Category: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

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Can I swim here? Check water quality results for Canterbury recreation spots

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Long-term grades and temporary warnings

Sites that have been given the long-term grade of ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ are not recommended for swimming because there is an elevated risk of getting sick.

Weekly sampling and sanitary surveys over a five-year period highlight sites that have exceeded health guidelines for faecal contamination. This means swimming at this site at any time is considered a significant health risk and should be avoided. Sites that are not recommended for swimming are red on the LAWA website. 

For swim spots that have been graded ‘fair’ or better, you still need to check that there aren’t any temporary warnings in place. If there is a ‘poor’ weekly testing result or toxic algae has been found, Te Whatu Ora will issue a health warning. This will be listed on the relevant health warnings pages and the LAWA website.

Dr Elaine Moriarty, our surface water science manager, explains that water quality can change from week-to-week or even day-to-day.

“It’s best to check the LAWA website for up-to-date information each time you head out,” she said.

We continue to monitor sites graded ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ for future grading, but health authorities will not issue temporary health warnings for exceedances.

Coastal water quality results

This year’s grades for our coastal sites are similar to last year’s, with a few positive changes. Caroline Bay is now graded suitable for swimming at all monitored points of the beach. Akaroa Beach and Tikao Bay/Ōkoropeke in Banks Peninsula have also improved, moving from ‘poor’ to ‘fair’ and are now considered generally suitable for swimming.

The grades this year for Whakaraupō/Lyttleton Harbour remain the same as last year. Cass Bay/Motu-kauati-rahi, Church Bay/Kaioruru and Charteris Bay/Te Wharau at Paradise Beach are graded suitable for swimming. Corsair Bay/Motu-kauati-iti, Rāpaki Bay, Governors Bay, Diamond Harbour/Te Waipapa Beach and Purau Bay are graded unsuitable for swimming.

Following public feedback, our surface water team has been working hard to build a predictive water quality model for the bays in Whakaraupō/Lyttleton Harbour. It is hoped the model will give daily predictions of water quality at some of the bays. This takes time, as the data needs to be tested and analysed against real world conditions to ensure its predictions are accurate. Right now, the model is at the testing stage. We expect it to be ready for the 2026/2027 swimming season. 

Pollution sources in Whakaraupō/Lyttelton Harbour

Last year, we undertook faecal source tracking in the Harbour to help find the sources causing the high enterococci results we have seen at times in many of the bays.

“We found markers of human wastewater at every bay we tested. Many also had dog, ruminant or avian markers.

“The presence of human wastewater increases the health risks of contact with the water as pathogens are more easily transmitted,” said Dr Moriarty.

Christchurch City Council has undertaken extensive work to look for sources of human wastewater in the Harbour and has reminded the public to check for any signs of breakages or leaks from the wastewater or stormwater network on their properties. Onsite wastewater management systems (septic tanks) could also be contributing to the problem, and we encourage all residents to properly service and regularly check their tanks for faults.

You can help reduce contamination by:

  • Reporting any suspected sewerage leaks or wastewater overflows to Christchurch City Council on 0800 800 169
  • Checking your septic tank or aerated wastewater treatment system:
    – If it hasn’t been serviced for a while, contact a qualified contractor.
    – Inspect your property, if there are wet spots or areas where you can see sewage, call a drainlayer for help.
  • Make sure downpipes from the roof are not directed into the wastewater system.
  • Pick up dog poo on walking tracks, beaches and your section and put it in the bin — never leave it to wash into stormwater drains or waterways.
  • Always use toilet facilities.

Freshwater water quality results

Long-term grades for our freshwater sites are fairly consistent with 2023 results with no sites changing from suitable to unsuitable for recreation based on long-term monitoring. However, Dr Moriarty explains that the news isn’t all good as we expect that toxic algae (or cyanobacteria) will be a problem again this year in many of our rivers and lakes.

“Hot, dry conditions, combined with low flows or water levels from an unusually dry autumn and winter will increase the likelihood of toxic algae blooms,” said Dr Moriarty.

“Learn what to look for and make sure you check for health warnings before getting in.”

Toxic algae naturally occur in waterways over summer. They can produce toxins which harm people and pets.

Find out what to look for to protect yourself, whānau and pets.

Benthic toxic algae on a riverbed

Planktonic toxic algae suspended in a lake

Avoid swimming after rain

Freshwater and marine swim sites can be affected by rainfall, especially those with ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ grades.

It’s important to avoid swimming for 48 hours after rain as there is an increased risk of faecal bacteria in our waterways. “Even if the water looks clear, it doesn’t always mean the water quality is good to swim,” said Dr Moriarty.

Sources of faecal bacteria can include animals (birds, dogs, livestock) or wastewater overflows into the stormwater network.

“For rivers, a handy guide is if you can’t see your toes when standing knee deep in water, then water quality is not good enough for swimming,” said Dr Moriarty

Check before you go swimming

Before you go, make sure you:

  • check the water quality on LAWA
  • avoid swimming for two days after heavy rain
  • follow any warning signs
  • know how to spot toxic algae and avoid it
  • avoid eating shellfish from areas where health warnings are in place
  • check for hazards.

If you have any doubts about the water quality, it’s best to be cautious and avoid the water.

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What’s the story about Greenstreet Creek

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Chief Executive Dr Stefanie Rixecker has made the decision to allow water to be diverted into Greenstreet Creek.

We know the community’s frustration regarding the recent fish strandings at Greenstreet Creek and acknowledge we haven’t kept the community well informed.

The bigger picture is that we are amidst the impacts of the El Niño weather pattern and climate change, here and now, and we’re seeing very dry riverbeds across Canterbury.

Added to this, we’re the largest region in the country, with the greatest number of rivers and freshwater sources (78,000km of rivers and streams; 70% of the country’s groundwater) – we’re water central of Aotearoa New Zealand.

This means challenges and the need to make trade-offs – tough calls that weren’t made by previous generations are here and now.

The Ashburton River/Hakatere is an over-allocated catchment with significant challenges, including natural changes in modified environments. We recently undertook water take consent reviews on this part of the Ashburton River/Hakatere, precisely because of these challenges.

The decisions that came from the water take consent reviews are what our team has been working through and grappling with in this particular case. These changes are tough on communities who deserve better conversations about the changes.

Better approach needed to support community

We need a better approach to “just transitions” – supporting our region to adapt to the effects of climate change in as fair a manner as possible.

As Chief Executive, I’m making the call to allow water to be diverted into Greenstreet Creek.

I’m making this decision in the face of climate change and in recognition that we didn’t get the “just transition” conversation right; we own that.

This is not the only place in Canterbury where we will face a challenge like this, but we must work better with our communities and landowners, our rūnanga partners, and the wider public.

The diversion is the immediate action in this current situation. However, future conversations need to happen about how we recognise the needs and interests of the community, our rūnanga partners and the environment itself, to make the hard calls together.

Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge the fish salvage work undertaken by Fish and Game and the local community over recent days – thank you.

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Keeping children safe around septic tanks

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

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Many people with a septic tank on their property won’t have thought about whether or not it poses a drowning risk. 

However, the tragic death of a three-year-old in Australia – and a similar case in Whanganui just months earlier – have highlighted the potential dangers of onsite wastewater systems.

Preventing tragedies

A Coroner’s report into the drowning of Nihal Hundal in Victoria in 2023 describes how the lid on a septic tank easily dislodged, and he fell in while playing.

The report notes that while these types of drownings are rare, Nihal was one of three children who died in septic tanks in Australia over 18 months.

Local service professionals and our resource management officers sometimes come across lids that are insecure or broken – and in need of replacement.

Resource management technical lead Jessica Newlands said broken lids are commonly seen with the older style concrete tanks. Often, the homeowner is not even aware of the location of the septic tank.

“We want to see tanks complying with regional rules and resource consents but we also want to prevent such tragedies here in our region.” 

Checking your septic tank system

Water New Zealand, which represents councils and other groups from the water management industry, has submitted Standards Australia’s proposal to mandate the installation of fixed security grates in septic tank openings in Australia and New Zealand. You can read the submission here.

The organisation’s technical lead, Lesley Smith, encourages everyone with an onsite wastewater system on their property to check access-point lids to ensure they’re secure.

Another opportunity to check for any safety issues is when maintenance and sludge removal is being carried out. This should be only done by a suitably qualified professional.

As Lesley points out, awareness is key.

“If all septic tank owners could take just a minute to check their lids are fixed securely, that could go a long way to preventing another tragedy.”

Read more in this brochure about the broader steps homeowners should be taking to ensure their onsite wastewater system is properly managed – helping protect the environment and their family’s health. 

Current rules

As stated by Water New Zealand, onsite wastewater management services are required to meet best practice engineering standards and council rules to mitigate the risks to humans, stock and the environment. 

Regional councils administer rules for the discharge from wastewater systems under the Resource Management Act, while district and city councils administer rules under the Building Act.

In Canterbury, a resource consent is required for onsite wastewater systems, unless the property owner can comply with the Permitted Activity rules in the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan. These rules apply to any existing, modified, upgraded or new system.

Our website has more information on the

rules for operating an onsite wastewater system. 

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Partnership safeguards significant braided river ecosystem in the upper Waimakariri

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Exotic and weedy pest-plants like gorse, scotch broom, lupins, and willows threaten the fragile balance of life in this catchment — reducing habitat for native fauna and providing shelter for predators.

Additionally, invasive plant life can even change the dynamic way that braided river channels move across a river plain. Dense weedy colonies growing in and along a braided river system can stabilise gravel, restricting water flow and river gravel deposit.

This restricted movement has major impacts on many of our native bird species, like the nationally endangered ngutu pare/wrybill, which rely on raised beds of bare river gravel to nest and breed.

Willows invading stable river braid

“Many of the weedy invaders we have recorded in this area are garden-variety escapees from private land in the surrounding area,” says Will Todhunter, biodiversity and biosecurity advisor.

“To understand where the pest plants are coming from, we’ve had to take a catchment-wide approach, surveying the wider landscape including the surrounding forest, wetland and alpine ecosystems.”

This work involved extensive ground and ariel surveys, which were used to inform a comprehensive map showing the weed density of the upper Waimakariri River basin.

From there, experts came together to finalise the strategy to attack problematic plant infestations to contain, or where possible, eradicate the unwanted species.

Weed interventions show progress

After just two years, promising initial gains have been made in tackling large seed sources of weeds and initiating control at new sites.

“The weed fighting game is a long-term one, meaning maintenance works will be critical over many years to keep the pest plants at bay.

“However, it’s been encouraging to see what can be accomplished when like-minded agencies, passionate community organisations and landowners come together,” said Todhunter.

Looking ahead, work is planned to further protect the Craigieburn Forest and surrounding land from the invasion of ‘homestead weeds’ like sycamore, holly, cotoneaster and cherry laurel.

The upper reaches of the Waimakariri will also see some interventions, as well as Arthurs Pass National Park to fight Russel lupin and Spanish heath.

Find out more

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New Diamond Harbour ferry dives into operation

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

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Black Cat and Metro’s new Diamond Harbour ferry, Black Pearl, has begun its operations.

Two events, one for the community and another for officials, were held this month to celebrate the ferry’s launch.

The vessel can carry up to 95 customers, almost double the capacity of the other Diamond Harbour ferry, Black Diamond, which will now be used as the reserve ferry.

With a 15 per cent increase in passenger trips from 135,000 in the 2022-2023 financial year to just over 155,000 in the 2023-2024 financial year, the ferry’s additional capacity will come in handy. 

Planning, challenges, and community impact

The new ferry has been years in the making.

Black Cat chief executive Paul Milligan said it’s taken a lot of planning and careful design.

“We are very pleased to have the Black Pearl in operation. It was special to celebrate its launch with the community and key partners and stakeholders – they all play such an important part in our service,” he said.

“A real highlight of having this new ferry is its capacity. It will allow for greater accessibility for customers, including those with prams or bikes,” he added.

The ferry’s journey to the water wasn’t all smooth sailing.

“We are relieved to have the ferry in service after the initial build of it was delayed due to COVID-19 and the normal teething issues one might expect with a new boat,” Paul added.

Environment Canterbury Councillor Vicky Southworth says she is excited to have the new ferry in operation.

“It’s amazing to see after years of hard work and planning. I know having this extra, bigger vessel available will be appreciated by the community,” she said.

The ferry was built locally by Icon Custom Boats in Rangiora. 

Ferry service details

There are more than 290 scheduled ferry trips each week, 215 of these on weekdays, ensuring a consistent service between Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour.

The timetable and prices for the service will remain the same – these can both be viewed here.  

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Funding the future of catchment management at Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

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The Banks Peninsula water zone committee recently dedicated $58,000 of their annual $75,000 Action Plan budget to Whakaora ai te wai o Te Pātaka – a collaborative approach to catchment management for Wairewa/Lake Forsyth, leading to the establishment of the new Wairewa Mahinga Kai catchment group. 

Partnering together as mana whenua and neighbouring landowners, this community-led initiative is a great example of collaboration, focused on sustainable land use solutions, improving water quality, and restoring mahinga kai values.

A lake in need of rejuvenation

Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth is a shallow coastal lake on the southwest of Banks Peninsula, regarded as a nationally significant wetland area that was once abundant with aquatic plant and animal life.

However, modern environmental pressures have led to a severe decline in the state of the lake. 

Over the last 160 years, deforestation in this catchment has accelerated erosion and sediment loss, depositing an estimated 2 million cubic meters of sediment to the lake bottom.  

“Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth and the wider catchment is highly nutrient enriched, meaning the lake is in a poor state of health,” says Surface Water Science Manager, Elaine Moriarty. 

“Water quality monitoring data from three sites around Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth show high levels of phosphorus and nitrogen are present. These nutrients, in excess, act like pollutants causing regular algal blooms of toxic cyanobacteria that significantly impacting the lake’s ecosystem.”   

Read more about the current state of Te Roto o Wairewa.

Ambitious plans to restore Wairewa

The catchment group has ambitious plans to be an exemplar restoration project for Aotearoa. 

This mahi will build on the mahi of Wairewa Rūnanga to create a strategic catchment management plan that combines Mātauranga Māori and inter-generational landowner knowledge with the ecological and environmental sciences to better the catchment for future generations.

Building on the mahi of Rūnanga

Wairewa Rūnanga have already seen encouraging progress at Te Roto o Wairewa after investing in mahi to enhance the lake’s water quality. However, there is still a substantial amount of work to be done to rejuvenate the lake.

Improvements made thus far include significant works in the canal at the lake’s opening, as well as efforts to stabilise, reshape and revegetate the banks of the main tributaries. The intention behind these efforts has been to reduce the amount of phosphorus-rich sediment from flowing into the lake, therefore improving water quality and reducing the likelihood of flooding in Little River. 

To build on the strides made by Rūnanga, the Wairewa Mahinga Kai Catchment Group aims to continue the restoration work by taking a catchment-wide approach – first creating detailed landscape models that identify key problem areas – then deploying targeted interventions like bank stabilisation works, riparian planting, fence installation, and pest control where they’re needed most. The catchment group also receives support from Wai Connection – Tatai Ki Te Wai and New Zealand Landcare Trust.

“As a committee, we’re excited to see a group of proactive landowners and Rūnanga coming together to create a holistic remediation strategy for the Wairewa catchment to restore our local waterways,” said Gina Waibl, Chair of the Banks Peninsula Water Zone Committee.

“We look forward to seeing this grant build on the legacy and gains previously achieved by Wairewa Rūnanga and support the group in their efforts to create a more collaborative management approach for the Wairewa catchment.”

Banks Peninsula water zone committee 

The Banks Peninsula water zone committee is a joint committee of Christchurch City Council and us that works with the community to develop actions and tactics to deliver on the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. Water zone committees are made up of people with a wide range of interests in water who have a strong connection to the zone. 

Each year, the committee makes recommendations to Environment Canterbury to allocate funding for projects that support the implementation of their Action Plan.

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Paving the way for indigenous vegetation in Rakaia Gorge

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Rakaia Gorge is rich in native biodiversity.

Kōwhai, broadleaf, coprosma, wineberry and lancewood species make up some of the mixed hardwood vegetation – alongside the occasional taller forest species such as mataī and tōtara.

The area contains large numbers of fierce lancewood (its conservation status is naturally uncommon), as well as silver tussock grasslands and diverse shrublands containing matagouri, corokia, and porcupine shrub.

The mahi to protect these species began in 2020. Sycamore, wild cherry and cotoneaster were the initial weed targets, followed by wilding conifers.

These species threaten native vegetation by outcompeting it.

Selwyn District Council’s Andy Spanton (left) and weed control contractor Steve Frame

Drone mapping and survey

Two rounds of drone orthomosaic imagery were done in autumn 2023 and 2024 to help get a better understanding of priority weed sites and the most appropriate control methods.

This type of mapping uses special software to remove scale variations and distortion, providing a highly accurate ground picture. A trial aerial control operation was then carried out, targeting a 500 square metre patch of sycamore and around 60 large wilding conifers in steep and hard-to-access areas.

An ecological assessment was done in and around Terrace Downs earlier this year. This involved surveying 28 areas of different vegetation types to provide detailed species lists and mapping.

Five threatened plant species were found, along with threatened birds and animals including the kārearea/New Zealand falcon. It was also noted that the site is likely a habitat for reptiles, many of which are threatened.

This past year has been the largest funding and work season so-far. Just over $250,000 in total project costs has been invested, including in-kind (non-monetary) contributions.

Total investment to date is estimated at more than $794,000, including our financial contribution of about $244,000.

Land Management and Biodiversity Advisor Michelle Ingham says the area contains a unique ecosystem that’s worth protecting.

“There are a lot of threatened and at ‘at risk’ species and it’s a really intact environment. Apart from the threat of weeds, it’s in a relatively natural state.”

Michelle says the team’s hard work is paying off.

In July 2022 (left) this area was cleared of sycamore – now (right) there’s a large patē/7 finger plant growing

“Through the dead weeds, you can see the new native vegetation coming through. Contractors have also found some cool insects, so the project is helping them too.”

Future funding to fill the gaps

More funding is needed for stage two of the programme, which will target the remaining areas that have not yet had any weed control work. This will help prevent further invasion of weeds into ecologically sensitive parts.

It’s anticipated that direct weed control in stage three will be less intensive, and work will shift towards site-wide monitoring and maintenance to secure the gains made.

Selwyn District Council Environmental Team Leader, Andy Spanton, says the project represents an excellent partnership approach.

“The way agencies and gorge landowners are working together to help protect this fantastic repository of native biodiversity is pretty special.

“It’s important that this commitment by the partners continues into the future. Weed species will still be present, so they will need to be monitored and controlled when necessary.”

Michelle agrees the collaborative approach is key.

“The support and enthusiasm from the landowners and agencies involved is what’s driving this work, and its success.

“We have a ten-year vision – we ultimately want to see fewer weeds coming back, and as a result, new indigenous vegetation taking off.”

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Rubbish in parks wastes ratepayers’ money

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Date:

Regional park rangers are an industrious bunch who work hard to maintain Waitaha/Canterbury’s three regional parks and make them appealing places to be. But clearing rubbish is one task on the park rangers’ weekly to-do list that (literally) stinks.

In the last 12 months, rangers hauled over 36 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish from Waimakariri River Regional Park and Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park.

Disposing of this rubbish cost more than $13,000, with the bill passed on to ratepayers. This hefty weight doesn’t include the large number of animal carcasses that are collected each year and buried in appropriate locations in the parks.

A waste of limited time

Each week, it takes two rangers a full day to deal with rubbish in the parks.

“Dealing with dumped rubbish is a huge waste of our limited time and resources when we’re trying to manage 12,000 hectares of land,” said parks and forests team leader Chuck Dowdell.

“Collecting all manner of rubbish from parks and rivers each week is beyond unpleasant for our rangers. It’s not what they signed up for, and it takes them away from the positive work they want to be doing.”

Rangers deal with household rubbish, animal carcasses, tyres, vehicles, and even asbestos-containing construction materials in the parks regularly.

In the past year, 971 tyres and 30 cars have been removed from the two parks. A specialist contractor removed and disposed of the latest batch of asbestos-containing construction waste earlier in 2024, costing ratepayers $3,500.

Fines and trespass notices

Park rangers can issue instant $750 fines to those spotted littering in the parks. They can also trespass offenders from the regional parks for up to three years. However, with fly tippers going out of their way to avoid detection, we need your help.

How you can help

  • Be responsible for your rubbish. Do what most Cantabrians already do, and dispose of rubbish safely and in the appropriate place. Find out about your local waste transfer stations on your district or city council’s website. For the sake of your health and your community’s health, you must dispose of asbestos properly, following Worksafe guidelines.
  • Help with clean-up or planting events. Look out for opportunities to contribute to the wellbeing of your parks through events like river clean-up days and planting days. Our last planting day of 2024 will take place on 22 September at Baynons Brake in Waimakariri River Regional Park. Register as a planting day volunteer. 
  • Encourage others to do the right thing. If a friend or family member dumps rubbish in the parks, let them know it’s not the ‘free’ option they might think it is. It costs ratepayers big bucks to have that illegally dumped rubbish retrieved, and it reduces the whole community’s enjoyment of the parks.

“If a mate is dumping their household waste, commercial rubbish or carcasses in the parks, don’t look the other way,” said Dowdell. “Tell them your go-to local, legal options for waste disposal.”

Remember, if you find rubbish in the regional parks or see someone fly tipping, report it via the Snap Send Solve app, give our Advisory Team a call at 0800 765 588, or contact the park rangers directly by emailing duty.ranger@ecan.govt.nz

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Green light given to enhance planting at tourist hotspot

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Stage two of the enhancement project will include another round of pest control, erecting a 300m long rabbit-proof fence, and planting more native species.

Of the $7,500 allocated to the church, $3,300 will go towards fencing costs and $4,200 will go to the purchasing of native plants.

Commenting on the progress, project spokesperson Tanya Izard said the fencing of the area has now been completed, though winter conditions have delayed initial planting timeframes.

“Planting will enhance the whole area aesthetically and environmentally, providing a habitat for the local flora and fauna to thrive,” Tanya Izard said.