $200,000 has been allocated to support projects.
Projects funded include:
- Ongoing weed control programme at Shipleys wetlands in Christchurch.
- Fencing of a high value wetland site at the head of the French Farm catchment.
- Willow control at Haldon Pastures wetland, an established kōwaro (Canterbury mudfish) habitat.
Fish habitat
New Zealand has over 50 species of native freshwater fish, many of which are threatened or at risk of extinction.
Some of the biggest threats facing our native freshwater fish are loss of habitat, degraded water quality, predation by exotic fish species, and barriers (such as road culverts and dams) preventing fish from moving up and down stream which many need to do during their lifecycles.
The funding pool of $100,000 enables funding for projects that contribute to the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) and water zone committee goals.
Projects funded include:
- Maintaining spring head integrity for endangered pencil galaxias spawning through willow control and planting at the Chain Hills wetland in Upper Waitaki.
- Investigating reconnecting Wairewa to the ocean, allowing long-term recruitment and migration.
- Enhancing the habitat for a Dunsandel kōwaro/Canterbury mudfish population.
- Investigating remediation of two weirs in the Okuti River catchment.
- Investigating options to increase fish passage into Muriwai o Whata/Coopers Lagoon.
Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy
The guiding priority principle of the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy (CBS) is ‘focus first on protecting and maintaining what remains, and then on restoring what has been lost.’
The budget for this workstream is $230,000 which will enable 14 high biodiversity value projects.
Projects funded include:
- Protecting a limestone outcrop (a naturally uncommon ecosystem) by controlling wild thyme and other weed species that threaten nationally endangered plant species.
- Creation of a living gene bank for Olearia adenocarpa, a critically threated shrub with approximately 400 individuals remaining, all individuals found between Rakaia and Waimakariri rivers.
- Protecting Matuku/bittern at Te Waihora through predator control and monitoring.
- Following up control of the introduced weed Hart’s-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) at the only known location of the species in Canterbury, preventing its spread.
Environment Canterbury © 2023
Retrieved: 3:25pm, Thu 21 Sep 2023
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/biodiversity-benefits-from-region-wide-funding/
Community meeting to discuss toxic pig’s ear plant
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
An ‘invasion’ of the exotic plant pig’s ear is causing angst in Akaroa residents, and a public meeting has been called to address it.
Pig’s ear has been a prolific invader from the coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops around Akaroa and the bays, with a farmer saying it has been slowly encroaching on his farm for about 20 years.
The succulent can grow up to a metre in height. Its flowers are bell-shaped and can be orange, red or pink, and its seeds are dispersed by wind, stock and gravity. Pig’s ear is toxic to sheep if ingested and displaces native vegetation.
Meeting details
When: Wednesday 27 September, 4-6pm
Where: Pigeon Bay Hall, Wharf Rd
RSVP: No need to RSVP, just attend for as long as you like.
Don’t be fooled by appearances
Sheep farmer Hamish Menzies said the pig’s ear on his farm didn’t start out as a pest, but it has been a growing problem for some time.
“The trouble with pig’s ear is it grows in inaccessible places, like cliff faces and steep slopes. This makes it particularly hard to see the effects on livestock, as they can just disappear up there.
“It makes control difficult as well, because it can hide on those slopes quite well. Plus, you have to check all those slopes and cliff faces yourself,” Mr Menzies said.
How the meeting came about
After a recent Biosecurity Advisory Group meeting where Mr. Menzies spoke about the problem, a decision was made to host a public meeting about the plant.
“What we want from the community meeting is to get landowners and councils to realise there is a problem and that it can be controlled. We’re raising awareness, but we also want to get landowners out there to control this stuff,” Mr Menzies said.
“A number of individual landowners are doing control work, but it needs a more coordinated approach to be effective,” he said.
We facilitate the meeting, from which farmers hope awareness will be raised; and a community-led response targeting the plant is established.
Aerial surveying
In addition to this, we are undertaking an aerial survey of the peninsula and pig’s ear is one the species slated to be surveyed, principal biosecurity advisor Laurence Smith said.
“We’re looking around November-December time to be executing the aerial survey, and pig’s ear is certainly one of those we want to get a gauge on its spread across the peninsula.
“This will inform our work programme for these species, and we look forward to partnering with the community and community groups to get that work going,” he said.
“In the meantime, though, we do want to hear from anyone who has sighted pig’s ear. They can let us know through the pest search tool or by ringing our advisory services team on 0800 324 636,” Laurence said.
The best spots for recreation this summer
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
What is being done about our water quality?
Improving water quality is a team effort, not only by us and our partners – Te Whatu Ora, territorial authorities and Rūnanga – but also with the community,” Shirley said.
“Residents play an important part, especially around the Lyttelton/Whakaraupō Harbour and Akaroa, where the Christchurch City Council continues its investigation into how these contaminants are entering waterways in the area.
“The investigation is complex as every public and private connection poses a potential contamination source, so investigations will take some time,” Shirley said.
To help with the investigation, those who live in Lyttelton/Whakaraupō Harbour and Akaroa are encouraged to:
- Report any spillages, leaks, or pollution you see near waterways or drains.
- Pick up dog poo – never leave it on walking tracks, pavements or the beach where it can wash into drains and waterways.
- Always use the public toilets provided.
- When boating, dispose of on-board waste appropriately. Check the location of local dump stations and public toilets before you head out on your trip.
- Make sure your downpipes are not connected to your wastewater system – this can cause overflows into the stormwater network.
- Get your septic tank checked to make sure it is operating correctly.
“We want to engage with the community on this topic, so we will be coming along to some local markets and events to give residents an opportunity to talk to us about water quality,” Shirley said.
“We are also boosting our personnel, including laboratory availability, over the Christmas/New Year period to ensure we have the capability to respond in a timely manner if any issues or spikes in poor water quality occur over this time,” she added.
Recreational water users are encouraged to check lawa.org.nz before undertaking any activities on or in the water.
Swimming at any recreational site is not recommended within 48 hours after rainfall, regardless of the site’s grade. Rain can wash contaminants from roofs, land, drains and streams into waterways, making them temporarily unsafe for swimming.
Celebrating Conservation Week with youth-led planting day
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Conservation collaboration
Facilitated by our parks team, community days like this have resulted in over 6000 trees being planted this season to enhance biodiversity in the area. These include kahikatea, kōwhai, kōhūhū/black matipo, makomako/wineberry, mahōe/whiteywood, and tī kōuka/cabbage tree.
Youth Rōpū member and organiser of the event, Kyle Galloway, explained why it was important for people to attend these types of events.
“Connecting to nature like this is an important reminder of what we are advocating to protect in our workplaces, schools and meetings with councillors,” said Kyle.
“Getting our hands dirty and having some good banter is also just a lot of fun”.
Kyle is studying toward a Bachelor of Environmental Policy and Planning at Lincoln University and is in his first year on the Youth Rōpū.
Karoro/Southern black-backed gull control set to begin to protect rare river birds
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
The Ashley River/Rakahuri is a globally rare ecosystem called a braided river that is home to a number of rare, threatened bird species that nest on the riverbed, such as black-fronted tern/tarapirohe, black-billed gull/tarāpuka, wrybill/ngutu pare, and banded dotterel/tūturiwhatu.
One of the threats these species face comes from another feathered flier, the karoro/Southern black-backed gull, which preys on the eggs and chicks of these birds.
Most people will instantly recognise the karoro given their large size and presence around wharves, garbage dumps and seafood processing plants. Karoro are a native scavenger species, but their population has rapidly increased following agricultural development in Aotearoa New Zealand and they have adapted very well.
During the breeding season, they nest around the Ashley Estuary and directly compete with, displace and prey on the smaller, threatened bird species. They also will harass migrating Arctic birds, like the bar-tailed godwit.
Grant Davey, who is part of the Ashley-Rakahuri Rivercare Group (ARRG), has witnessed the negative impact karoro have on other birds first-hand.
“Last year a large white-fronted tern colony, with approximately 1000 birds, was initiated on the Ashley spit. This was abandoned, and karoro were seen in trail camera images at night raiding the colony. All that remained were karoro tracks and some broken eggshells. The terns did not re-nest at the estuary.”
Aim of the control operation
The aim of the control operation is to displace the karoro population from the Estuary as effectively and humanely as possible by removing eggs and nests, without compromising the safety of non-target species or the public. This is to discourage karoro from using the site for future nests, thus assisting with the recovery of threatened braided river bird species.
Last season, approximately 250 karoro nests were found at the estuary, but there were more present outside the study area (north of the Ashley mouth), meaning that, at times, there would be more than 500 present in the area.
“This makes karoro the third-most numerous species in the estuary – behind black-billed gulls (approximately 800) and, on occasion, white-fronted terns (approximately 1000). This represents a totally unsustainable situation; predator species should not be so numerous in comparison to their prey. It has been known for many years that karoro can wipe out all the nests of large colonies of other gulls and white-fronted terns,” Grant says.
Control work will take place over the breeding season, from September 2023 until February 2024.
We are also working with Ngāi Tūāhuriri on egg removal for mahinga kai/mahika kai, which relates to the traditional value of food resources and their ecosystems, as well as the practices involved in producing, procuring, and protecting these resources.
Environment Canterbury © 2023
Retrieved: 12:05pm, Mon 18 Sep 2023
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/southern-black-backed-gull-control-set-to-begin-to-protect-rare-river-birds/
From our Chair: Flood resilience funding supports investigations into natural solutions
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
The importance of co-investment
Flood protection methods vary river-by-river depending on its location, geography, water levels, surrounding land and the types of communities nearby.
Scott said the regional council was pleased to have received the additional once-off funding, however, long-term investment for physical works was still needed.
‘While one-off funding helps to support proactive flood protection for our communities, we simply can’t ignore the elephant in the room which is permanent co-investment.
“I recently sent an open letter to election candidates where I explained the importance of co-investment – it gives us the ability to deliver works faster and more efficiently than rates alone can afford.
“Our ratepayers have made some significant investments in river management and flood resilience and the challenges aren’t going to go away. How we deal with those challenges remains crucial to the wellbeing and success of our region.”
Work progresses on wallaby exclusion fence
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Environment Canterbury © 2023
Retrieved: 11:06am, Fri 15 Sep 2023
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2023/work-progresses-on-wallaby-exclusion-fence/
Hurunui regeneration project reconnects mana whenua
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Setting up the whenua for the next generations
Next Rawiri goes over health and safety protocols, including caring for the mauri of the site and fellow kaimahi. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to te ao Māori and kaimahi safety – visually it is seen in the quality and range of protective equipment they use while operating.
While the others continue to prepare for the targeted weed control, Sabina talks about what the project means to her. Previously working on road and rail projects, she’s been working with the rūnanga on projects throughout Kaikōura for the last two years. Which job does she prefer? Without hesitation, “this one”. Being able to work on a variety of projects with a great crew and knowing the work she does today will benefit the generations of tomorrow makes for an easy choice, she says.
It’s time for the team to gear up and head out to the area they’ll be spraying today. The day is warm, their coveralls, thick. Aloud, one of the boys hopes for a bit of rain; unfortunately for him, the day’s forecast is crystal clear. The crew start off to the site beyond and we head back to the carpark.
In a few weeks, they’ll return to the site to begin planting out the area with native species.
“Having our crew out there being able to connect with the whenua and the awa is a great thing to see,” Rāwiri said.
“It boosts the kaimahi up, fills their cup, especially into their wairuatanga, whakapapa and cultural identity. All of our crew are quite young, so this is all new for them. They love working on the whenua, seeing the progress from when they start to when they plant is a huge thing for them.
“They can see what they’re creating and know that it’s intergenerational. The plants they’re planting now help the next generation and the generations afterwards. That’s how they know it’s important,” he says.
The mahi here is about so much more for the team – not only restoring the balance of the environment but restoring connection to their whakapapa.
Timaru community shares views on the future of Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon
Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
The South Canterbury community has provided a wealth of information, ideas and stories to Our Waitarakao – a project to help restore the health of the Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon catchment.
The community feedback, which is summarised at ourwaitarakao.co.nz, shows overwhelming support for restoring the health and mauri of the lagoon catchment – as well as many concerns for loss of wetlands and wildlife, and calls for better access and walkways.
Our Waitarakao is a partnership between Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, the Department of Conservation, Environment Canterbury, and Timaru District Council to plan for the area’s future by addressing problems with water quality, wildlife habitat, flooding, erosion, and the impacts of climate change.
High community interest shown
Our Waitarakao Steering Group spokesperson, Environment Canterbury General Manager – South Canterbury, Justin McLauchlan, says interest from the community was outstanding.
“The community’s support for Our Waitarakao has been overwhelmingly positive. Not only are people keen to see a better future for this area, but they are already coming up with their own ideas for how everyone can help – giving a real sense of shared responsibility.”
“We’d like to thank every person, group and organisation that took the time to talk to us about the next steps for improving Waitarakao Lagoon and catchment area.”
During June and July 2023, Our Waitarakao had a great turn-out to community information events, 170 community surveys were completed, as well as more than 90 ‘ideas and stories‘ submitted to the project team. There was also strong interest from businesses, landowners and groups in the area with 13 stakeholder meetings held. More than 100 people were keen to be part of future workshops.
In addition, the wider Timaru community pitched in to raise awareness of Our Waitarakao. People co-hosted additional events to highlight the importance of improving the health of the area, including displays and activities at the South Canterbury Museum, South Canterbury Eco Centre, Timaru Library, articles in the local media, planting events and beach clean ups.
Decline of natural environment is a key concern
Across the different types of feedback, people were most concerned about the decline of the natural environment of the lagoon and the wider catchment area.
In the community survey, the top four areas of concern were: loss of wetland and plant habitat; declining water quality in the lagoon from urban and rural activity; erosion of the beach, lagoon and coastal land; and disturbance of bird nesting areas from motorised vehicles, humans and dogs.
There was also a lot of feedback that people have experienced litter and rubbish when visiting the lagoon and calls for better access, walkways and information about the lagoon area.
Next steps for developing the strategy
The project team and its steering group will now use the feedback and knowledge gained through this engagement with the community to help inform the next steps of creating the strategy.
This will include some additional focused community workshops looking at different ideas for improving the health of the area, as well as how to measure success. A proposed strategy for the lagoon catchment will then be drafted and available for feedback in the first half of 2024.
For more information and to join the e-newsletter visit www.ourwaitarakao.co.nz.
“/> Information gathered during community events will help inform the project’s next steps
A drop-in event at CBay Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre
A display at the Timaru Artisan Farmers Market
The ‘ideas and stories’ cards were a popular way for people to share their thoughts