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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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Grants available for Kaipara Moana fencing and planting projects

Source: Auckland Council

Hundreds of landowners and groups are working with Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) to regenerate forest on erosion-prone land in the Kaipara Moana catchment.

If you are a landowner in the catchment wanting to fence off waterways or remnant forests on your land this summer, or plant trees or regenerate forest to protect erosion-prone slopes next winter, KMR has funding and support to help you.

They will pay up to 50% towards eligible projects, walking your land with you first to see if your project is suitable and discussing your goals for it. Their Field Advisors will then prepare a plan to access funding and provide support throughout the project.

If you are a community group, marae, iwi/hapū or other collective KMR will also provide support for engagement and project costs.

Further support may be possible if your project meets QEII National Trust goals.

Two grants

 “We offer two grants – Landowner Grants and Whenua Whānui Fund grants with both supporting sediment reduction projects on the ground and contracted directly with the project owners,” says Justine Daw, KMR Pou Tātaki.

“KMR is already working with over 735 landowners across the catchment, and are supporting over 75 projects led by catchment, community, hapū, marae, whānau, schools or other groups.  On average, a new group joins us every fortnight.” 

Global significance

As the largest natural harbour in the Southern Hemisphere, Kaipara Moana has global environmental significance including 6,000 km2 of catchment across Auckland and Northland regions, and over 8,000 km of waterways flowing into the harbour

However, high sediment levels have put the harbour at risk. Decades of deforestation and land-use intensification have degraded the catchment, leading to a seven-fold increase in sediment washing off the land – about 700,000 tonnes a year. Around an eighth of the catchment is highly erodible land.

To turn this around, in October 2020, the Ministry for the Environment, Ngā Maunga Whakahii o Kaipara, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, Te Uri o Hau, Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly establish KMR.

It is a $200m programme, with $100m invested by the Crown, matched by $10m each from Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council.  A further $80m of project activity must come from landowners, industry, community or philanthropic organisations.  This is because widespread action is needed to restore the Kaipara Moana, and because a matching contribution – often in the form of labour or materials – is required to unlock the Crown funding.

Auckland Council Rodney Ward Councillor Greg Sayers says the programme invests in projects that will bring wider benefits to the Rodney area.

“We live in one of the most beautiful areas of Auckland and with that comes the huge responsibility to help our valued species thrive. We need to do everything we can and increase our resilience to storms and other extreme weather events. It’s very clear that restoring wetlands, fencing rivers and streams, planting trees and forest regeneration helps restore the environment. I’d encourage anyone who is able to, to get involved with the programme.”

Contact KMR on hono@kmr.org.nz as soon as possible if:

  • Your land is in the Kaipara Moana catchment

  • You are thinking of fencing this summer, and/or planting next winter (2025)

  • You’d like to know more about how KMR can support you.

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Hapū-led partnership launched to protect globally significant ecosystems and endangered species of the Kaipara

Source: Auckland Council

Launch of Poipoia Te Kākano – A groundbreaking hapū-led initiative for the Kaipara 

A partnership agreement to protect the delicate ecosystems and endangered species of the Kaipara catchment, an area of global ecological significance, was signed into effect today between its key partners Te Uri o Hau, Te Roroa, Ngā Maunga Whakahii,  Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council, and the Department of Conservation.  

The historic agreement was signed at Te Hana Te Ao Marama Marae, a significant cultural place that reflects commitment to community-driven conservation. 

The initial aim of the partnership, named Puawai ki Kaipara, is to rid the five pivotal peninsulas (105,000ha) encircling the Kaipara Harbour of pest animals, including possums, rats, stoats, weasels, ferrets, pigs, and feral cats. The project then plans to extend into the entire Kaipara catchment area – an additional 543,000ha.   

The area’s delicate ecosystems provide refuge for many endangered species, including the tara iti (fairy tern), mātātā (North Island fernbird), and kiwi. The coastal dunes and dune lakes along the western coast provide habitat for matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern), moho pererū (banded rail), tūturiwhatu (New Zealand dotterel), and other species. 

Kaipara Moana is a migratory bird habitat of international significance. Rare species, such as the kuaka (bar-tailed godwit), use the harbour for feeding in summer before returning to the northern hemisphere to breed, while the wetland areas provide feeding and roosting grounds for migratory waders.  

Auckland Council Policy and Planning Committee Chair, Councillor Richard Hills says the support Auckland Council is providing Poipoia Te Kākano will help align community and council activities on this important environmental initiative. 

“Poipoia Te Kākano is about working together for the protection of the special ecosystems inhabited by many endangered indigenous species that are pressured by introduced pest animals,” Cr Hills says.  

“This initiative will focus on predator control, restoring native species and protecting an ecological sanctuary that acts as a haven for migratory birdlife from all over the world, and as nature’s corridor between Auckland and Northland. What we do to protect this precious area has a flow on effect for other ecologically significant areas in Aotearoa,” he says.  

Auckland Council General Manager Environmental Services Samantha Hill says the partnership represents a shared goal to protect ecosystems and species that are profoundly important.  

 “The dunes, lakes and the surrounding forest and wetlands are of cultural and ecological significance to so many. As caretakers of the natural environment, we have a collective responsibility to protect and restore it, and the taonga species that live within it,” she says.  

“We are uniting in this partnership to align our efforts and resources so that we can make a lasting impact, by working together to more effectively control a range of pest animals that threaten this taonga.”  

Poipoia Te Kākano Project Lead Victoria Kurupō comments: “Our combined partnership has emerged from one united goal: to combat the predator invasions threatening the region’s biodiversity, and reflects our guiding philosophy, embodied in the whakatauki “Poipoia te Kākano, Kia Puāwai”, meaning “Nurture the seed and it will blossom”. 

“Our work is deeply rooted in the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and mātauranga (traditional knowledge). This initiative is about creating a sustainable future for both our environment and our communities,” she says.    

“With support from Predator Free 2050 Ltd, we have made significant strides in assessing and planning our predator elimination strategies, and an intensive feasibility study has guided us in identifying the needs of each peninsula.”    

Ms Kurupō adds that the initial focus on the five Kaipara Peninsulas – Poutō, Hukatere (Tinopai), Puketōtara (Ōneriri), Ōkahukura (Tāporapora), and Te Korowai o Tonga (South Head) is inspired by the legendary taniwha Pokopoko Whiti te Rā. 

Kia Puawai ki Kaipara (the partnership) is a Kaipara Uri-led, Tiriti o Waitangi partnership comprising Te Uri o Hau, Ngā Maunga Whakahii, Te Roroa, Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council, and the Department of Conservation. It is one of two Māori-led Predator Free 2050 projects in Auckland.

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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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Council property review saves Auckland ratepayers $17 million a year

Source: Auckland Council

A six-year review of Auckland Council-owned property has saved $17 million a year and come at no cost to ratepayers.

The conclusion of the WorkSmart programme was reported at this week’s Revenue, Expenditure and Value Committee, where incoming chair Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson recognised the value it has delivered ratepayers.

“When I first became a councillor, one of the things we looked at was whether all the buildings council had acquired through amalgamation were needed,” says Cr Simpson.

“So, it’s really pleasing to see this programme has delivered significant savings for ratepayers. It set out to save $1.7 million a year but came in at $17 million per year, which is incredible.”

“What’s even better is we avoided building renewals of $184 million and delivered a $34 million cash surplus.”

WorkSmart began in 2018 to improve the efficiency of council-owned property and resulted in significant reductions, taking 19 sites down to six.

It also improved the condition of council’s corporate buildings and delivered other improvements such as a new art storage for Auckland Art Gallery in Wiri, WiFi to libraries’ front-of-house areas and mana whenua spaces in regional office hubs.

With the WorkSmart programme completed, the corporate property optimisation continues through a council project team.

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Get up and garden at Kawakawa Bay

Source: Auckland Council

Kawakawa Bay residents should hit the five-plus a day fruit and veg rule now a community garden has been given the nod. 

Franklin Local Board has given landowner approval to the Kawakawa Bay Community Association to establish a garden at 13R Karaka Road. 

Wairoa subdivision board member Amanda Hopkins says the land is currently grazed by livestock belonging to a neighbouring farmer. 

“The proposal will see fencing put in, edible flowers, fruit trees, root vegetables and herbs grown in raised beds, and includes a chicken coop. 

“The land does fall within a floodplain, so any structures will have to be high enough to allow floodwaters to run beneath, but nothing in the plan should increase the flooding risk.

“Sinead O’Connor is taking the lead and is keen to get on with the project, so we wish the team the best with their efforts.”

Auckland Council staff supported the proposal, saying it would provide positive community outcomes. 

The garden will be run by the Kawakawa Bay Gardening Group, under the association’s umbrella. 

It proposes to take a slow approach, with the initial stage being a mix of cereals, herbs, edible flowers and other species. Once established, the group will assess what grows well and where, before adding fruit trees, root vegetables, additional herbs and other annual crops. 

Stay connected 

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Work continues on Franklin transport issues

Source: Auckland Council

Work on slips caused by the 2023 floods across Franklin is continuing. 

Auckland Transport has told Franklin Local Board in its monthly report that recent heavy rain caused additional issues, but crews returned work to schedule. 

The Lighthouse Road slip in Awhitu is awaiting consents, but a four-month repair timeline has been put in place, with an announcement around timings expected next month.

Two sites on Monument Road in Clevedon have now been reopened, with only minor work to complete. 

Franklin Local Board chair Angela Fulljames says AT also reported recently installed lights at East Street / Stadium Drive, and Manukau Road / Massey Road, were made operational after delays with resealing caused by poor weather. 

“We’re confident Auckland Transport will ensure the phasing maximises flows at peak times, and that the lights do what they are meant to and keep people safe.” 

Part of AT’s report detailed an upcoming workshop on safety measures for Clevedon Village, with Fulljames saying the Clevedon Community and Business Association would be invited to give input. 

“We would hope to be in a position to have an open-day to get public feedback around improvements and priorities soon after,” she says. 

The final AT update, in response to a delegation to the board, concerned poor behaviour at the Seddon Street bus stop in Pukekohe, and a suggestion the stop be relocated. 

AT says the stop is one of the town’s most used – especially by older residents – and standard practice when a stop was relocated was to also move its pair on the other side of the road. 

It recommended changes be deferred until after work on the bus network in response to the re-introduction of trains next year. 

Stay connected 

Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook. 

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Keeping children safe around septic tanks

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Date:

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