Category: Environment

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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.

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Celebrating 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves | Conservation blog

Source: Department of Conservation

Today we celebrate 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves with a look at where they are, who looks after them, and what they are helping us discover.

The West Coast has five marine reserves, which represent the different habitat types found on the West Coast. The West Coast has a pretty wild coastline, so these marine reserves are mostly enjoyed by visitors from the shore, where the continuous mountains to sea landscapes give you the feeling you are somewhere special.

The reserves were established after thorough discussions over several years that involved Poutini Ngāi Tahu, local community representatives and several stages of public consultation.  By the time the reserves came into being, the local and other public support for them was strong, and that’s been reflected in the way that the ‘no fishing in the reserves’ rule is followed very well.

You would think in a place like the West Coast there would be remote places that nobody accessed, but the consultation process showed all areas on the coast were being accessed to some degree.

The main intent of marine reserves is as areas for scientific study.  But they have also been celebrated as places to enjoy the natural environment, and as a kind of insurance against the impacts that people can have on the sea.  They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks.  Each of the reserves has quite unique features.

Location of the West Coast’s five marine reserves:

Kahurangi. Photo: Andris Apse

The Kahurangi Marine Reserve reaches along 16 kilometres of coast, alongside the Heaphy Track Great Walk and the Kahurangi National Park.  The wide tidal zone of rocks and beaches in this large reserve are great to explore, with expansive mussel beds supporting starfish, octopus and seaweeds.  Offshore, the broad continental shelf is home to sealife like fur seals/kekeno, red cod, gurnard and sharks.

Punakaiki. Photo: Andris Apse

The Punakaiki Marine Reserve is centred on the world-famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes walkway, and the ‘secret treasure’ of the Truman Track coastline.  The reserve extends the protection of the Paparoa National Park out into the Tasman Sea, to include rocky reefs where bull kelp swirls in the waves, and open ocean where seabirds like terns/tara, penguins/kororā and Westland petrels/taiko catch their fishy food.

Waiau Glacier Coast. Photo: Andris Apse

Waiau Glacier Coast Marine Reserve reaches 11 km from Kohuamarua Bluff to Omoeroa Bluff.  The reserve complements the exceptional glacial landscapes of Westland Tai Poutini National Park to make it a truly ‘Mountains to Ocean’ sequence.  Extending about 4km offshore, it is one of the largest marine reserves in mainland New Zealand

Tauparikākā. Photo: Andris Apse

Tauparikākā Marine Reserve is New Zealand’s smallest marine reserve at just 17 hectares, but it importantly protects the ‘watery’ parts of the Ship Creek visitor site.  Here you can enjoy walking the beach, watching the Hector’s dolphins, and paddling in the tea-coloured stream mouth.

Hautai. Photo: Andris Apse

The remote Hautai Marine Reserve lies 50 km south of Jackson Bay and covers 8.5 km2.  This reserve protects some rocky coastal habitats where crayfish, kina, cod and other marine life can thrive.  Further out from the Hautai Reserve, underwater canyons reach ocean depths of more than 3000 metres and add to the rich diversity of this area.

Marine Reserves Ranger Don Neale has worked on the West Coast for DOC for over 35 years, always in a role with something to do with the ocean. His daily job involves monitoring, research, advocacy and making sure people follow the rules put in place to protect these reserves. Here he is with a sample of sea water which is being DNA tested to see what species exist in this particular stretch of coastline as part of a survey of the Kahurangi Marine Reserve coastline.

Photo: Spencer Virgin, University of Canterbury

Baseline monitoring of the marine reserves and nearby areas has been set up in the last few years. Over time this will show how the sea is changing and the difference that the protection is making in those places. Here, two researchers measure the abundance of mussels on a rock platform in an intertidal area in the Kahurangi Marine Reserve.

Protecting these individual reserves is more than a matter of making sure people don’t fish or gather seafood in them. Climate change is a massive threat to the health of marine reserves and the ocean generally. Over the past few summers, the West Coast has had marine heatwaves, raising the temperature of the oceans by an average of 5oC. Through photo analysis, DOC has noticed a worrying trend at a number of West Coast sites of bull kelp die-off, as this photo taken at the Punakaiki Marine Reserve demonstrates. Bull kelp is a large native seaweed that provides habitat for a number of marine species, and the die-off is a highly visible indication that our global carbon emissions are having a huge impact on the natural environment, which we depend on for our health and wellbeing.

Westland’s marine reserves can be seen as ‘a window into the ocean’ for us all.  They are protecting some of our special places, and revealing new things that might otherwise pass us by and go unnoticed. 

So get down to one of your wonderful marine reserves, celebrate their 10th anniversary, and see what you can find!

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From our Chair: Transport investment welcome – but funding gap remains

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

The National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), released this week, supports some of our investment priorities including maintenance, risk, and safety – but does little to bolster public transport and help build and upgrade our local roads.

The number one priority in our Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan is a well-maintained network, so the $905 million we’ve been allocated for maintenance and pothole prevention will certainly help with that.

It’s great to see a focus on bridges, which are critical to the resilience of our network. Ultimately, we want to see a real pipeline of bridge projects developed across the South Island. The NLTP includes:

  • Progression of a second Ashburton Bridge
  • Funding to replace the Pages Road Bridge in Christchurch
  • Two priority bridge replacements on State Highway 82
  • Consideration of the Upper Ōrāri Bridge replacement for 2027-2030.

It’s also pleasing that there is support for the state highway network in our high growth areas. This includes prioritising the State Highway 1 Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Wooded Bypass as a new Road of National Significance, and continuing with improvements in Rolleston, Halswell and Hornby.

However, a gaping hole remains.

Finding the balance

Despite being the country’s second largest region, we’re receiving just over seven percent of total national contestable funding. More than last time, but disappointing, when you look at the metrics. The level of investment in Canterbury needs to be on par with our population, road network length, and contribution to GDP (ours is around 12 percent).

Many low-cost, low-risk improvements sought by our local communities have been declined, while larger state highway projects get the go-ahead. That’s not a good enough balance.

Funding is still required for intersection upgrades, new essential road links, relieving congestion and improving safety. We need equitable investment across the region – not just along state highways, but for local roads too.

Another area of significant disappointment is the level of public transport investment — $350 million for Canterbury. Most of this will go towards running our existing network. We need another $737 million on top of this for our PT Futures programme.

Public transport funding falls short

We have heard time and time again about the need to improve public transport in Greater Christchurch, one of the country’s most rapidly growing areas outside of Auckland. The government itself states that “Christchurch is the economic powerhouse of the South Island, and transport is a critical enabler for economic growth and productivity.”

The NLTP will allow us to improve frequency on one core route only, but we need to see substantial improvement across the network to drive strong patronage growth, and to ensure we reap the benefits from investment towards a mass rapid transit system in Greater Christchurch. It’s a value-for-money solution to congested roads and the key to improving travel times.

At this pace, we are more than a decade away from getting our public transport services near to where they need to be. Greater central government funding is essential to avoid delays.

A fair share

It’s important to note that funding for the NLTP is drawn from fuel taxes and road user charges. The money that comes from road use in our communities should therefore be put back into our communities. Our bread-and-butter funding is being spread like jam across other regions.

In short, the South Island is being short-changed, with revenue derived here being directed to the North Island.

Canterbury has 12 percent of the population and over 16 percent of the national roading network, but we generally only ever receive around five to eight percent of the NLTP funding.

All we’re asking for is our fair share.

Peter Scott is also Chair of the Canterbury Regional Transport Committee.

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10th anniversary of West Coast marine reserves marked

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  06 September 2024

The five fully protected marine reserves were established in Westland on 7 September 2014. All sea life is protected within the reserves, so fishing and seafood gathering are not allowed there.

The reserves cover just over one percent of the West Coast’s seas and seven percent of its coastline length, leaving plenty of space for fishing elsewhere in the region.

Don Neale, a DOC West Coast Marine Reserves Ranger who helped establish the reserves, says they were ratified after thorough discussions over several years that involved Poutini Ngāi Tahu, local community representatives and several stages of public consultation.

“By the time the reserves were officially established, the local and other public support for them was strong, and that’s been reflected in the way that the ‘no fishing in the reserves’ rule is very well followed.”

The main intent of marine reserves is to preserve an area for scientific study. However, they have been proven to provide multiple benefits to the environment and people. Marine reserves are celebrated as places to enjoy the natural marine environment, and as a kind of insurance against the negative impacts that people have on the sea. They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks.

Baseline monitoring of the marine reserves and nearby areas has been set up in the last few years. Over time this will show how the sea is changing and the difference that the protection is making in those places.

Climate change is a massive threat to the health of marine reserves and the ocean generally. Over the past few summers, the West Coast has had marine heatwaves, raising the temperature of the oceans by an average of five degrees celcius.

Through photo analysis, DOC has noticed a worrying trend at a number of West Coast sites of bull kelp die-off, including the Punakaiki Marine Reserve. Bull kelp is a large native seaweed that provides habitat for many marine species and organic matter for coastal food chains. Its die-off is a highly visible indication that our global carbon emissions are having a huge impact on the natural environment, which we depend on for food, economic activity, ‘ecosystem services’ such as the production of oxygen, and our health and wellbeing.

Don says, “Westland’s marine reserves can be seen as ‘a window into the ocean’ for us all. They are protecting some of our special places from direct human activities, and revealing new things that might otherwise go unnoticed. So we encourage everyone to get down to one of your wonderful marine reserves, celebrate their 10th anniversary, and see what you can find!”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Integrated catchment management sees major backing in Banks Peninsula

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council




Integrated catchment management sees major backing in Banks Peninsula | Environment Canterbury















Date:

Find out more about the projects funded

Whakaora ai te wai o Te Pātaka – Wairewa Mahinga Kai Catchment Group

 Awarded $58,000

The newly established Wairewa Mahinga Kai Catchment Group intends to use this round of funding to contract professional services to help them make a plan that identifies and prioritises the interventions that will yield maximum benefits for the health of the waterways.

Building off the significant progress made by Wairewa Rūnanga to rejuvenate the catchment, over time, the group intends to use interventions such as planting, fencing, erosion and sediment control, pest control, biodiversity support and bank stabilisation.

Sharing Practical Knowledge – Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC), and Soil Conservation

 Awarded $5,000

This project is a joint initiative between Banks Peninsula and Christchurch West Melton Zone Committees, Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour and Rāpaki Rūnanga. It’s focused on sharing practical knowledge around erosion and sediment control, soil conservation, pasture management and biodiversity enhancement on the Port Hills.

The ultimate aim of this mahi is to ensure that subject matter expertise, like proven practices for improving the health of waterways, biodiversity, erosion and sediment control and revegetation is recorded and made available for landowners, agencies and community groups.

Funding will be put towards the contracting of a consultant who will gather existing knowledge held with subject matter experts and develop an easy-to-use toolkit of resources for erosion and sediment control in the Port Hills and Whakaraupo/Lyttleton Harbour.

Wainui Residents Association (WRA) – Our Community Spaces

 Awarded $3,000

The Wainui Residents Association (WRA) received funding to support their project which aspires to restore and regenerate the aquatic ecosystems of the Wainui Stream catchment in partnership with the community.

Resource will be allocated to target two specific areas in the catchment which include the lower 300 metres of Wainui Stream banks, and erosion control for the hillside adjacent to the WRA community hall. This will include the purchase of native plants and building materials for hillside track signage and erosion control.

Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust Operational Support

 Awarded $5,000

The Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust delivers several programmes that support the conservation and enhancement of indigenous biodiversity and sustainable land management on Banks Peninsula.

The financial support allocated to the trust will support the continuation of this mahi, contributing to their operational costs.

Environment Canterbury – Wairewa native riparian planting

 Awarded $4,000

This native riparian planting project, led by us, will help to support landowners that neighbour tributaries of Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth to establish and maintain native vegetation. It aims to enhance biodiversity and contribute to improving water quality in the catchment.

It is related to the flood mitigation willow clearing and bank stabilisation work we’re doing on the tributaries to the lake, which is funded by the targeted rate that the community voted for in the Little River catchment.

Funding allocated builds on mahi that we began last year, which included flood mitigation efforts, bank stabilisation works, and invasive willow clearing at the lake’s tributaries. This year, continued funds will help landowners purchase and maintain riparian plantings and will be used to purchase more native plants.

Supporting and empowering our communities

The Banks Peninsula Water Zone Committee will continue to monitor the advancement of these initiatives and document their outcomes.

“This year, there was a real emphasis on keeping momentum up and building on the gains already made by our grassroots community organisations on the Peninsula,” said Gina Waibl.

“The committee strongly believes that the financial support we’ve recommended will empower these groups to continue on with the implementation of their conservation and enhancement mahi which will deliver better outcomes for freshwater in our zone.”

Read the Committee’s 2022/23 progress report to learn what was achieved with Action Plan funding last year.

Environment Canterbury © 2024
Retrieved: 12:50pm, Wed 04 Sep 2024
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/zone-news/banks-peninsula/integrated-catchment-management-sees-major-funding-in-banks-peninsula/

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Marine pest Mediterranean fanworm found outside inner Lyttelton Harbour

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Date:

Boaties are being urged to check and clean their hulls to help stop the spread of the marine pest Mediterranean fanworm after it was recently detected in new sites within Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour. 

A recent winter diving survey, conducted by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), found fanworm at 38 locations. A small number of fanworm were detected at sites outside the inner harbour including Cass Bay and Corsair Bay. While these were removed by divers at the time, there is a risk that fanworm will continue to spread throughout the harbour.  

Team leader central biosecurity and biodiversity Johannes Welsch said marine pests pose a significant risk to coastal marine areas in our region.  

“Pests such as Mediterranean fanworm outcompete our native species and can be very difficult to eradicate once they are here,” he said. 

“That risk is becoming greater as marine vessel movements start to increase and our waters warm, creating a more hospitable environment to settle,” he added.  

We all must play our part in protecting Canterbury’s beautiful waterways and coastal areas because spreading a marine pest comes at a cost.   

“The primary pathway that unwanted marine pests are spread is via marine vessel movements. It might seem like a small thing, but when you keep a clean hull, you are protecting our marine biodiversity, our kai moana and our local economy,” he said. 

“Transporting marine pests has the potential to cost millions of dollars to the taxpayer, ratepayer and affected industries, not to mention the impact on our native species,” he said. 

Surveillance diving and removal work will be conducted around the harbour before the end of October in collaboration with the Lyttelton Port Company (LPC).  

We will also work in partnership with Ngāti Wheke and Biosecurity New Zealand to look at what other approaches can be taken as well as share any data that comes from those surveys undertaken. 

What to look out for 

  • The Mediterranean fanworm is a large worm that has a long, leathery tube that is pale brown in colour.
  • The tube is usually fixed to a hard surface and grows up to 100cm in length.
  • They have long filaments at the top of the tube that look like a spiral fan, which are either orange, purple or white and banded. 

Find out more about the

Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii).

Long filaments of the Mediterranean fanworm

Preventing spread

To help prevent the spread of marine pests and to protect our waterways, please:

  • Check your boat hulls for marine pests.
  • Book a haulout and clean, if necessary. Find an approved haulout facility.
  • If moving between regions, check regional rules on hull cleaning before you depart.
  • When cleaning your hull, do it right. Taking shortcuts can make the problem much worse. You must ensure that no contaminants such as marine pests are discharged into the water during your cleaning process. 

Mediterranean fan worm hitchhikes into harbours on boat hulls and grows on jetties and moorings – Northland Regional Council

Report sightings of marine pests 

Do not touch or remove any suspected marine pests. Call the Biosecurity team on 0800 324 636 or report the sighting.

If possible, please take photos and record the location. The location could be the name of a vessel and where it was moored, or the physical location if it was found on the seafloor or structures.

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Join us to help Waimakariri nature thrive this September

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council




Join us to help Waimakariri nature thrive this September | Environment Canterbury















Date:

We are hosting a planting session on World Rivers Day, here are the details:

As this is the last public planting event of the season, we would love to see friends and whānau join us for a final push to enhance this wonderful area. Our planting days are always a fun event, and the best part is, we provide you with a barbecue lunch afterwards! 

Brad Smith, regional biodiversity officer, said these events are helpful to work towards a bigger conservation goal.

Seedlings planted at a recent Waimakariri planting day

“We want to create an ecological corridor of native planting sites along the Waimakariri and Ashley/Rakahuri rivers. This corridor will help provide habitat for local wildlife and make it easier for birds to move along the rivers.”

Cleaning for conservation

The Waimakariri Youth Council will be running a rubbish clean-up session.

  • When: 21 September, 10am
  • Where: around the Ashley River/Rakahuri, and we are one of several organisations supporting this event. Volunteers are encouraged to meet behind the Rangiora Airfield.
  • RSVP: RSVP as a volunteer

Emily Belton, youth development facilitator at Waimakariri District Council, said, “We partner with numerous community organisations to remove rubbish from our waterways, and just under 1 tonne of rubbish is collected each year at these events.”

In addition to lots of wrappers and takeaway containers, volunteers at previous events have also found unusual rubbish. “During the 2022 clean-up, we even found a sun tanning bed,” said Emily.

Environment Canterbury © 2024
Retrieved: 12:50pm, Wed 04 Sep 2024
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2024/join-us-to-help-waimakariri-nature-thrive-this-september/

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Have your say on our dam safety policy

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council




Have your say on our dam safety policy | Environment Canterbury















Date:

Environment Canterbury © 2024
Retrieved: 12:05pm, Mon 02 Sep 2024
https://www.ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2024/have-your-say-on-our-dam-safety-policy/