December 2020 - Protecting a lifeline People, Water and Land Upgrade for pump station Understanding our values for water - Environment Southland
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December 2020 Protecting a lifeline Upgrade for pump station Page 6 People, Water and Land Understanding our values for water From page 10–17
Contents
End of the trail 3
Waimumu Downs project 4
Protecting Southland 6
Practical solutions 8
People, Water and Land 10–17
What’s in the air? 18
Bluff makeover 20
Updates 22
Time to think about… 23
On the farm 23
Out in the field 24 We want to see Southland has been
businesses and given a wonderful
communities thrive opportunity to fast track
as we work towards and upgrade some
significantly improving key flood protection
water quality in our infrastructure.
rivers and streams. The Council was successful in obtaining
‘shovel ready’ funding from the South Roads foreman Mike Bell with Heritage Properties archaeologist Megan Lawrence at the site of the walkway.
Our People, Water and Land programme is
Government to undertake flood protection
Track end finally in sight
driving much of the work. This programme
projects totalling $18.5 million, which will
will ultimately lead us to setting limits (for
also create over 100 jobs.
discharges into and abstractions from
waterways), and laying the pathway for This is a co-funding arrangement where
how we’re going to achieve them. the Government pays 75% of the costs and
Envirosouth is published three times a year the Council contributes 25%. The projects
by Environment Southland. It is delivered to To do that, we need to understand what
every mailbox in the region. We welcome your are based in the Mataura and Waiau
it is that our community wants to protect
comments on anything published in
this magazine. and restore, and we need to be clear about
catchments and Invercargill. It’s been a marathon, but the Invercargill to Bluff walking and cycling track is
ISSN 2537-8902 (Print) what the current state of our waterways is. For this financial year we will be drawing almost at the finish line.
ISSN 2537-8910 (Online) on up to $1.5 million in reserves to pay
T
We’ll be sharing more information about
for our share. A further $3.1 million will be he track is a joint project between
Contact Us the environmental outcomes we’re aiming “At the moment, approximately 14 percent Awarua is associated with coastal Māori
required and next year we’ll consult on Invercargill City Council and
Cnr North Rd & Price St, Invercargill for and the current water quality data of the trail is on roads. Our single biggest occupation (such as Te kainga o Te Wera),
where we source that from. Environment Southland, with
(03) 211 5115 | 0800 76 88 45 over the next few months. Follow the goal is to reduce that to less than 10 with stone and kai moana resource use,
service@es.govt.nz | www.es.govt.nz
conversation online, learn something We saw how well our stop banks stood funding from Waka Kotahi New Zealand percent, and this project will help us to and early post contact Māori and European
www.facebook.com/environmentsouthland
new from our water story website (www. up to the record floods in the Mataura Transport Agency. achieve that. settlements.
Cover waterstory.es.govt.nz), or come along one catchment in February and we want to
Woodlands Full Primary School
The first section of the Invercargill to Bluff “From our perspective, it will be so much “The delays have been quite fortuitous,”
of our events next year and have a chat. ensure greater resilience for the future. track starts at the Stead Street Wharf and
students Mackenzie Milne and safer and nicer for the walkers to walk Russell says.
Chloe Phiskie (both 10) hunt for travels along the New River Estuary towards this part of the trail off road. We’re super
macroinvertebrates during their day out Awarua. At the moment, to complete the “We’ve not only found out that the area
at Waimumu Downs. See story page 4.
appreciative to the parties who have been
final section of the track, walkers and we are in is quite historically significant,
a part of making this happen.”
cyclists must travel along SH1 for 16kms. but it’s also given us time to get additional
Environment Southland lead transport funding from Waka Kotahi approved to
Rob Phillips, Chief Executive, Environment Southland Nicol Horrell, Chairman, Environment Southland The new section will take cyclists and planner Russell Hawkes says construction seal this final section of the track.”
walkers off SH1 and connect them to was delayed at the start of 2020 while an
footpaths in the Bluff township. Construction of the final section started in
archaeological assessment was carried
October, and if no archaeological finds are
Environment Southland Once finished, it will form part of the out.
discovered and the weather plays ball, it is
Te Araroa trail, a 3000km walking track The assessment shows the trail will follow expected to take six months.
spanning the length of New Zealand. For the 1860s road and rail corridor along an
A thriving Southland – te taurikura o Murihiku Te Araroa trail executive director Mark earlier ara tawhito (traditional travel route).
Weatherall, it’s a win.
2 Envirosouth December 2020 3
Nearly 400 children the learning activities on the day. The Gore
Catchment Group played an important
had the opportunity for role, sorting a barbecue lunch for all
participants.
an amazing outdoor
“It was really neat to see all the children
learning experience coming into the place, then doing things
in October, with the like racing the boats they had created from
sticks and flax and getting into the bush.”
launch of the Waimumu Although the weather provided some
Downs project. hurdles in the lead-up to the week of
activities, the sun shone to create a near-
C
hildren enjoyed the opportunity to perfect environment and to be fair, Chris
discover what macroinvertebrates has some pretty good insight into the
live in the stream, find out more forecasts.
about water quality, plant a range of
“There’s a Metservice weather station on
natives, understand pest control in the
the property so that’s helpful, but I still
bush and construct their own rafts for
can’t order up the weather.”
some very competitive racing. Chris Giles
With a number of other agencies, including
Landowners Chris and Desiree Giles have
Plant and Food Research and Wrightson
worked in conjunction with Environment
Seeds, also on site, the property lends
Southland, Enviroschools, the Gore
itself to trying new things and Chris has
Catchment Group and the Hokonui
many ideas for the future.
Rūnanga to establish the on-site learning
platform at Waimumu. “I love scheming and coming up with new
ideas – and our farm is so close to town
Having earnt three 2020 Ballance Farm
that it easily lends itself to being used for
Environment Awards, Chris and Desiree
community initiatives,” Chris says.
purchased their property seven years ago,
with some big goals in their long-term vision. Hokonui Rūnanga spokesperson Jo
Brand says the Waimumu Downs project
The couple, who have farmed from
is a concept the community has been
Northland to Southland, have varied
requesting for some time but the vision
backgrounds including Chris working on
and ability to deliver a completed
a vineyard, and relief teaching in England
Children get
experience is the part that not all ideas
during his gap year. Meanwhile Desiree
get to.
has worked for the Primary ITO (Industry
Training Organisation) and Dairy NZ. “We are rapt to support the mahi of Chris
and Desiree and their whānau, Megan
However, the merging of education and
and the Enviroschools team and our own
farming has always been a bit of a dream Gore Main School students Addison McGarry
representative Rodney Trainor. Mō tātou, ā,
hands-on with
and the Waimumu Downs project is seeing and Regan Gillan (both 10) take part in the
mō kā uri, ā muri ake nei – For us and our stream study.
that finally become a reality.
children after us.”
As a member of the Gore Catchment
Environment Southland Enviroschools
Group, Chris is a strong supporter of the
coordinator Megan Bates says partnerships
Enviroschools programme and would like
with the community are essential to a
to see all the schools in Eastern Southland
the environment
really strong Enviroschools programme.
be part of the programme.
“Looking for opportunities like this one
With their two children, Danielle (9) and
across our region will really strengthen our
Andrew (7), Chris and Desiree understand
chance of meeting the Southland goals for
the value in having young people learning
water and biodiversity.”
about water and land and how our
at Waimumu
environment is connected. She says this project was a huge
undertaking, but the children had a
Launching the project was a joint effort,
fantastic experience and were able to take
with many of the plants supplied by the
part in activities they may not have before.
Hokonui Rūnanga, while Environment
Southland’s education team coordinated “The children learn so much from hands-
on experiences and take that knowledge
home to their wider families, so the
Heddon Bush School students George Williams benefits of a project like this cannot be
(7) and Micah Verkaik (8) check out their discovery underestimated.” Children from the Funshine Early Learning
during a stream study at Waimumu Downs. Centre enjoy a snack between activities.
4 Envirosouth December 2020 5
Protecting Southland’s
almost a lifeline for Southland. Our flights “With the Government funding, we're able
were full because that was the only way to fast track improvements to our flood
people could get in or out. defences,” Paddy says.
“We also had the military flying in, we had “We know that Southland needs to be
several evacuating aircraft, and we were prepared for the impacts of climate
directing people to welfare centres on change, and soon. This is an investment
arrival because they didn’t have anywhere that’s essential for our communities, and
lifeline from floods
to go. For a number of hours, we were it. that’s been shown by how well the stop
banks performed during the floods across
“It’s good to know that we have got robust
the region in February.”
infrastructure looking after our systems. The
stop banks, particularly along Stead Street, Invercargill City Council manager -
and the pump station are critical to the engineering services Jeremy Rees says
success of our whole drainage network.” raising the Stead Street stop banks is going
to be a big job. The plan is to drive steel
The pump station is just one piece of
piles into the current Stead Street walkway,
Southland’s flood protection defence.
and raise it by about one metre to align
Environment Southland owns and
Driving down Stead surrounding area, and it’s due for a much-
needed upgrade worth $2.25million.
“The pump station is well past its use-
by date,” says Environment Southland
service during the build. It will be more
cost-effective to run and maintain, with a maintains more than 450kms of stop
with 2070 sea level rise predictions.
Street, you’d be forgiven Built in the late 1950s, the pump drains
catchment manager Paddy Haynes. similar capacity for pumping water. banks across the region to protect people,
property and livelihoods.
Environment Southland will then raise the
banks of the Waihopai River and Otepuni
for missing the small an area of 1556 hectares in an area “It’s that old, we can’t get parts for the Sitting on low-lying land, the airport has
The Government’s ‘shovel ready’ funding is
and Kingwell creeks to match.
formerly known as Lake Hawkins – within pumps anymore – we have to get them its own drainage network, which includes
green building on the a boundary of Currans Road, Bay Road, manufactured. stop banks, ring drains and a two-pump paying 75 percent of the costs to upgrade the
pump station and other flood infrastructure.
airport side of the road. Stead Street and the Waihopai River. Lake
“It is very critical, not only for Invercargill,
station that drains the immediate airport
This includes raising the stop banks in
Hawkins was reclaimed in the early 20th land into the surrounding Lake Hawkins
“The airport is a key
T
but also for the wider Southland region. Invercargill (a joint project with Invercargill
he unassuming 60-year-old century and used to form part of the boys’ area.
The airport is a key connection to the rest City Council), upgrading the stop banks
building holds an essential piece borstal farm.
of New Zealand so we need to make sure it During the February 2020 floods that on the Mataura River, and repairing flood
connection to the rest of
of infrastructure for the Southland Original efforts to drain the land into the is protected.” affected the entire region, Southland damage on the Waiau River. The projects are New Zealand so we need to
region – the Lake Hawkins pump facility. estuary with floodgates were hampered by
The new pump will be built alongside
essentially became an island. Invercargill expected to create more than 100 jobs over make sure it is protected.”
The pump is the only protection from silt and plant build-up, leading to the need Airport general manager Nigel Finnerty three years.
the old one so there’s no interruption of
flooding for Invercargill Airport and its for the pump station. says: “During the February floods, we were PADDY HAYNES
“Our stop banks work hand-in-hand, so
there is no point raising one and not the
other,” Jeremy says.
“Raising all of the stop banks in the city
means that we have a consistent and
coherent flood protection network in
Invercargill.”
The Stead Street stop banks will look
significantly different, and the Invercargill
City Council is aiming to incorporate the
heritage and culture of the area into the
final design.
Keep up to date on the shovel-ready
projects in the Mataura and Waiau
catchments and Invercargill at
www.es.govt.nz/floodschemes
Invercargill City Council manager - engineering
services Jeremy Rees and Environment
Southland catchment manager Paddy Haynes
discuss the upgrade to the Stead Street pump
station and stop banks.
6 Envirosouth December 2020 7
Farmers keen to make a difference with practical solutions
An opportunity to share some ‘good, practical solutions’. That was the main Both believe that being involved in this
group, and sharing the improvements
reason for upper Aparima farmer Paul Turner and Otapiri Gorge farmer Dan they’re making is a step in the right
direction.
Frew to put their hands up to join the Southland winter grazing advisory group.
Paul’s farm has large native buffers along
W
inter grazing rules developed on the rules’ Paul and Dan took the staff, rural sector representatives and the creeks, 27kms of fencing along all
by central Government were opportunity to be involved. representatives from Fish and Game and iwi. his waterways and new native plantings
announced in August as part of where willows were damaging water flow
“I felt quite strongly about some of the Paul says it was an opportunity to put their
a new National Environmental Standard and bank stability.
rules that have been put in place,” Paul case forward.
for Freshwater, and it was met with some says. “They couldn’t be applied practically, They have just completed their second
frustration. Many farmers in particular are and I felt there were some better solutions year of wintering their cows on grass
concerned about the rules and are keen that would have better outcomes that I and baleage rather than crop. “We’ve
to offer alternative solutions. As Paul says, substituted around 100 hectares of fodder
his family has a strong connection to their
was happy to be part of.” “We all want the same beet. It means we have a lot less exposed
waterways not only for the farm but also Environment Southland hosted a hui things - we just need to soil in the winter time. Cows are on more
attended by the ministers and around 30
for their recreation, and ‘we want to protect work together to get them.” suitable country and we can target where
them as much as anybody else does’. farmers. One of the outcomes from the hui
we are feeding. It’s still very much a work in Winter grazing
was to establish a winter grazing advisory
When Ministers David Parker and Damien group which would include farmers, council
DAN FREW progress but we’re pleased with the results recommendations
O’Connor left the ‘door ajar for feedback so far.”
Recognising that they’re susceptible to The report from the winter
Paul, wife Kayleen and their four children thunder storms and heavy spring rains, grazing advisory group is due to
run a 1200 hectare dairy farm in the Opio Dan has also made changes to his winter be complete in early December.
area in the upper Aparima catchment. cropping programme in the last couple of The specific areas they are
They have around 1900 milking cows, years. considering include:
and winter graze around 3000 cattle. He
“We’ve always been careful about critical Re-sowing dates
thought his experience farming sheep, beef
source areas and had wide buffers. We’ve
and deer before turning his hand to dairy Pugging
used direct drilling for our crop, but more
farming would mean he could have some Slope
recently we’ve started coming in behind
good, practical input.
the sheep after grazing with the direct drill Area
Dan farms in the Otapiri Gorge area on a to resow quickly. This helps to manage
1050 hectare sheep farm. It’s very much a the risk of bare soil and sediment loss. Farm Environment Plans
family affair with fiancée Steph and their We put in swedes and kale, intermingled Members of the group are
three children, brother Brett and his family, with a mix of Italian rye grass and Environment Southland,
as well as their parents all involved in the plantain. It’s beneficial to the animals DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ,
running of the property. and the environment, and by minimising Bernadette Hunt from
cultivation it means there are less tractor Federated Farmers, Fish and
“I saw this as an opportunity to help share
hours and less cost.” Game, iwi and farmers Dan
our evidence and experience with others,
learning from what we’ve done here,” Dan wants to see everyone working Frew and Paul Turner. They are
Dan says. “Lots of the rules are actually together. “That’s central government, local supported by representatives
impractical and that might drive the wrong government, contractors and farmers. from Local Government New
choices to get around the rules.” There’s good that can come from this, Zealand, the Ministry for
and we need to share and support each Primary Industries and the
That’s a concern shared by Paul who Ministry for the Environment.
other to get the best outcome. We all want
agrees that some of the rules could lead to
the same things – we just need to work
unintended consequences.
together to get them.”
“That’s why I think it’s important to get the
rules right, so that people aren’t dancing
around trying to solve an unworkable rule.
If we’re dealing with practical solutions that
can be implemented on farm, that have a
benefit to waterways and the animals, well
that’s a good thing,” Paul says.
Paul and Kayleen Turner with their children (left-right) Bonnie (12), Holly (6), Isla (10) and Jack (8). Dan Frew
8 Envirosouth December 2020 9
People, Water and Land People, Water and Land
Te Mana o te Tangata, Te Mana o te Tangata,
te Wai, te Whenua te Wai, te Whenua
PROGRAMME PROGRAMME
Improving our water and land Highlights this
year
for generations to come Regional Forum workshops and
public sessions in Invercargill,
Riverton, Riversdale
Community and iwi values for
freshwater shared
Southland’s journey particular, demonstrates just how much
our lives are connected to our lakes,
State of the environment
information released
to improve our water estuaries, rivers and streams,” Chairman
Horrell says. What is the People, Water and Land First report to Council and Te Ao
quality started many programme? Marama Board from Regional
These new values join our waterways with Forum
years ago and we’ve our spiritual wellbeing; that sense of place The programme is about taking the next steps to improve Southland’s water
been making progress from being near a waterway. and land. It is a partnership with Te Ao Marama Inc. (as the environmental arm
of Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku) and takes a ‘mountains to the sea’ approach: ki uta ki
but there’s still a Confirming these values is
one of the first steps in the tai. The programme’s vision is, ‘inspiring change to improve Southland’s water
long way to go, says process outlined in the National and land’.
Policy Statement for Freshwater
Environment Southland Management, which we are
Read a thought provoking column from Te Ao Marama Board chairman
Stewart Bull on page 16.
chairman Nicol Horrell. required to meet. The process
ultimately leads to setting limits (for
M
any of Environment Southland’s discharges into and abstractions What work is underway in the programme?
work programmes are designed to from waterways), and outlining how The programme has three main workstreams (Values and Objectives; Action
support this, and our People, Water we’re going to achieve those limits to on the ground; Regional Forum) with each being supported by science,
and Land programme is driving much of improve our waterways. economics and matauranga Māori. A significant programme is underway to
this work. “We must restore and protect what we assist with setting the draft environmental outcomes (goals we want to reach for
Within that programme, we set out to have to ensure there is something we can freshwater), to assess the current state of water quality in Southland and what
confirm what Southlanders value about be proud to leave to future generations of this means for the reductions needed in contaminants entering our waterways.
our waterways. There are 18 previously Southlanders,” he says. Read more about the co-lead for this science Ned Norton on page 14.
identified values from different planning Environment Southland has a
documents. “We needed to know if these A Regional Forum workshop in July 2020.
were still relevant – and if there were any
responsibility to manage Southland’s
What is the Regional Forum and what's its
natural resources in a sustainable
others that need to be considered.” way, and we take this seriously. role?
Following conversations with people from We also have a responsibility The Regional Forum is a community-based group that will advise
across Southland, the 18 values were
confirmed and two new local values for
to meet the requirements of
national legislation as well as our
Environment Southland’s council and Te Ao Marama board members on how
to achieve the communities’ aspirations for freshwater. Forum members will
Watch this space
freshwater have emerged. own communities’ values and consider the specific policies as well as the on-ground initiatives required in 2021
aspirations for water. to make change and improve Southland’s water and land for generations to
“Through the Share Your Wai engagement
Environment Southland has a come. Those considerations must include the limits (e.g. water quality and
campaign we learned that community
vision of maintaining a thriving quantity), targets, methods, impacts and policy context. Draft environmental outcomes (our
wellbeing and connectedness and amenity
and recreation near waterways are Southland. “Our region has It’s an important role. The forum will play a key part in shaping how long-term goals for water quality)
important to Southlanders.” shown it can manage change and Southland’s water resources are managed in the future. So far, the forum Science information on how much
step up to challenges using innovation, has learned about the values and aspirations the Southland community contaminant reduction will be
In 2019, Environment Southland staff and
and an understanding of our land and how hold for water. They are now beginning to identify the regulatory and non required
councillors set up shop at over 40 markets,
to manage it.” regulatory methods to achieve the communities' values and objectives. Check
A&P shows, events and supermarkets Opportunities to give the Regional
Go to page 12 for a full list of the what the website for opportunities to engage with the forum, and provide your Forum your feedback as they start
across the region to find out more about
Southlanders value about our waterways. feedback and ideas. Go to www.waterandland.es.govt.nz looking at options to meet the
your aspirations for our waterways.
You can read more about how we gathered environmental outcomes
“Discovering these two new values was People from around Southland took part in the Share Your Wai Read more about the forum’s deputy chair Phil Morrison on page 17.
these values and what they are on our engagement campaign, telling us about their favourite spots and
surprising and, with these new values in
website – waterstory.es.govt.nz. aspirations for our waterways.
10 Envirosouth December 2020 11
People, Water and Land People, Water and Land
Te Mana o te Tangata, Te Mana o te Tangata,
te Wai, te Whenua te Wai, te Whenua
PROGRAMME PROGRAMME
Southlanders' values for freshwater
Ecosystem health Mahinga kai - Kai are safe Education Irrigation, cultivation and Natural form and character Safety of people and
to harvest and eat food production infrastructure from hazards
There are five biophysical factors that Education represents the need for Natural qualities may include exceptional,
and climate change
contribute to freshwater ecosystem health, Mahinga kai generally refers to freshwater increasing awareness and availability Water quality and quantity is suitable for natural, or iconic aesthetic features.
and it is necessary that all of them are species that have traditionally been used of accessible knowledge surrounding irrigation needs, including supporting the These may include the natural location This value takes into account emerging
managed. They are water quality, water as food, tools, or other resources. It also freshwater. This considers the natural, cultivation of food crops, the production of of a waterway and course of a river, the changes in climate related to water quality
quantity, habitat, aquatic life, ecological refers to the places those species are found environmental, economic and social food from farmed animals, non-food crops relative dominance of indigenous flora and and quantity from a safety perspective.
processes. and to the act of catching or harvesting impacts related to freshwater. Specifically, such as fibre and timber, pasture, sports fauna, the presence of culturally significant Infrastructural preparedness relating to
them. For this value, kai would be safe to the potential degradation of our fields and recreational areas. species, the colour of the water etc. flood protection are important, alongside
In a healthy freshwater ecosystem, all
harvest and eat. Transfer of knowledge freshwater is highlighted, acknowledging other natural freshwater management
five biophysical components are suitable
is able to occur about the preparation, how education can enable communities to Animal drinking water Coastal landforms and unit-specific issues of exceptional nature.
to sustain the indigenous aquatic life
storage and cooking of kai. consider the impacts upon various water associated processes The things we will measure to ensure this
expected in the absence of human Water quality and quantity meets the
related activities that people value and value is protected (attributes) will need to
disturbance or alteration (before providing needs of farmed animals, including We value the preservation of natural
Mahinga kai - Kei te ora te engage in.
whether it is palatable and safe. coastal characteristics and landforms
be specific to health and safety concerns.
for other values).
mauri (the mauri of the where our freshwater connect to coastal
place is intact) Birds and marine mammals Water supply Community wellbeing and
Human health for waters. Managing our coast, particularly
connectedness
recreation Customary resources are available for We value birdlife and wildlife in
Water quality and quantity is sufficient for
our estuaries is an important part of
use, customary practices are able to freshwater, estuarine, and related coastal meeting the National Policy Statement This generally considers how our
Our waterways support people being able water to be taken and used for drinking
be exercised to the extent desired, and environments. This value generally for Freshwater Management. How water waterways can provide for people's social
to connect with the water through a range water supply.
tikanga and preferred methods are able to considers the required natural habitats, quality, quantity and flow can provide for values, including: mental and spiritual
of activities such as swimming, waka,
be practised. water quality and quantity to support Commercial and industrial recreational activities specific to coastal wellbeing; the importance of family
boating, fishing, mahinga kai, and water
specific birdlife, wildlife and marine life use and estuarine environments are also relationships and their ties to certain
skiing, in a range of different flows or levels.
Wai tapu that are valued by the community. There encapsulated in this value. waterways and natural locations; social
may be freshwater management units with Water quality and quantity can provide engagements and interactions around
Amenity and recreation Wai tapu represent the places where rituals
exceptional, natural, and iconic aesthetic for commercial and industrial activities. Heritage and water spaces; domestic related activities;
and ceremonies are performed, or where
We value recreational activities that do not features that provide for birds, wildlife and Attributes will need to be specific to archaeological values and overall human health and wellbeing.
there is special significance to tangata commercial or industrial requirements.
involve direct water immersion, but instead marine mammals. This value was identified through the
whenua. In providing for this value, the This value acknowledges the historical
take place adjacent to waterways. Amenity Share Your Wai survey responses.
wai tapu are free from human and animal Hydro-electric power importance placed on sites of cultural
and recreation generally refers to the role Fishing
waste, contaminants and excess sediment, generation and historical significance that people
that water quality and quantity, and the
with valued features and unique properties In waterways valued for fishing, the value, which may be represented through
natural characteristics that water provides Water quality and quantity and the physical
of the wai protected. numbers of fish are sufficient and suitable physical infrastructure, sites representing
in making our waterways desirable, as qualities of the waterways, including
for human consumption. In some areas, specific activities, and of cultural meaning
well as amenable to recreational activities hydraulic gradient and flow rate, can
fish abundance and diversity provide relating to ancestral connections.
indirectly incorporating water. This value provide for hydro-electric power generation.
a range in species and size of fish, and
was identified through the Share Your Wai
algal growth, water clarity and safety are
survey responses. Transport and tauranga
satisfactory for fishers. Attributes will
need to be specific to fish species such as waka
salmon, trout, tuna, lamprey, or whitebait. Transport and tauranga waka generally
refers to places to launch waka and water
craft, and appropriate places for waka to
land (tauranga waka).
12 Envirosouth December 2020 13
People, Water and Land People, Water and Land
Te Mana o te Tangata, Te Mana o te Tangata,
te Wai, te Whenua te Wai, te Whenua
PROGRAMME PROGRAMME
Ned takes the fear out of uncertainty
Often uncertainty
S
uch an expert is Ned on studying biochemistry and with a long resource management decisions, and how on people and although there’s a role complications, every time you pull one
communicating uncertainty, that career working for the former Department people are involved in that process.” for governance to make those decisions, thread another unravels and he knows the
is scary and not he’s been quietly named the “Ashley of Scientific and Industrial Research
Ned says he views his role as something
community opinions are key to that.” region has some big hurdles to overcome.
Bloomfield of Uncertainty” within the walls (DSIR), an engineering consultancy, NIWA
something people want of Environment Southland, as he helps and consulting to several ministries and
of a science interface and, now having It’s here where Ned is truly seeing the value “Like other parts of the country, Southland
had his own consulting company for eight of Southland’s Regional Forum setup. As a has quite a big challenge to achieve
to talk about, but for the People, Water and Land programme regional councils.
years, he’s been heavily involved in the firm believer in community collaborative environmental outcomes, but I think you
team and the Regional Forum, navigate
science communication the challenges of improving water quality.
He transitioned from pure science into challenge of managing land and water
resources in several regions around the
processes, he sees the work being
undertaken by the Regional Forum as
are following a good process and this has
been reflected by the Council and Te Ao
looking at the application of science in
specialist Ned Norton, Ned plays a key role within the technical
team for the People, Water and Land
policy development, because he saw there country. crucial in finding solutions that will work Marama board and the mature, respectful
acknowledging the programme as the co-lead for the science.
was a real gap for scientists in that space. for Southland. conversations being had.
“Although I have a strong interest in pure “Unfortunately this isn’t a case of “I also think the Iwi-Council relationship is
uncertainty is the key to A modest man, somewhat daunted by
science, I also have a really strong interest everybody will get what they want, but pretty special here.”
the title he’s been informally granted,
making progress. Ned has a science background, originally
in people and the process of making “If there was a solution that we hope to come up with solutions that
Meanwhile, Ned is also getting to enjoy
everybody can live with.
gave everybody what they some of what Southland has to offer and
wanted, it would be done “If there was a solution that gave exploring the beauty of what he’s working
everybody what they wanted, it would to help protect.
already and we wouldn’t be done already and we wouldn’t have a
“I love the Southland environment, I really
have a problem with water problem with water quality.”
enjoy what the region offers geographically
quality.” Ned describes the management of water and I’ve definitely been getting out and
and land resources as a bit of a tangle of about in it.”
NED NORTON
“There are new challenges and new
geography in every region, and you can’t
pull a solution from one region and just
apply it to another. However, the challenge
of the ‘commons’ is similar everywhere.”
Ned refers to the challenge of the commons
regularly – defining and identifying the
capacity of the common resources (water
and to an extent land) for use.
“There’s different people and different
personalities involved in coming up with
the right solutions in each region, but the
common challenge remains the same.”
As for the challenge of uncertainty, this
is where Ned has strong views. He says
being really open and transparent about
uncertainty is key to bridging the gap and
coming to solutions.
“We know quite a lot, we know the
direction we need to move in, we know
the approximate size of the change
required, but there are a whole lot of
value judgements and choices to be made
Ned Norton with Regional Forum member Kelsi Hayes. about how we get there. This all impacts The Nortons in Fiordland – Ned and his family, wife Tamsin and daughters Lena and Holly enjoyed
a road camping trip around Southland last summer, including time in Fiordland.
14 Envirosouth December 2020 15
People, Water and Land People, Water and Land
Te Mana o te Tangata, Te Mana o te Tangata,
te Wai, te Whenua te Wai, te Whenua
PROGRAMME PROGRAMME
Papatuanuku Community aspirations
Te Matua O Te Tangata at the table
Mother Earth is man’s parent The Regional Forum’s Continuing to bring the community’s
perspective to the table is critical to the
management. The fundamental concept
of Te Mana o Te Wai shifts us to a slightly
By Stewart Bull work is pioneering in forum’s work. different space. We need to understand
what it means to weave this into our work.”
nature says deputy “Community input in our next phase of
All nations, all people work is essential. We’ll be sharing ideas There’s no shortage of things to be getting
chair Phil Morrison.
give reference in one with the community and seeking feedback on with in a multi-layered, challenging
E
as we work towards solutions. environment.
form or other to our stablished in April 2019, the forum is a
community-based group and its role The forum’s diverse membership reflects
planet as Mother Earth. is to advise Environment Southland a cross-section of Southland interests and
and Te Ao Marama Inc (TAMI) on how to “Community input in knowledge.
I our next phase of work is
s the reasoning we describe our planet as achieve the community’s aspirations for Phil hails from a farming family who
mother because we all recognise we are freshwater as part of Te Mana o te Tangata,
reliant on our mother to provide for us? Te Wai, Te Whenua – the People, Water and
essential. We’ll be sharing originally settled in the Waikaka Valley
in 1875. He’s spent most of his working
When I talk about us, I give reference to all Land programme. ideas with the community life in the NZ Army before returning to
living flora and fauna.
“I’m optimistic about this process. The
and seeking feedback as we Southland in 2015. He now contracts in
Therefore, because we are reliant on Regional Forum offers us an opportunity to work towards solutions.” leadership development, strategic change,
Papatuanuku, (Mother Earth) to sustain accelerate our learning about freshwater innovation, and design thinking.
us, then surely we must treat her with the management across Southland and find PHIL MORRISON
He says the forum is a worthwhile
reverence she deserves. ways to improve collaboration.” endeavour that’s important for Southland.
A person of right mind would never do any The forum’s early work focused on “It excites me to have this opportunity to
action that would compromise the health developing as a team and building “We also see there is an opportunity to
make a difference to water quality and
of their mother, as to do so would disable knowledge to understand the issues create a better understanding around
biodiversity outcomes.”
her ability to give her best to those reliant Southland faces. Since then, it’s been Māori perspectives of freshwater
on her. As we all are! working to understand the community and
iwi values and objectives for freshwater,
This brings to mind the well-known proverb,
and getting to grips with the current state
'you reap what you sow'. So the question
of Southland’s environment.
we all need to ask ourselves is, “What are
we sowing now and what is it that we will Now it’s down to the business end –
reap?” The consequences of that action will In 2018 Stewart Bull received his Queen's Service Medal for services to conservation and advising on the options available to
not be only for us to bear, but also for the Māori from Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy. achieve the community's values and
future generations to also bear. freshwater objectives by considering the
impacts, timing, targets, limits, methods,
If one looks around, one will notice that STEWART BULL – QSM and policy context.
Papatuanuku (Mother Earth) is being
compromised at this time. Are we doing all Stewart Bull is a member of the Southland Conservation Board and represents the There’s a lot to grapple with in reflecting the
the right things to address that pressure, board on the Murihiku Kaitiaki Roopu. He is also chair of the Rakiura Tītī Committee, community’s view when there’s a complex
to keep her in good health, to make sure as well as a member of Predator Free Rakiura and Predator Free Southland, Whenua web of national policies and regional plans
the future generations have the ability to Hou Committee, Fiordland Marine Guardians, the Rakiura Tītī Island Administering to distil into action and real change.
at least partake of the fruits of the Earth as Body and on the Cra8 Management Board.
But Phil sees the timing of the forum’s
we have had those opportunities? I would
Stewart has always had an interest and participated in environment and resource work as fortuitous.
suggest not.
management and has always felt the concept of Kaitiakitanga/stewardship is a
“There is a dynamic element to this.
This is our watch team, our children and responsibility he has an absolute obligation to. Stewart has worked closely with the
We are fortunate that we were midway
their children are relying on us to do the Department of Conservation and was an honorary fisheries officer.
through our work when the National Policy
right thing.
In June 2018, he was the recipient of the QSM, for services to Maori Community and Statement for Freshwater Management
As Sir Mick Jagger once said, “You can’t Environment. was updated.”
always get what you want, but if you try,
you can get what you need!” Phil Morrison
16 Envirosouth December 2020 17
What’s in the air inside your home?
Wanting to understand what they are breathing inside their home was the
driver behind Colin and Norma Anderson getting involved in an air quality
project run by NIWA.
T
he indoor air sensor project, Colin says after hearing Ian speak about source of heat – especially if they have a
supported by Environment the issues with air quality in the city and good source of firewood, but it is worrying
Southland and South Alive, is part the implications this has for everybody’s the damage poor air quality can do.”
of a bigger project involving a network health, he was very keen to be involved
Colin was surprised to hear how much
of outdoor sensors measuring air quality in a project that would help provide
air pollution had been measured inside
across Invercargill city. information that could drive change to
homes in previous studies, often homes
improve the situation.
NIWA principal air quality scientist Ian which were much more airtight or even
Longley says members of the South Alive “I was aware of air quality monitoring. had ventilation systems installed.
community group were keen to get involved As the former principal of St George
“It’s easy to measure what’s in the
in the project after he spoke to them earlier School (now Fernworth), I knew we had
environment outside, but more difficult to
in the year, and three of the HauHau indoor an Environment Southland air quality
know what is happening inside people’s
sensors were provided to be shared among monitoring station on the corner of
homes. What you are breathing in when
homes for two week periods. Pomona Street and Tramway Road, close
you are sitting in the lounge watching TV
to the school grounds, but I didn’t really
In each of the homes, the sensors measure could be quite concerning – that’s why we
know much more than that.
temperature, humidity, CO2 and PM2.5 every have the sensor here – to find out what is
minute. The goal is to provide some insight “However, as a founding member of South going on.”
into how airtight or leaky the homes are; Alive, I’m very keen to see the housing
Colin says he’s conscious of living a
how much air pollution is being generated stock in South Invercargill improved. There
sustainable life, with an electric vehicle South Alive member Colin Anderson with the indoor air quality sensor he had in his home as part of a NIWA study to measure indoor air pollution.
indoors and how much is coming in from are lots of older homes with fires and for
and solar panels on his home and being a
outdoors. many it’s still the best and most efficient
participant in a study is always interesting. “Our South Invercargill community were
In this case, he says it’s been really easy. keen to be part of this pilot study to
The relatively unobtrusive sensor only “There are lots of older monitor air quality within their homes.
OUTDOOR AIR QUALITY needs to be near a plug and sitting at
homes with fires and for South Alive tackles issues through
about the height you would be breathing community-led development; we are keen
NIWA, in conjunction with Environment
at most of the time in the room it is in. many it’s still the best and to be involved as the project expands and
Southland, has this year fitted a network
of ODINs to light poles throughout The sensor has its own network setup
most efficient source of identifies the air quality issues, as we are
Invercargill, as part of a project to provide and feeds data directly to NIWA who heat – especially if they interested in the long term benefits that
will help residents understand air quality
detailed data about smoke patterns. will provide an assessment back to the have a good source of issues, improve their health and reduce air
homeowner at the end of the study.
The ODINs are compact devices that firewood, but it is worrying pollution in South Invercargill.”
measure particulate matter every few Colin says he’s really looking forward to
minutes and feed the data back to NIWA finding out the results.
the damage poor air quality
who provide near real-time 24-hour can do.”
“Particulates aren’t visible so it will be
animations on their website.
interesting to measure them and see what COLIN ANDERSON
Animations and data from the Invercargill is going on. I’m also looking forward to
ODINs are available on the NIWA website - seeing if this project can be expanded next
niwa.co.nz year.”
Meanwhile, South Alive community
Ian says once data is gathered from development and operations manager
the sensors, it will be merged with data Julz Orr says South Alive took the
Environmental technical officer Grace from the outdoor sensors to provide opportunity to assist NIWA to connect with
Smith and air quality scientist Owen West assessments of the individual homes and community volunteers as it fits well with
fit an ODIN (outdoor dust information there will be a hui at South Alive to provide their goals.
node) to a pole in Grasmere. some feedback.
18 Envirosouth December 2020 19Bluff foreshore gets a makeover Dumping
garden waste
spreads weeds
After seeing decades of neglect and invasion of weeds, the Bluff foreshore Did you know that three-quarters
of New Zealand’s weeds are garden
environment is being restored to its former glory through a multi-year escapees?
partnership project with the local community. Many pest plants in Southland have
come as a result of dumped garden
B
luff’s coast was once a thriving individual plants. However the weed “We needed to get the community on cloak to a thriving, species diverse forest/ here, and would normally nest and thrive in waste at reserves, beaches and rivers.
environment, full of native plants threatened to grow out of control, and it board for a number of reasons. First off ngahere around Motupōhue.” those coastal habitats,” says Estelle. A dump pile might be 99% grass
and birdlife. Over time, non-native was clear that action had to come swiftly it’s a big job to plant out the entire area, clippings, but it only takes a
The Invercargill City Council, Bluff Hill “Places where the forest meets the sea are
plants and scrub took over the area, and effectively. and even more so the maintenance of it. couple of seeds or tiny pieces of
Motupōhue Environment Trust, Bluff 2024, very rare in Southland, so everything we
with brambles and weeds tangled up in It was also an opportunity to stop weed a weed within the clippings, and
“German ivy is currently only found in and Te Korowai Whakahou Native Plant can do to support the recovery of these
amongst it. problems right at the source, by getting once it’s established it can be time
Bluff so there’s still an opportunity to Nursery all support the project, providing coastal sites for seabirds that need this consuming and expensive to rid.
people to think about where they dump
One of those weeds is German ivy – a completely eradicate it from the region. plants and hands to do the mahi. habitat is a win-win, and the Runanga
their garden waste,” says Becky. The right thing to do is to take your
pest plant that needs to be eradicated If we ignore German ivy now, then in ten support that strongly.”
In a series of volunteer planting events garden waste to an approved landfill.
from Southland under the Regional Pest years’ time we will wish we could go back Estelle Pera-Leask from the Bluff Hill
that will continue until at least 2022, the Becky says the project so far has had
Management Plan. It has the potential to today and do something about it.” Motupōhue Environment Trust says the
stretch of coast along Marine Parade is tremendously positive feedback.
to cause significant damage as it’s local community seized the opportunity
fast-growing and smothers our native
To achieve complete eradication, an
with both hands, to make a real difference.
being rejuvenated in several stages. So
“It’s great to see how the project has been To find out more about weeds
ambitious project was discussed with local far, over 820 eco-sourced plants have and how to control them
vegetation, making room for more weeds. picked up and embraced by the community.
community groups. The vegetation along “The area had been unloved for such a gone into the ground and been fitted with
Environment Southland biosecurity officer the entire foreshore area that’s harbouring long time, and it was an opportunity to biodegradable plant guards.
What started out as weed control work effectively, visit the
ended up as this massive project with
Becky Goodsell says when German ivy was the ivy would need to be removed, and bring back the native plants that used to Southland Pest Hub
“We hope the work will encourage penguins benefits for the environment and people.”
first discovered along the Bluff foreshore
in 2012, the approach was to spot-spray
then planted out to prevent the re-
establishment of weeds.
be abundant here. This project brings us
one step closer to restoring the korowai/
to come back, which we know used to visit www.pesthub.es.govt.nz
German ivy is a difficult weed to control. Its vines can extend rapidly, running for several metres
in darkness before breaking through to the light and leafing. Once established, it smothers native
vegetation and opens areas up to more aggressive weed species.
Local residents re-plant the Bluff foreshore area at a volunteer planting day in September.
(PHOTO: Yvonne Pickford)
Many common garden weeds such as old man’s beard grow from small fragments and are easily
spread from dumped piles.
20 Envirosouth December 2020 21Updates Time to think On the farm
about...
SILAGE – If you’re starting to make silage,
DECEMBER
CAN I SWIM
make sure your cut grass is properly wilted
before chopping and storing. This will
POTATO WART – If you’re pulling up your
HERE? spuds for Christmas lunch, keep an eye out
for potato wart, a nasty looking fungus that
considerably reduce liquid leaching from
the silage stack. Stacks need to be 50
metres from any waterways, wetlands or By KARL ERIKSON
turns potatoes to mush. It’s important to Principal land sustainability officer
potable water. Silage should not be stored
contact us if you suspect you have potato
on land that can become wet from springs,
wart in your crop, as it needs to be dealt Recent announcements by central
seepage, high water tables, or stormwater
with correctly to avoid jeopardising our government have highlighted the
run-off.
lucrative commercial potato industry. importance of a farm environment plan.
You might also know that the proposed
CHECK, CLEAN, DRY – Lots of us will be
Southland Water and Land Plan requires
out enjoying Southland’s rivers and lakes
www.lawa.org.nz this summer, so remember to Check, FEBRUARY all farms over 20 hectares to have a Farm
Environmental Plan (FEP) in place by now.
Clean and Dry all your fishing and boating
FIREWOOD – Summer is perfect for
equipment to ensure you don’t spread any We know there is some uncertainty
thinking about future firewood supplies.
unwanted freshwater pests. around this, but either way, farm plans
Check before you Proposed plan Annual Plan Get it in now and store it correctly to
ensure it has less than 25 percent moisture
are important.
NODDING THISTLE – This time of year
swim update Environment Southland approved nodding thistle is flowering and should be content when it is time to burn it. Stack it You need an FEP that sets out priorities
its Annual Plan 2020-21 in June. targeted for control. If you’ve got nodding in a crisscross pattern to allow for airflow and actions to mitigate all of the farm’s
Environment Southland checks The proposed Southland Water
Its focus is on striking a balance thistle on your property, be a good between the wood to dry it effectively. Go environmental risk points. Some of these
for E. coli and faecal coliforms and Land Plan appeals are
between meeting growing neighbour and destroy all plants within 50 to www.BreatheEasySouthland.co.nz for a risk points include: a fencing and planting
at our river and lake sites, and currently moving through the
expectations to deliver on metres of a boundary. list of Good Wood suppliers. programme for the farm’s waterways, a
enterococci at our beach and formal Environment Court process,
increasingly complex projects carefully considered approach and plan
estuaries through its summer and are being heard by the Court in WALLABIES – The animals, not the rugby
and recovering financially from for winter grazing, and identifying and
water sampling programme. two parts – Topic A (the structure type, are capable of causing huge impacts
COVID-19. planning how to manage critical source
and background of the plan as well
These bacteria can make people
sick, so make sure you check the
as the objectives and high-level The annual plan forecasts a deficit JANUARY on Southland’s biodiversity and economy
if they get established here. This includes
areas. Some of Southland’s farmers
will have such plans already in place.
policies) and Topic B (remaining of $2.7 million and set the overall preventing regeneration of native bush,
latest results on the Land, Air, MUSTELIDS (ferrets and stoats) – These The question I would ask is, how many
policies and the rules). rates increase at 4.9 percent, which depletion of forest understorey and
Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website – pests have just been through their annual farmers are keeping their FEPs relevant to
was lower than the 5.9 percent damage to tall tussock grasslands. They
www.lawa.org.nz – before diving in. The court released an interim spring/summer breeding season. They’re the farm and up to date?
forecast in the Long-term Plan also compete heavily with livestock for
decision on Topic A in December a deadly menace to other wildlife, so now
Results of the sampling aren't 2018-2028. Keeping the FEP relevant to the farm and
2019, and further interim decisions is a good time to set some traps around pasture and crop. Wallabies are spreading
available immediately and things up to date is as necessary as obtaining
in June and July. The matters within The deficit is due to a COVID- duck ponds, chicken coops, streams and out from their home range of South
can change quickly, so it’s important the farm plan in the first instance. It can
Topic A are coming to a close. These related reduction in income from bush areas. Canterbury and moving through Otago. If
to make your own decisions. be as easy as taking a photo of any good
changes include the addition of marine fees paid by cruise ships to you happen to see or suspect a wallaby in
RAGWORT – At this time of year ragwort Southland, please report this immediately management practices, such as a newly
Before you dive in, here are some an Interpretation Statement, some Fiordland, and from the Council’s
plants which have made it through to to the biosecurity team at Environment fenced and planted riparian area or a
handy tips: revised wording and re-ordering of investment portfolio.
flowering should be targeted for control. Southland. series of photos showing how the winter
• Think about the recent weather the objectives and alterations to
The Council has cut expenditure Remember to be a good neighbour and crop was managed.
conditions. Avoid swimming some of the policies.
and has a strategy to return to a destroy all ragwort within 20 metres of a
when it’s been raining the day We are currently preparing for the balanced budget by 2024-25.
or two before.
Topic B matters and are hoping
boundary where the adjoining property is For more information
carrying out cattle, deer or horse grazing.
• Get familiar with the area – to be able to commence some contact our land
know where any drains or other limited mediation before Christmas. sustainability team on
outlets might be, and keep Further next steps and timing will
them downstream of where 0800 76 88 45.
you’re swimming.
be determined by the court. To find out more about pest animals and weeds
• Generally, if you are standing in
To stay up-to-date on this in Southland, including control advice and the
process, go to www.es.govt.nz/
knee deep water and can see
waterandland. latest rules, visit our Southland Pest Hub at
your toes, you should be OK.
www.pesthub.es.govt.nz
22 Envirosouth December 2020 23You can also read
