Canterbury Water
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee The Lower Waitaki Zone Committee is a joint committee of the Waimate District Council, Waitaki District Council and Environment Canterbury. The Committee comprises “local” people planning locally – the members are: Robin Murphy, Chair (community member) Kate White, Deputy Chair (community member) Anne Te Maiharoa Dodds (community member) Andrew Cocking (community member) Matthew Ross (community member) Andrew Feierabend (Meridian Energy) Mandy Home (Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua) Te Wera King (Te Rūnanga o Waihao) Patrick Tipa (Te Rūnanga o Moeraki) Geoff Keeling (Waitaki District Council) Peter McIlraith (Waimate District Council) Peter Skelton (Environment Canterbury)
(see http://ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/canterburywater/committees/ lower-waitaki/Pages/membership.aspx for background information on committee members)
With support from Elly Finnerty – Waitaki District Council Michelle Heal – Waimate District Council Melanie Schauer – Environment Canterbury For more information contact [email protected]
Ko te wai ko te mauri o te whenua ka takoto mai nei. Kia ora ai nga mea katoa ki uta ki tai e. Water is the lifeforce of the land that lays here. For the wellbeing of all things from the mountains to the sea. Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
• Geographical scope...... 6
• Scope of the Zone Implementation Programme...... 6
• Boundaries with other water management zones and Otago Regional Council...... 6
• Zone Committee Process...... 7 PART 2: LOWER WAITAKI AND COASTAL SOUTH CANTERBURY ZONE - OVERVIEW...... 8
• Water resources...... 8.
• Context...... 9 PART 3: IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK...... 12
• Key Principles...... 12
• Priority Outcomes...... 12
• Kaitiakitanga...... 12
• Future directions...... 14 PART 4: RECOMMENDED ACTIONS...... 15
• Waitaki River...... 15
• Hakataramea River...... 19
• Wainono Lagoon and catchment...... 21
• Biodiversity...... 23
• Drinking Water...... 28.
• Water and nutrient management...... 30
Appendices
• APPENDIX 1: CWMS Vision, Principles, and Targets ...... 33
• APPENDIX 1.2: Zone Committee...... 34
• APPENDIX 1.3: List of Presentations and Reports to the Zone Committee...... 35
• APPENDIX 2: Wainono catchment map ...... 36
• APPENDIX 3: Hakataramea catchment map ...... 38.
• APPENDIX 4: Overview of the Immediate Steps Programme ...... 41
• APPENDIX 5: NRRP Stock Exclusion Factsheet ...... 45
• APPENDIX 6: Glossary...... 47
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 1 2 Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 3 4 Executive Summary
This Zone Implementation Programme has been produced under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) and is a non-statutory document. It has been prepared by the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee through a collaborative process. It is a collection of integrated actions and tactics to give effect to the CWMS in the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone and is a living document.
The main features of this implementation programme are:
• Waitaki River and tributaries • Hakataramea catchment approach • Wainono Lagoon and Catchment • Biodiversity Protection • Drinking Water • Water and Nutrient Management The Zone Committee considers the delivery of the recommendations of this ZIP and future ZIPs will be largely through catchment groups that take an integrated and collaborative approach to water management.
Chairman’s Comment The Zone Committee for the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone has a wide diversity of experience and desire to work with the community for the betterment of all issues within the zone and has worked as a team to achieve our first ZIP. Our ZIP has been achieved with very good support and interest by the wider community and excellent support from Environment Canterbury, Waitaki and Waimate District Councils and their staff associated with the ZIP, it has been a pleasure chairing such a dedicated Zone Committee.
Robin Murphy Chair – Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 5 PART 1: introDUCTION
The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) provides a path toward improving the management and use of Canterbury’s water resources. The Strategy takes a regional approach to achieving collaborative and sustainable water management. The CWMS, initiated in 2005 by the Canterbury Mayoral Forum, is a collaborative process between the Canterbury Regional Council, the ten territorial authorities of Canterbury and Ngāi Tahu, as well as key environmental and industry stakeholders.
The desired outcome of the CWMS is “To enable present and future generations to gain the greatest social, economic, recreational and cultural benefits from our water resources within an environmentally sustainable framework.” A set of ten targets provides the strategy with a sense of direction and balance, and ensures that all aspects of the solution are advanced in parallel. Achieving continued economic production and environmental quality are key to the strategy.
The role of the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee is to work with the community to prepare a Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP). This outlines a series of actions for integrated water management for the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone. This ZIP is the first version and contains recommendations principally for actions in the next three years, but with a long-term horizon also in view. The ZIP is a living document and the Zone Committee will review progress against it and update it as required.
For more information on the CWMS, including principles and targets, see Appendix 1.
1.1 GEOGRAPHICal SCOPE 1.3 BOUNDARIES WITH OTHER WATER MANAGEMENT ZONES AND The geographical area covered by the ZIP includes the Waitaki River and its tributaries below the Waitaki dam, OTAGO REGIONAL COUNCIL Wainono lagoon and its tributaries including the Waihao and Hook Rivers and the Makikihi and Otaio Rivers. The Waitaki River catchment is split between the Upper Waitaki and Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury The Zone includes all of the Waimate District and part of Zones. Water management and land use in the Upper Waitaki District (including the rural towns of Duntroon Waitaki Zone will impact on the Lower Waitaki South and Kurow). Coastal Canterbury Zone. The two committees have held joint meetings and will continue to work together to 1.2 SCOPE OF ZONE ensure an integrated approach to water management of the Waitaki River. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME Some parts of the southern tributary catchments of This ZIP is intended to direct the implementation of the Waitaki River are in Otago Regional Council and not the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) in the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone. in the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone. Land use in this area could affect waterways in the It contains 53 recommendations for Environment Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone. The Zone Canterbury, Waimate and Waitaki District Councils, and Committee will seek to ensure an integrated approach other agencies. This ZIP aims to address all the CWMS to water management is taken that reflects drainage targets together. boundaries rather than administrative boundaries. The Zone Committee will encourage the regional councils The ZIP is not a statutory document under the Resource to work together as appropriate on water and land Management Act and the Zone Committee does not management in these tributary catchments. have the power to commit any Council to any path or expenditure. However the ZIP carries the weight of the wide commitment to the CWMS, of Councils, Rūnanga, and the community and a wide range of agencies and interest- and industry-groups.
6 1.4 ZONE COMMITTEE PROCESS
The Zone Committee operates under the collaborative The draft ZIP was released in late October 2011 and CWMS approach and consensual decision making has comments and feedback called for by 25 November been sought on all committee decisions. 2011. Public meetings were held prior to the development of the ZIP and then post the development The Zone Committee has had 13 meetings and of the draft ZIP at locations across the zone (Duntroon, workshops since orientation in October 2010. The Kurow, Glenavy, Oamaru, Waimate and St Andrews). Committee has undertaken field trips including to the Waitaki River Mouth, North Otago Irrigation Scheme, Feedback from the community was generally Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company Intake, Hakataramea constructive, many felt a strong need for improved catchment, Wainono lagoon and adjoining farm, a dairy opportunities for information sharing and dialogue farm in Duntroon, Otaio River and the Maerewhenua between agencies and the community. There was a strong Irrigation Scheme. The Committee had a joint hui at call for improvement in water quality to protect streams Moeraki Marae with the Upper Waitaki Zone Committee. and their ecosystems. Support for catchment groups was The Committee has engaged directly with community strong. Improved science and support around nutrient groups, industry and government agencies, including management was requested. Many sought improved Waihao Wainono Water Users Group, Friends of access to reliable water to safeguard livelihoods. The Kelceys Bush, South Canterbury Public Health officers, collaborative approach to restoring Wainono was strongly MAF, Irrigation NZ, Fish & Game, Lower Waitaki River supported. The protection and enhancement of wetlands Management Society, Hakataramea landholders, was seen by many as a priority. The Hakataramea Waimate Rod and Gun Club, Federated Farmers, community supported actions to improve relationships Meridian Energy and Riparian Enhancement Society. between Environment Canterbury and their community via working together on initiatives that will bring about The Committee received briefings on groundwater a collaborative approach to address water management resources in the Zone, regional planning, water matters in the catchment. Improved ability to store quality and nutrient management, water resources water and improved flows through willow removal in and allocation including reliability of supply, drinking the Hakataramea catchment was strongly supported. water, irrigation, Tangata Whenua cultural values and Meeting the national standards for drinking water aspirations, indigenous vegetation and biodiversity, quality was consistently raised as an issue for small rural the Waitaki Catchment Allocation Regional Plan, communities. biodiversity protection, Wainono lagoon, future climate projections, audited self management, strategic water As part of developing the draft ZIP, the Committee storage options and recreational values associated with established three working groups to help develop the some of the waterways in the Zone. actions and tactics to help achieve these outcomes. This involved nine working group meetings. The working The Committee identified priority outcomes for groups were: implementing the CWMS in the Zone and held community meetings to discuss these. The priority • Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Regional Plan, outcomes include: • Biodiversity and Wainono, • water quality and nutrient management, • Water quality and lowland streams. • reliability of supply, This final ZIP is to be submitted to Environment • Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Regional Plan, Canterbury, Waimate District Council and Waitaki District Council in March 2012. • Wainono lagoon and catchment, Environment Canterbury provides staff to facilitate • Hakataramea catchment needs, the committee process with Waitaki District Council • biodiversity protection. providing the secretarial support.
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 7 Part 2: Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone – Water Resources and ContexT
2.1 Water Resources (freshwater crayfish), with aua (yellow-eyed mullet) and mohoao (black flounder) being found at the mouth. The Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone includes the large alpine Waitaki River, the hill-fed The recreational and sports fishery values in the Waitaki Maerewhenua and Hakataramea Rivers, the Waihao River are important regionally and nationally. The river River, its tributaries and the Wainono Lagoon, and the supports brown trout, rainbow trout and salmon fisheries, groundwater zones of Waikakahi and Welcome Streams, and is highly valued for its ‘big river’ characteristics. Makikihi, Waimate, Whitneys Creek, Otaio, Hook, Waihao and Waitaki. The Zone has a network of spring- Hakataramea River fed streams and lagoons in the coastal zone. The Hakataramea River is a major tributary of Waitaki River with a catchment area of about 8.9,000ha. It joins Lower Waitaki River the Waitaki River at Kurow. The name literally means ‘the waterway of tears’ and the Waitaki is often referred to in oratory as representing Rainfall in the Hakataramea valley is low (450mm in the the tears of Aoraki, which spill into Lake Pukaki and lower reaches) and river flows are low, particularly in eventually make their way south along the river to the summer, and variable year-to-year. The mean flow of 3 coast. Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Waitaki River are the Hakataramea River is 4.8.m /s at Wrights Crossing and 3 ancestral mountain and river and are tribally significant 5.7m /s at the Hakataramea main road bridge. to Tangata Whenua. The Waitaki was a traditional route The Hakataramea Catchment water resources are more to the mahinga kai resources in inland North Otago and limited than those of the rest of the Waitaki Catchment Waitaki Valley. and the Hakataramea River and its tributaries are The Waitaki River has New Zealand’s fourth largest considered to be fully allocated for irrigation and stock flow with a mean flow (1927 -2000) at the Waitaki Dam water. In a dry summer, water takes can put pressure on of 359 m3/s. It is fed predominantly by water flowing river health. from the main divide mountains. The ice- and snow-fed The Hakataramea is culturally significant to Tangata upper catchment has a strong seasonal flow regime with Whenua as an important source of mahinga kai, and summer peaks produced by heavy rain and snow/glacial also as an alternative route inland. The catchment melt, and the lowest flows in winter. The glacial lakes of was a noted and popular indigenous fishery, offering Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau influence flows downstream tuna (eel), kanakana (lamprey), kōkopu, waikōura by dampening flood peaks and modifying flood flows (freshwater crayfish) and waikākahi (freshwater into the lower catchment. This natural storage, together mussel). There are wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga with the control of lake levels by hydro-electricity associated with the river. development, regulates downstream flow.
Below the Waitaki Dam, the river widens to become a The Hakataramea River system provides excellent large, braided river, flanked in places by wetlands, with a spawning grounds for trout and salmon, and it is the coastal lagoon where it reaches the sea. Along the length major salmon spawning tributary of the Waitaki River. of both banks of the Lower Waitaki River, small rivers and The river is also a popular locality for swimming, picnics, streams (including the Hakataramea River, Elephant Hill camping and fishing, especially in the lower reaches. and Waikakahi Streams, Awakino River, Otekaieke River, Native fish found in the catchment include long-finned Maerewhenua River, and Welcome Creek/Whakapapa and short-finned eels, kanakana/lamprey, kōaro, Ariki) flow into the main stream. Collectively these common river galaxias, common bully and upland bully. tributaries, which have peak flows in winter, provide two The Hakataramea valley provides important habitat percent of the river flow. for New Zealand’s most threatened and rarest fish, The river provides water to towns and communities, the Lowland longjaw galaxias (Galaxias cobitinis). This including Oamaru and parts of the Waimate District, galaxis is currently only known from two locations in the and is a nationally important source of electricity and Hakataramea Valley. hydro-electricity storage. The river provides water for significant irrigation both in and out of the catchment. Waihao River and Wainono Lagoon The Lower Waitaki River is noted for its indigenous The Waihao River – Wainono Lagoon catchment fisheries, including tuna (eel), inaka kōkopu and stretches from the Hook River in the north to the kōaro (whitebait), kanakana (lamprey) and waikōura Waihao River in the south. Waihao River is a medium
8 sized braided river, with mean flow of about 4m3/s. The Waitaki is part of the whakapapa of Aoraki and It flows across a lowland coastal floodplain before his brothers whose waka ran aground and created entering the sea either at its mouth through an the Southern Alps. The waters of the Waitaki are artificial wooden structure known as the Waihao Box, sacred to Ngāi Tahu because they all whakapapa to or when the box opening is blocked, into the Wainono the mauka and the awa (river). Ngāi Tahu considers Lagoon via the Dead Arm. While river flow frequently this river to be a taonga left by the ancestors to ceases at SH1 bridge during summertime the flow provide and sustain life. All the waterways and their increases downstream as a result of environmental associated tributaries, wetlands and springs in the flow of Waitaki River water from the Morven Glenavy zone are considered significant resources, of cultural, Irrigation Scheme and groundwater recharge, and spiritual and mahinga kai source as well as of historical becomes permanent in the lower reaches of the river. importance to Ngāi Tahu. Water is central to the Ngāi Tahu resource management philosophy ‘ki uta ki tai’ Wainono Lagoon is the most significant wetland between – from the mountains to the sea. For Ngāi Tahu this Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and the Karitane Estuary requires a holistic view of the world and integration in Otago. It is a water body of national importance and co-operation between agencies, legislation and and represents about a quarter of all saline/estuarine management frameworks. wetland areas in South Canterbury. A significant number of wetland bird species have been recorded at Wainono. The ability to gather and share food is a cornerstone Canterbury mudfish are found in the area. of Ngāi Tahu society, tradition, and mana and is reliant on water that is fit for human consumption and able The lower Waihao and Wainono Lagoon have special to support mahinga kai species as well as a healthy significance for Tangata Whenua with its rich history of ecosystem. Important areas for food gathering in the occupation and use which continues today. Zone have been the coastal wetlands, the Waitaki River and mouth, and rivers such as the Waihao, Waikakahi Wainono lagoon is important for recreation, with some and Welcome Stream. A number of waterways 350 shooters there during the waterfowl season. Waihao traditionally used for food gathering are no longer in a River is an important sports fishery. state that supports the provision of safe food, which is of grave concern to Tangata Whenua. Lowland Streams and Coastal Lagoons The waterways in the lowlands of the Zone are made up of a mixture of spring fed streams such as the Waikakahi, and hill fed streams such as the Otaio. Many • The takiwā of Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua centres of these lowland waterways are important for native and on Arowhenua (Temuka) and extends from Rakaia sportsfish species, and hold a special place in the hearts to Waitaki, sharing interests with Ngāi Tūāhuriri and minds of local Tangata Whenua. between Hakatere and Rakaia, and thence inland to Aoraki and the Main Divide. Groundwater • The takiwā of Te Rūnanga o Waihao centres on The main groundwater storage areas in the Zone are Wainono, sharing interests with Te Rūnanga o found in the lower Waitaki valley downstream of Black Arowhenua to the Waitaki, and extends inland to Point. The groundwater flow in the lower Waitaki valley Omarama and the Main Divide. is complex, with flow from both the aquifer to the river and from the river to the aquifer, and to the sea. • The takiwā of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki centres on Moeraki and extends from the Waitaki to the 2.2 Context Waihemo and inland to the Main Divide. Tangata Whenua Aoraki te mauka teitei Aoraki is the tallest mountain Waitaki kā roimata The Waitaki are its tears Community Water Supplies Waimate District has seven rural water supplies (stock The Tangata Whenua (people of the land) are Kāti and drinking water), one urban water scheme and the Hawea, Rapuwai, Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe and Ngāi Tahu. wastewater treatment plant in the Waimate Urban area. The water quality across the district is such that there is The Lower Waitaki zone is part of the Waitaki catchment a heavy reliance on water treatment to maintain Ministry that starts in Te Tiritiri o te Moana (Southern Alps) and of Health drinking water standards. Waitaki District has flows down into Te Moananui a Kiwa (Pacific Ocean) and seven community drinking water supplies in the Zone. is part of the rohe of Kāti Huirapa, who are represented Two supplies (Tokarahi and Otekaieke) take water from by Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, Te Rūnanga o Waihao, and tributaries to the Waitaki River, three supplies (Kurow, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki.
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 9 Duntroon and Lower Waitaki) take water from aquifers and Waitaki) where water is used for electricity around the Waitaki River, and two supplies (Awamoko generation. The storage reservoirs are critical to and Oamaru) take Waitaki River surface water from the enabling the traditionally higher summer inflows to Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company irrigation race. Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki to be retained so that hydro power can be generated cheaply and reliably during the Irrigation winter periods when consumer demand is highest. Water takes from the Lower Waitaki River irrigate an In addition to the existing stations, water consents estimated 8.0,000ha of land, 77,000ha of which is in the have been granted for the North Bank Hydro Project Waitaki Irrigators Collective. The two largest irrigation (Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone) and the schemes are the Lower Waitaki Irrigation Company on Pukaki Hydro Project (Upper Waitaki Zone). The North the south side of the river and the Morven-Glenavy- Bank Hydro Project proposes to take water from Lake Ikawai Irrigation Company on the north side. The Waitaki through a tunnel, canal and new power station command area of these schemes extends outside the and discharge it back into the Waitaki River about 34km Zone, taking water as far south as Oamaru and beyond downstream near Stonewall. the Waihao River to the north.
The North Otago Irrigation Company scheme uses the Local Economy same intake as the Lower Waitaki scheme. Its command The importance of the rural economy in the Zone is area is primarily in the Otago region with only a small notable, with more than 30% of local value added and part within the Zone. The Upper Waitaki Community employment based in primary production and food Irrigation Company takes water upstream of the Waitaki processing. The utilities sector, comprising mainly Dam, but its command areas is within the Zone. The electricity generation, transmission and distribution, Maerewhenua District Water Resource Company is a contributes 3% of local value added, but only 0.2% of small scheme irrigating land in the Duntroon area. In employment, reflecting its capital-intensive nature. addition to these community irrigation schemes, there are around 8.0 individual resource consents to abstract Tourism is an increasing contributor to Waimate’s water for irrigation purposes from the Waitaki River and economy with many free independent travellers visiting its tributaries in the lower catchment. the area and several major events organised annually to attract people into the district 1. There are two proposed irrigation schemes which will take water from the Waitaki River and irrigate Zone Demographics land outside of the catchment to the north, namely Waihao Downs Irrigation Scheme and Hunter Downs The Waimate District, all of which is within the Irrigation Scheme. Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone, has a population of 7,206 (based on 2006 census data - the estimated 2010 population was 7,550 2). The District’s Hydro-electricity population increased by 1.5% (108. people) between the The Waitaki Power Scheme is the largest electricity 2001 and 2006 censuses. generation scheme in New Zealand with Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki providing approximately 60% of the national Kurow and Duntroon, both within the Lower Waitaki- hydro storage. The scheme includes 8. power stations South Coastal Canterbury Zone but located in the with a combined generation capacity of over 1700 MW neighbouring Waitaki District, have populations of 339 and an annual average output of about 7700GWh. people and 114 people respectively (2006 census). The Waitaki Power Scheme uses water flows from the Waimate is the main urban area and service centre for Southern Alps into Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau and the district. The district is promoted for its heritage, and the Ahuriri River. Waters from Lakes Tekapo, Pukaki the cultural and social aspects of a rural lifestyle. People and Ohau are diverted into canals in the upper part of move to Waimate for the serenity and peacefulness the catchment to maximize electricity generation and the area offers, and new residents are encouraged by ultimately combine at Lake Benmore in conjunction the number of clubs and organisations which cater for with inflows from the Ahuriri Catchment. Below Lake almost every aspect of social and community life. Benmore there are two further lakes (Lakes Aviemore
1 Source: http://www.waimatedc.govt.nz/Waimate/AboutWaimate/ 2 Source: http://apps.nowwhere.com.au/StatsNZ/Maps/default.aspx
10 Regulatory Context facing the region and to achieve the integrated management of the natural and physical resources National Policy Statement (NPS) for of Canterbury. The 1998. RPS is currently in review Freshwater Management and a revised Regional Policy Statement should be operative in 2012. The 2011 proposed Regional The NPS for Freshwater Management came into effect Policy Statement incorporates the CWMS and on 1 July 2011. It directs regional councils to manage recognises the roles of the CWMS committees. fresh water in an integrated and sustainable way, while providing for economic growth within set environmental limits. It requires regional councils to take a limits-based Regional and District Planning approach to avoid over-allocation and enable cumulative effects to be better considered and managed. The NPS The Natural Resources Regional Plan (NRRP) and the also requires councils to work with iwi and hapū to Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Regional Plan are identify Tangata Whenua values and interests in fresh the major planning documents within the Zone. The water and reflect these in the management of, and Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Regional Plan decision-making regarding, fresh water. became operative in 2006. The NRRP became operative in June 2011 and provides statutory directions to manage natural and physical resources within the Zone. National Policy Statement (NPS) for Renewable Energy Generation (2011) Environment Canterbury is preparing a Land and Water This NPS confirms the crucial contribution of renewable Regional Plan that is to be publicly notified in July 2012. electricity generation (REG) to the well-being of New This Plan will replace parts of the NRRP relating to Zealand, its people and the environment, and that any water quality and quantity, the beds of lakes and rivers, reductions in existing REG will compromise achievement wetlands and soil conservation. It is intended that of the Government’s target of 90% of electricity from the Land and Water Regional Plan will include a sub- renewable sources by 2025. In light of this, local regional section that applies to the Lower Waitaki South authorities are required to recognise and provide for the Coastal Canterbury Zone. cumulative national, regional and local benefits of REG activities when developing policy and plan provisions, The Waimate and Waitaki District Councils District and assessing resource consent applications. Plans provide direction as to how the districts’ physical resources will be managed, in terms of use, development and protection. Canterbury Regional Policy Statement The Canterbury Regional Policy Statement (RPS) sets out objectives, policies and methods to resolve the significant resource management issues
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 11 Part 3: Implementation Framework
1. key Principles • Water quality, water use efficiency, reliability of supply • A ‘whole of waterway’ approach is taken to - improved waterway management, integrate management from the mountains to the sea – Ki Uta Ki Tai. The Zone Committee - development of shared extension programmes wishes to see activities integrated across through catchment groups. agencies and groups working together in an CWMS target areas: ecosystem health/biodiversity, outcome based approach. water use efficiency, Kaitiakitanga, irrigated land area, • Kaitiakitanga is integrated into each pathway economy, environmental limits with actions to address water quality and quantity concerns, provisions for improved • Wainono Lagoon customary use and the involvement of Tangata Whenua in water management being woven - restoration of Wainono – ki uta ki tai approach. through this document. Section 3.3 describes CWMS target areas: ecosystem health/biodiversity, Kaitiakitanga in more detail. Kaitiakitanga, recreation and amenity • The pathways and recommendations in this ZIP represent an integrated approach to water • The Hakataramea Catchment management and they are not to be considered - community supported to develop a catchment- in isolation. The Zone Committee recognises specific plan. the need for an integrated approach to water quality, quantity and land management. CWMS target areas: ecosystem health/biodiversity, recreation and amenity, irrigated land area, • The collaborative approach that has been environmental limits, economy used in the development of the CWMS and by the zone committee in developing this Implementation Programme must be • Biodiversity protection carried through to the implementation of the - Biodiversity of coastal lagoons, river mouths recommendations. and wetlands are protected with improved protection of grey scrub. - Native fish habitat in the head waters of the 2. Priority Outcomes Hakataramea is being actively protected. The Committee identified five outcome areas for action CWMS target areas: ecosystem health/biodiversity, that are specific to the Lower Waitaki South Coastal Kaitiakitanga. Canterbury Zone derived from the targets and goals of the CWMS. The Committee considers all outcomes are equally important, and the list below is not in any priority order. 3. kaitiakitanga The outcomes are for: Kaitiakitanga is the traditional Māori philosophy of • Lower Waitaki River resource management. Some of its key principles are: - reliability of supply, a) Whakapapa (Genealogies & Generations) – All elements of nature are related in space and time and - protection of mauri (life-force), therefore what happens ‘upstream’ will affect what - flows at the river mouth protect ecosystem happens ‘downstream’; health, b) Ki uta, ki tai (from the mountains to the sea) – Resource - enhancing recreational and amenity management is based on ‘catchments’ given that opportunities, what happens ‘upstream’ affects what happens - maintenance of existing electricity contribution. ‘downstream’;
CWMS target areas: ecosystem health/biodiversity, c) Mauri (life, health & vitality) – Mauri is the traditional braided rivers, Kaitiakitanga, recreation and amenity, measure of physical, spiritual and/or emotional irrigated land area, water use efficiency, energy, economy, wellbeing of people and places; environmental limits d) Wakawaka (Hunting & Gathering Grounds) – Traditional rights to access and use key resources (including
12 water) were collectively managed and premised on Ultimately, Ngāi Tahu seek outcomes from water that: one’s ability to uphold any associated responsibilities2; a) Sustain the physical and metaphysical health and well- e) Utu (Balance, Reciprocity) – Failure to uphold one’s being of waterways as a matter of first principle; responsibilities could result in the associated rights being removed or restricted. b) Ensure the continuation of customary in-stream values and uses; and The principles of Kaitiakitanga are best provided for c) Satisfy development aspirations. by weaving them throughout the ZIP and through implementation of the ZIP – not by relegating them into a single, stand-alone section. Therefore, particular issues TABLE 1: Tangata Whenua VALUES IN of concern to Tangata Whenua that they would like to see RELATION TO WATER addressed have been included in the recommendations. Flow must ensure that life-supporting Ngā wai / capacity and spiritual essence is Table 1 below provides further explanation of Tangata Mauri/Wairua maintained. Whenua values in relation to water. Natural character and flow variability is part of the life essence of the river. Tangata Whenua Rights and Interests The river is more than a source of water flow The Zone Committee notes that the issue of indigenous for abstraction. rights to fresh water lies beyond the purview of the CWMS and is not a matter that the Committee can resolve. That Maintaining water quality is part of said, the Committee recognises the following: respecting the river. Point and non-point source discharges a) That the relationship between Tangata Whenua and erode mauri values. freshwater is long-standing; Excessive abstractions adversely impact b) That Tangata Whenua’s relationship with water is mauri and wairua values. fundamental to their culture; Link between water quality and water c) That water per se is valued as a taonga of paramount quantity. importance; and Mixing of waters affects mauri and wairua d) That the obligations to protect and enhance the mauri values. of water are inter-generational and must apply to all those who benefit from the use of water. Wāhi ingoa / Place names often describe the physical It is worth noting that, notwithstanding the unresolved Place names environment, such as specific characteristics nature of their rights to fresh water, Ngāi Tahu have or uses associated with a waterway. Such made it very clear that economic development is vital characteristics or use may be dependent on for the region and for the nation, and that in their role as particular flow and water quality. kaitiaki, they need to be involved in all aspects of water Historically, flow may have determined safe management, including economic development. In Ara tawhito / river crossings. discussions, Tangata Whenua have been very clear that Historical trails sustainable economic development is fundamentally How the river flows, looks and behaves is dependent on sustaining healthy waterways. Poor water, all part of the environment experienced poor economy! No water, no economy! by travellers, and would have determined to some extent the location of nohoanga Tangata Whenua consider that water quality is the (camping and food-gathering sites) and other paramount determinant governing all land and water culturally important sites along the river. use and development, ensuring that land and water Reduced flows, land use and drainage have users share relative responsibility to protect, maintain Repo raupō / reduced the number of wetlands associated or enhance environmental values as a matter of first Wetlands with rivers and tributaries. Adequate order priority so that the water can continue to uphold flows are needed to maintain any remnant economic, social and cultural endeavour for generations wetlands. Wetlands are linked to water to come. quality in their functions as filtering water; they are the “kidneys” of the land.
2. Responsibilities include such things as (a) harvesting resources sustainably (e.g. leave breeders so next generations are provided for); and (b) preserving healthy habitats (e.g. adhering to any rāhui imposed – i.e. temporary restrictions placed on a given area or resource so that the mauri (life-supporting capacity) of that area or resource can be restored in the interests of present and future uses/users.
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 13 4. Future directions
The Committee has identified initial priority outcomes that it is working towards and some of the pathways that can deliver on these outcomes. This is a first step. The Committee anticipates further detail in subsequent ZIPs.
During the engagement and feedback process on the ZIP, the Committee identified a number of additional work streams and gaps in knowledge that will be addressed in their 2012 work programme including:
• Gravel Extraction
• Management of stock water races
• Stormwater management
• Drainage management
• Flood management
• Weed and pest management strategies.
14 PART 4: recommendations
The following recommendations are the heart of the Zone Implementation Programme and represent intertwined pathways to integrated water management and are not to be considered in isolation. There is overlap between chapters. Recommendations appear in the section they are most relevant to, with no prioritisation in the order of the following sections.
The ‘aspect column’ signifies the subject of the recommendation and the ‘responsibility’ column provides direction on the most appropriate lead organisation(s) for delivering on the recommendation. The Committee acknowledges that there may be individuals and agencies who will be involved who are not listed.
1. LOWER WAITAKI RIVER AND TRIBUTARIES Waitaki is the ancestral river of Ngāi Tahu, fed by the The Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Regional sacred waters of Aoraki and the tears of Raki (sky Plan provides a framework of environmental flows in father). The river is a symbol of permanance and source the lower Waitaki catchment, and allocation of water, of spiritual meaning to Tangata Whenua. In recognition particularly between irrigation and hydro-electricity. All of the cultural significance of the Waitaki catchment to resource consents put on hold during the plan process Tangata Whenua there is an opportunity to develop an have now been decided. These include consent for a iwi management plan. hydro-electricity scheme on the north bank between the Waitaki dam and Black Point, and consent for an The braided character of the Lower Waitaki River is irrigation scheme to irrigate land in the Waimate District internationally, regionally and locally valued. A braided as far north as the Pareora catchment. river is a dynamic combination of wetlands, swift water, pools, ephemeral areas, channels and islands. In combination these habitat types support a diverse RATIONALE ecosystem. The braiding results from, and is maintained The Zone Committee recognises the cultural significance and modified by, a number of interacting factors of the Waitaki catchment to Tangata Whenua and including the flood flow regime, sediment/gravel inputs supports the development of an iwi management plan and throughput, riparian flood protection works, and for the catchment. The committee is keen to understand vegetation encroachment onto the riverbed. The way how the cultural and ecological values of the mouth can these factors interact influences the form and character be improved. of the braided river. Each of these factors has changed historically, or is changing, due to natural processes and The braided character of the Waitaki is compromised human intervention. by the excessive weed islands that dominate the lower reaches. The Zone Committee agree that improving the The local community who live alongside the Waitaki braided nature via increased weed control will help River value the river for its recreational and amenity improve the natural character of the river. values, its intrinsic values and its use as a water resource for local agricultural businesses. For the The Zone Committee has formed a Waitaki Allocation community of the Waitaki to remain economically Plan working group; the role of this group is to help viable, the supply of reliable water is paramount. facilitate discussion on the Waitaki Allocation plan. Initially the group has focussed on issues raised Depending on inflows, the Waitaki hydro-electric through the consent processes. The new consents power scheme generates approximately 20- 25% of to take water for irrigation have been granted with a New Zealand’s electricity. The storage in the catchment minimum flow of 150m3/s. This creates uncertainty is critically important to the nation’s energy system, as to what minimum flow the pre-existing irrigation especially for security of supply in the South Island consents will be required to meet when they are in dry years. Environmental flow requirements and replaced. The Zone Committee is keen to address this provision of water to users in the Lower Waitaki issue and provide clarity to all users including Meridian influences the electricity supply particularly in years Energy as to their long-term reliability. The working with low inflows in the upper catchment. group is seeking a solution to the reliability issue that also provides protection to the environmental, cultural The Lower Waitaki River is intensely fished. It provides and recreational values in the lower Waitaki River, a “big” river experience, three major angling species, and recognises the national and regional importance large fish and solitude. The river also provides a big river of the Waitaki hydro-electricity scheme. The Zone experience for recreational use, especially jetboating. Committee wants to develop a solution in consultation
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 15 with all parties, and see that the solution is given effect from the mountains to the sea is protected, maintained by changing the Waitaki Water Allocation Regional or improved. This approach will involve working Plan and the consents of existing users if necessary. closely with the Upper Waitaki Zone committee. In the The second part of the working group’s task will be meantime, catchment management groups are key to to look at water quality across the Waitaki river ‘ki achieving improvements in water quality. uta ki tai’ (mountains to the sea). This will involve working collaboratively with the Upper Waitaki Zone The Zone Committee believes that securing reliable Committee. The current Waitaki Catchment Water water goes hand in hand with initiatives to improve Allocation Regional Plan does not deal with water water use efficiency. The Zone Committee will quality. encourage and support initiatives that target improving water use efficiency. We acknowledge that there are The Zone Committee supports initiatives that protect challenges associated with using water and energy and improve the water quality of the Waitaki, hence efficiently, including financial implications; we need to support the setting of a nutrient limit the Waitaki allow time to move from traditional to new systems of River. We believe that for the Waitaki a ‘ki uta ki tai’ infrastructure and water management. approach needs to be taken to ensure water quality
16 WAITAKI RIVER
Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
1.0 Iwi Management Support the development of an Iwi Tangata Whenua, From 2012 All target areas Plan Management Plan for the Waitaki Canterbury catchment Regional Council, Waimate District Council, Waitaki District Council 1.1 River mouth Identify what is required for a culturally, Canterbury From 2012 Ecosystem Health enhancement recreationally attractive and thriving river Regional Council, and biodiversity mouth, including cost of activities and how Kaitiakitanga these might be implemented. Tangata Whenua, Recreational Fish and Game, and amenity Department of opportunities Conservation 1.2 Improve Support existing and new activities to ; Canterbury 2012 Ecosystem health braided river • Keep existing weed-free areas clear of Regional Council, and biodiversity character and weeds; Department of Natural character braided river • Reduce the source of woody weeds Conservation, of braided rivers bird habitat threatening river beds; Recreational Meridian Energy, • Remove any new weeds before they and amenity establish within the catchment; LINZ opportunities • Increase the area of river bed which is free Irrigated land area of woody weeds; • Increase funding to support the removal of weed islands. River engineers carry out works to maintain and enhance braided river character and the connectivity between the Waitaki and tributaries. Seek support from other agencies for activities to improve braided river character. Investigate opportunities, other than weed management, to improve braided river bird habitat
1.3 Waitaki Change the Waitaki Water Allocation Canterbury From 2012 Environmental Catchment Regional Plan to reflect issues raised during Regional Council, limits Water consent hearings to: Water users, Water-use Allocation • Provide clarity as to how the replacement efficiency Regional Plan Zone Committee or review of existing consents will be Irrigated land area addressed Energy security • Keep the integrity of the plan provisions and efficiency that protect the in-stream values of the lower Waitaki River • Ensure that the security of electricity supply is not reduced, particularly in dry years Existing consents are changed to give effect to the plan changes once operative
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 17 Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
1.4 Water Quality The Lower Waitaki South Coastal Lower Waitaki 2012 Environmental Canterbury and Upper Waitaki Zone South Coastal limits Committees form a joint working group to Canterbury Zone consider an approach to establishing water Committee, quality limits and identify ways to achieve limits. Upper Waitaki Zone Committee, Canterbury Regional Council
1.5 Catchment Establish and resource catchment groups in Canterbury From 2012 All targets Groups the following areas: Regional Council • Maerewhenua/ South Bank • Waikakahi (existing) / North Bank
1.6 Improve water Establish and support industry initiatives to Industry, 2014 Water-use use efficiency improve water use efficiency. efficiency Meridian Energy Establish a South Bank water users Limited, Irrigated land area grouping to ensure best use of currently Energy security Canterbury allocated water. and efficiency Regional Council Encourage Meridian Energy Limited to identify and implement efficiency improvements.
1.7 Recreation and Secure access to the Waitaki River Canterbury 2012 Natural character amenity for recreation, biodiversity and river Regional Council, of braided rivers enhancement whilst protecting mahinga kai Recreational sites. LINZ, and amenity Department of opportunities Conservation, Waimate District Council, Waitaki District Council, Tangata Whenua
1.8. Water resource Zone Committee briefed on the water Canterbury From 2012 Water-use information balance of the Waitaki. Regional Council, efficiency Inform Zone Committee of actual water-use Zone Committee Irrigated land area data as it is available and how it compares Energy security to consented allocations. and efficiency
1.9 Information Develop an inventory of initiatives and Canterbury From 2013 Ecosystem Health collection information relating to Waitaki River water Regional Council, and biodiversity management Tangata Whenua Kaitiakitanga Recreational and amenity opportunities Irrigated land area
18 2. HAKATARAMEA CATCHMENT The Hakataramea Catchment is a low-rainfall “water short” area RATIONALE with more limited water resources than most of the rest of the The Zone Committee believes a collaborative (land owner- Zone. River flows are highly variable year-to-year with very low based) integrated catchment-wide approach is required summer flows. Most of the tributaries feeding the Hakataramea to address water management issues in the Hakataramea River are ephemeral over the period September to May each catchment. There is need for all landowners and other key year. interests to collectively agree on the nature, cause and impacts of water quality and water allocation in the catchment. This Water is currently taken from the river for the Council is likely to require additional information and monitoring community water supply and for irrigation. Some farmers data to be collected as well as sharing of all current data and have constructed water storage dams and other farmers have information (including monitoring initiated by landowners). consents for dams but have not exercised these because of consent conditions. The Zone Committee believes that landowners are key to identifying and implementing solutions to address water The environmental flows and allocation regime for the river are management issues in the catchment. Therefore the Zone defined in the Waitaki Allocation Plan. As a result of the low Committee recommends that a catchment group of all rainfall, and limited groundwater storage, the Hakataramea landowners be established and a facilitator appointed to help River and its tributaries are considered to be fully utilised for this group agree on the desired water-related outcomes for irrigation and stock water. In a dry summer this can put pressure the catchment, the cause and significance of water-related on stream and river health. There is concern and disagreement issues, and then identify and implement water management on the impact of water takes (versus natural climate variability) solutions. The Zone Committee considers the establishment on ecosystem health including on native, salmon and trout of a catchment group in the Hakataramea will help resolve fisheries. disagreements on the nature and causes of water issues and build a collective approach to addressing water issues. There are periodic periphyton blooms in the river that breach the New Zealand Periphyton Guidelines. These blooms usually The appointment of a facilitator for the Hakataramea catchment occur during summer low flow periods, but they have occurred is seen as an important first step. The facilitator will work throughout the year. There is concern and disagreement on the alongside the community to develop a catchment management cause and impacts of water quality in the river and tributaries. programme, delivering the CWMS targets locally. As an For example, the proportion of the catchment that is irrigated initial first step there is a need to seek and get agreement is small but is seen by some as the main cause of poor water on the current state of water quality, impacts and causes. quality while others argue that because of the very small This may lead to a request for the development of nutrient percentage of the catchment that is irrigated the primary cause management tools that will suit the environmental context of of poor water quality must be dryland farming or natural factors. the Hakataramea catchment.
Irrigation development is increasing in the catchment. Some of The Committee believes that in a water-short area like the the landholders with consent to irrigate are collecting baseline Hakataramea catchment, all ways of improving river flows and data on water quality prior to initiating use of their consents. water supply need to be considered, including the strategic Canterbury Regional Council also collects water quality data removal of willows and the opportunity for water storage. across the catchment as part of their monitoring regime.
With the increase in irrigated land area and the potential for more, desktop investigations have been done to try and better understand the potential effects of irrigation development on water quality in the catchment. Nutrient management tools such as Overseer, however, are not adequate for catchments such as the Hakataramea, and new tools and techniques will be required.
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 19 HAKATARAMEA CATCHMENT
Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
2.1 Catchment Support the appointment of a facilitator Canterbury 2012 Water-use management for a period of initially three years to Regional Council, efficiency co-ordinate the establishment and Irrigated land area implementation of a Hakataramea Landholders, Kaitiakitangā Catchment Management group Tangata Whenua Environmental limits Ecosystem health and biodiversity Drinking water Recreational and amenity opportunities 2.2 Improving Support initiatives to maintain and Canterbury From 2012 Ecosystem health river flow and improve the flow of the Hakataramea River Regional Council, and biodiversity reliability of including: Natural character supply Landholders, • Strategic willow removal of braided rivers Tangata Whenua • Water management Recreational and amenity • Storage opportunities Water-use efficiency Kaitiakitangā Environmental Limits Irrigated land area 2.3 Water quality Gain community agreement on the state of Canterbury 2012 Environmental water quality, causes and impacts. Regional Council, Limits Landholders, Recreational and amenity Tangata Whenua opportunities Ecosystem health and biodiversity Kaitiakitanga 2.4 Nutrient Request the development of nutrient Research 2012 Management management tools appropriate to the organisations, Hakataramea catchment. Canterbury Regional Council
2.5 Nutrient Establish and implement nutrient Canterbury 2013 Environmental management management best practice guidelines for Regional Council, limits the catchment. Landholders Recreational and amenity opportunities Ecosystem health and biodiversity
20 3. WAINONO LAGOON AND CATCHMENT The Wainono lagoon is a wetland of national importance, and Wainono Water Users Group is a community-led group that represents about a quarter of all saline/estuarine wetland areas has an active interest in looking after Wainono. This group, in South Canterbury. It is a culturally significant wetland and alongside key partners such as Fish and Game, and Department holds a special place in the hearts and minds of local Rūnanga, of Conservation, will help lead the development of a restoration in particular Waihao Rūnanga, and is a significant mahinga kai plan for Wainono. resource. Local Tangata Whenua have commented on a decline in the abundance of mahinga kai. Wainono and the surrounding The restoration of Wainono will take a tremendous amount area are important native fish habitat and have high numbers of of community dialogue and effort. To help ensure that the both introduced and indigenous water fowl. Wainono is mostly restoration of Wainono effort is well-informed and coordinated, surrounded by low-lying farmland that has been modified by a comprehensive restoration plan is required. Restoring extensive land drainage and subsequent intensification. Wainono will require a range of tactics and actions, such as:
In recognition of the significance of Wainono as a culturally, • Compilation of existing knowledge on the current health and ecologically and socially significant coastal lagoon, the Regional issues facing Wainono Water Management Committee has chosen Wainono as a • Engaging with the broad community on improved land and regional biodiversity flagship project. Wainono will receive water management practices (regional) Immediate Steps Biodiversity funding to help protect the biodiversity of the area. A large proportion of this funding • Development of best practice guidelines for the catchment will be used to control pest plant species. • Supporting landholders around the lagoon in developing protection buffers adjoining Wainono The Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee also recognises the importance of Wainono lagoon and strongly • Working with new schemes such as the Hunter Downs supports its protection and enhancement. Restoration of Irrigation scheme to undertake activities that add value to the Wainono is a long-term project and will require a collaborative restoration effort approach. Efforts to improve the ecological health of Wainono • Involving communities in better nutrient management and must include its tributaries, such as a fencing and riparian establishing nutrient limits planting programme. The Committee believes community- and landowner-led initiatives will be key to achieving long- • Securing funding to support actions term protection and improvement of the lagoon. The Waihao • Field days and discussion groups.
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 21 WAINONO LAGOON AND CATCHMENT
Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
3.1 Wainono Develop and implement a restoration plan Canterbury 2012 Ecosystem health Lagoon for Wainono Lagoon. Regional Council, and biodiversity restoration plan Kaitiakitanga Create an inventory of initiatives and Tangata Whenua, Recreational information relating to Wainono lagoon Fish and Game, and amenity Department of opportunities Conservation, Irrigated land area Waihao Wainono Environmental Water Users Group, limits Waimate District Council, Zone Committee
3.2 Catchment Establish and resource catchment groups in: Canterbury 2012 Ecosystem health Management • Otaio /Makikihi Regional Council, and biodiversity Kaitiakitanga • Hook Industry, Recreational Tangata Whenua • Upper Waihao and amenity • Wainono (existing) opportunities Irrigated land area Environmental limits
3.3 Waihao Zone Committee to be kept informed Canterbury 2012 Ecosystem health Environmental and involved in the Waihao Wainono Regional Council, Natural character Flow Environmental Flow review process. Zone Committee, of braided rivers Kaitiakitanga Waimate District Council, Recreational and amenity Tangata Whenua opportunities Water-use efficiency Irrigated land area
3.4 Catchment Develop a riparian fencing and planting Canterbury From 2012 Ecosystem health management programme for waterways connected to Regional Council, and biodiversity Wainono. Industry, Kaitiakitangā Establish and implement a monitoring Recreational Landholders, programme for Wainono and tributaries of and amenity Wainono. Tangata Whenua opportunities Environmental Limits 3.5 Funding Seek funding to assist with the restoration Canterbury 2012 Kaitiakitanga of Wainono and catchment. Regional Council, Ecosystem health/ Support Regional Wainono Immediate Steps Tangata Whenua, biodiversity flagship project. Zone Committee
22 4. BIODIVERSITY AND LOWLAND STREAMS
RATIONALE The Committee has identified the following priority areas, taking The Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone contains a into account ecological and cultural priorities, for Immediate wide range of ecosystems and freshwater biodiversity, which Steps Biodiversity Funding in the Zone: are valued for their own worth and for the ecosystems services 1. Coastal lagoons/hapua, wetlands, and lowland streams (e.g. water purification), mahinga kai and cultural associations, recreation and tourism benefits they provide. Threatened 2. Dongas freshwater species are found in the Zone, including the lowland 3. Wainono longjaw galaxia (Galaxias cobitinis) that is only found in two 4. Waitaki Valley dryland remnants locations in the Hakataramea catchment. 5. Waitaki Valley wetlands and river bed The Committee has identified wetlands, coastal lagoons/river 6. Hakataramea headwaters. mouths, dongas, braided river birds, native fish and “grey” scrub as important freshwater-related ecosystems/biodiversity The Committee has funded first-year Immediate Steps in the Zone. The Committee’s priority areas for Immediate Biodiversity projects to: Steps Biodiversity Funding reflect these important ecosystems/ • install a trout barrier in Nessing Stream, in the Hakataramea biodiversity (see below). Valley to protect the rare lowland longjaw galaxias There are a number of community-led groups, such as the • protect and enhance Otiake Wetland Lower Waitaki River Management Society, Friends of Kelceys • fencing and willow removal in Pavletich Wetland Bush and the Waitaki Riparian Enhancement Society, who are already leading protecting and enhancing the biodiversity in • enhance and protect remnant wetland vegetation and native the Zone. The Committee strongly supports a community- and fauna habitat in Wainono Lagoon landowner-led approach to biodiversity/ecosystem protection, • protect and enhance Korotuahika and Dog Kennel Streams, enhancement and restoration. The formation of catchment both of which provide mudfish habitat. groups (see Waitaki River, Wainono and Hakataramea chapters) will help achieve a community- and landowner-led collaborative Ecosystem health, freshwater and mahinga kai are closely approach to enhance and protect local biodiversity. Drawing related. The Committee believes there may be opportunity to together local expertise in and around biodiversity will be re-introduce mahinga kai, such as kōura, as part of biodiversity/ important in developing initiatives to progress targeted ecosystem protection and enhancement projects. biodiversity protection and enhancement. The Committee also recognises that it is important to share information on Development and land-use intensification puts pressure biodiversity initiatives across the Zone and plans to facilitate an on freshwater biodiversity/ecosystems, such as wetlands. annual biodiversity forum. The Committee will work with irrigation collectives, hydro development providers and proponents of new irrigation While the Zone Committee has gained a general understanding schemes schemes (such as Hunter Downs, Waihao Downs and of biodiversity and ecosystems in the Zone, the Committee North Bank Hydro Project) to protect, enhance and create considers it needs further information on the current state of wetlands as part of irrigation and hydro development. Wetlands some ecosystems and the significance of these in order to make can play a key role in managing water quality. well-informed recommendations on activities and approaches to achieve the CWMS goals. In particular, the Committee wishes The Committee acknowledges achieving biodiversity protection to have more information on the identification and significance and enhancement will require the use of planning mechanisms, of “grey” scrub and the state of wetlands and the relative advocacy and increased engagement with local communities, importance of individual wetlands in the Zone. The Committee as well the use of Immediate Steps funding. The Committee will understands the need to prioritise wetlands given the limited further develop its thinking in 2012 on the key actions required funding for protection and restoration, and will be seeking the for biodiversity protection, beyond those in this ZIP and through support of Rūnanga, landholders, agencies, industry and District its Immediate Steps Biodiversity Funding programme. Councils to identify and prioritise wetlands and then support the protection, enhancement and restoration of significant Recommendations relating to biodiversity/ecosystem protection wetlands. A monitoring programme to keep track of progress is and enhancement in Wainono Lagoon and catchment, and also required. braided river birds are covered in other chapters.
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 23 BIODIVERSITY AND LOWLAND STREAMS
Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
4.1 Wetlands Identify, assess and classify wetlands in the Canterbury From 2012 Ecosystem health Zone. Regional Council, and biodiversity Kaitiakitanga Prioritise ecologically significant wetlands Department of for protection and/or restoration Conservation, Recreational and amenity Fish and Game, opportunities Tangata Whenua, Land Information New Zealand, Landholders, Meridian
4.2 Wetlands Irrigation schemes include wetland creation Industry From 2012 Ecosystem health as part of their development. and biodiversity Irrigated land area Environmental limits
4.3 Wetlands New irrigation schemes have wetland Irrigation schemes, From 2012 Ecosystem health assessments undertaken and measures put and biodiversity Canterbury in place to protect identified wetlands. Regional Council, Kaitiakitanga Water-use Waimate District efficiency Council, Irrigated land area Waitaki District Environmental Council, limits Tangata Whenua
4.4 Waterways Identify waterways for inclusion in a Canterbury 2012 Ecosystem health restoration programme. Regional Council, and biodiversity Community Kaitiakitanga Groups, Landholders, Waimate and Waitaki District Councils, Tangata Whenua
4.5 Waterways Deliver a restoration programme for Canterbury 2012 Ecosystem health prioritised waterways that includes: Regional Council, and biodiversity • Gathering baseline data and monitoring for Community Kaitiakitanga water quality, fish passage and mahinga kai Groups, Recreational and amenity • Fencing and planting with landholders Landholders, opportunities • Co-ordinating work between agencies Tangata Whenua, Waimate and Waitaki District Councils
24 Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
4.6 Waterways Support the enforcement of all rules Canterbury June 2012 Ecosystem health excluding stock from waterways consistent Regional Council, and biodiversity with the NRRP* see NRRP rules and Otago Drinking water Regional Council rules in appendix 5. Waimate District Council, Kaitiakitanga Develop and implement an awareness Waitaki District Recreational campaign around rules. Council, and amenity opportunities Industry, Tangata Whenua
4.7 Waterways and Develop a zone-wide consent for Canterbury 2012 Ecosystem Health wetlands improvements and enhancements of Regional Council, and Biodiversity wetlands and waterways to be held by the Recreational Waimate and Waitaki District Councils. Waimate District Council, and amenity opportunities Waitaki District Kaitiakitanga Council, Tangata Whenua
4.8. Protection and Identify and locate springs then support Canterbury From 2012 Ecosystem health enhancement development of wetlands around significant Regional Council, Natural character of springs and springheads where possible. Irrigation Schemes, of braided rivers wetlands Kaitiakitanga Landholders, Drinking water Tangata Whenua Recreational and amenity opportunities Environmental limits
4.9 Community Zone Committee facilitate an Annual Department of 2012 Ecosystem health Approach Biodiversity forum. Conservation, and biodiversity Canterbury Natural character Regional Council, of braided rivers Kaitiakitanga Waimate District Council, Recreational and amenity Waitaki District opportunities Council, Tangata Whenua
4.10 Community Support existing community care groups Canterbury 2011 Ecosystem health Approach such as river care groups, landcare groups Regional Council, and biodiversity and coastcare groups. Waimate District Recreational Council, and amenity opportunities Waitaki District Council, Department of Conservation, Fish and Game, Tangata Whenua
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 25 Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
4.11 Communications Develop a communications programme Canterbury From 2012 Ecosystem health to promote understanding of the Zone’s Regional Council, and biodiversity special biodiversity. Waitaki District Council, Waimate District Council, Zone Committee
4.12 Immediate Steps Target Immediate Steps Biodiversity Canterbury 2012 Ecosystem health Funding Funding for 2011/12 through 2014/15 to the Regional Council, and biodiversity following priority areas: Zone Committee 1. Coastal Lagoons, wetlands, hapua and lowland streams 2. Dongas 3. Wainono 4. Waitaki Valley Dryland remnants 5. Waitaki Valley wetlands and river bed 6. Hakataramea headwaters
4.13 Native fish Support Department of Conservation led Department of From 2012 Ecosystem health programme to protect Canterbury mudfish Conservation, and biodiversity and lowland longjaw galaxias populations. Canterbury Regional Council, Tangata Whenua
4.14 Mahinga Kai Identify suitable waterways for the Tangata Whenua, From 2012 Ecosystem health reintroduction of key mahainga kai species and biodiversity Department of (Kōura, waikakahi, tuna, whitebait, Kaitiakitanga kanakana). Conservation
4.15 Wahi taonga sites Wahi taonga sites in the Zone are assessed. Tangata Whenua, By 2013 Kaitiakitangā Develop a restoration programme for sites Canterbury Ecosystem health requiring protection and or restoration. Regional Council, and biodiversity Environmental Waimate District limits Council, Waitaki District Council 4.16 Mahinga kai Support Ngai tahu and Rūnanga with the Tangata Whenua, 2013 Ecosystem health establishment of a Mahinga kai standard. Canterbury Drinking water Regional Council Kaitiakitanga Recreation use and amenity Ecosystem health Natural character of braided rivers Environmental limits
26 Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
4.17 Mataitai Investigate the establishment of mataitai Tangata Whenua, 2013 Ecosystem health for the Zone. and biodiversity Zone Committee, Kaitiakitanga Protect and enhance tuna and eel Department of Recreation use and populations through the establishment of a Conservation mataitai for the zone. amenity Braided rivers and natural character
4.18. Biodiversity Develop a biodiversity monitoring Canterbury 2012 Ecosystem health monitoring programme to show the effectiveness of Regional Council, and biodiversity actions in progressing towards the CWMS Natural character goals and targets. Waimate District Council, of braided rivers Ensure relevant existing information held Kaitiakitanga by agencies is collated. Waitaki District Council, Drinking water Recreational Department of and amenity Conservation, opportunities QE2 Trust, Water-use Fish and Game efficiency Irrigated land area Energy security and efficiency Regional and national economies Environmental Limits
4.19 Indigenous flora Identify and map significant areas of native Waimate District From 2012 Ecosystem health grey scrub. Council, and biodiversity Best management options identified, Waitaki District landholders are supported and encouraged Council, to manage areas to ensure protection of grey scrub. Department of Conservation, Canterbury Regional Council, QE2 Trust
4.20 Protection and Promote the protection of braided river Department of 2012 Natural character enhancement of bird nesting habitat, including managing Conservation, of braided rivers braided rivers human disturbance during the nesting Ecosystem health season and by use of signs and education. Canterbury Regional Council and biodiversity
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 27 5. DRINKING WATER The provision of safe and reliable drinking water is a priority of contamination from bacteria and sediment than surface consideration for the Zone Committee and the District Councils. water takes. Therefore it is important that groundwater quality Meeting the national standards for drinking water quality is a remains high. The Committee believes that improving knowledge challenge for small rural communities. Some rural communities on the state of the ground water resource where there is a in the Zone source their drinking water from rural water races. potential risk to drinking water quality is an important first step. Some rural schemes are operating at maximum capacity. Implementation of measures to improve nutrient management will play an important role in improving water quality. The Waimate and Waitaki District Councils have responsibility for the community water supplies in the Zone. Both Councils are In terms of accessing clean drinking water for community planning and implementing upgrades of their rural water supply supplies, there may be an opportunity for councils, communities schemes to meet the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards and irrigation schemes to work together to investigate options where practical. Council engineers are focusing on shifting for the provision of clean drinking water to communities whose from surface water takes to groundwater takes for community drinking water is compromised. drinking water supplies as groundwater takes have less risk
28 DRINKING WATER
Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
5.1 Drinking water Develop initiatives to improve community Waitaki District 2012 Drinking water – community water supplies and domestic water Council, water supplies supplies. Waimate District Council
5.2 Drinking water Identify opportunities to provide domestic Canterbury 2012 Drinking water – alternative water supplies that are currently sourced Regional Council, sources from rural water schemes with water from alternative sources (including working with Waitaki District irrigation schemes and the district councils). Council, Waimate District Council, Industry
5.3 Drinking water – Identify current domestic drinking supplies Canterbury 2012 Drinking water risks to quantity at risk of reduced reliability. Regional Council, Reliability of and quality Identify where further monitoring of ground Waitaki District supply water quality is required in order to better Council, Water use identify risks to water quality and the efficiency success (or otherwise) of changes from Waimate District current practices. Council Recreational and amenity Identify opportunities and strategies opportunities to reverse deteriorating quality trends (through working with irrigation schemes, developers and water take/discharge consents).
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 29 6. WATER AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT Improved nutrient and water management is the key to need for regulatory bottom lines including environmental successful implementation of the CWMS for this Zone. On-the- flows and water quality limits consistent with the NPS on ground actions by individual landholders and water users are Freshwater Management. These should be developed through a the key to address outcomes for water quality, ecosystem health collaborative catchment-based process. and efficient use of water. The Committee strongly advocates the establishment, facilitation and support of catchment Extension and education will be at the core of achieving management groups (as described in previous sections) in continuous improvement in water and nutrient management. designing and implementing initiatives to improve water and Supporting and working alongside local agricultural leaders nutrient management. and industry will ensure extension programmes and the development of tools and techniques are targeted and useful for While much of the work done via catchment groups will be the people on the ground. of a non-statutory nature, the Committee recognises the
30 WATER AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
6.1 Extension and Develop and deliver an extension Zone Committee, From 2012 Environmental education programme by working with farmers and Limits Canterbury industry, covering: Regional Council, Water use • Tools and information for water and efficiency Industry, nutrient management Ecosystem health Waimate District • Water and nutrient science and and biodiversity monitoring Council, Drinking water • Demonstration projects using leading Waitaki District Kaitiakitanga practitioners Council, Recreation use and amenity • Profiling leading practice via media. Tangata Whenua, Irrigated land area Waitaki Irrigators Collective, Landholders
6.2 Extension and Support Waitaki Irrigation Collective Waitaki Irrigators 2012 Ecosystem health education to help with the development and Collective, Kaitiakitanga understanding of: Canterbury Drinking water • Farm environment Management Plans Regional Council, Recreational and amenity • Nutrient management Waitaki District opportunities • Research into hill country irrigation Council, Water-use • Audited Self-Management frameworks Waimate District efficiency (ASM) Council, Irrigated land area • Water use efficiency. Landholders, Regional Industry, and national economies Tangata Whenua Environmental limits 6.3 Setting nutrient Establish nutrient limits for catchments Canterbury 2013 Environmental limits across the Zone. Regional Council Limits Water use efficiency Ecosystem health and biodiversity Drinking water Kaitiakitanga Recreational use and amenity opportunities
6.4 Flow Planning Support the establishment of environmental Canterbury 2011 Ecosystem health flows for rivers within the Zone via a Regional Council Natural character collaborative process. of braided rivers Kaitiakitanga Recreational and amenity opportunities Water-use efficiency
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 31 Aspect Recommendation Responsibility Timetable CWMS Target
6.5 Groundwater Support regional council and water users in Canterbury 2012 Water use improving knowledge of the ground water Regional Council efficiency resources in the Zone. Reliability of supply Where there are groundwater resources described as being fully allocated investigate ways to address over-allocation.
Establish a work plan to deal with the findings (collaborative programme between Regional Council and catchment group).
6.6 Salt water Determine the types of bores which are of Canterbury 2012 Irrigated land area intrusion high, medium and low risk of inducing salt Regional Council Water use water intrusion. Undertake a process of efficiency assessing which bores within the Zone fit within each of these categories. For those bores with high risk, investigate whether there is a proactive and responsive monitoring regime associated with these bores.
6.7 Reliability of Investigate options, including storage, for Canterbury 2012 Irrigated land area supply (northern more reliable water for the northern part of Regional Council, Regional area) the Zone. Industry and national economies Water use efficiency
6.8. Water use District councils / community water Waimate District 2012 Water use efficiency schemes / industry undertake measures to Council, efficiency use water efficiently. Waitaki District Ecosystem health Water users supported in meeting the Council, and biodiversity Resource Management (measurement and Drinking water reporting water takes) regulations 2010. Industry, Kaitiakitanga Canterbury Promote awareness of efficient water use. Recreational Regional Council use and amenity opportunities
6.9 Water Science Recommend that the charges collected as Canterbury 2013 Ecosystem health Charges part of Section 36 water science charges Regional Council, and biodiversity come back to the Zone for targeted Natural character investigations and monitoring. Zone Committee of braided rivers Kaitiakitanga Drinking water Recreational and amenity opportunities Water-use efficiency Irrigated land area Environmental limits
32 APPENDIX 1: THE CANTERBURY WATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND THE LOWER WAITAKI SOUTH-COASTAL CANTERBURY ZONE COMMITTEE
1. 1.1. CWMS Vision, Principles, and Targets
1.1.1. Background and partners Within the regional approach principle is a set of priorities in development for planning of natural water use. The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) has These are: been developed over the past six years as a partnership • First order priorities - environment, customary use, between Environment Canterbury, Canterbury’s district and community supplies and stock water city councils and Ngāi Tahu as well as key environmental and industry stakeholders. • Second order priorities - irrigation, renewable electricity generation, recreation and amenity The CWMS addresses critical water management issues in Canterbury. Issues include the declining health of both A set of ten targets provides the strategy with a sense of surface and groundwater, an ongoing loss of cultural value direction and balance, and ensures that all aspects of the and recreational opportunities as well as the declining solution are advanced in parallel. The targets are: availability and reliability of water for agricultural and • Ecosystem health and biodiversity energy uses. Increasingly water management in Canterbury was becoming highly adversarial as sustainable limits of • Natural character, processes and ecological health of water availability were reached and the cumulative effects braided rivers of water use reached environmental limits. This, more • Kaitiakitanga than anything, resulted in the breakdown of trust and • Drinking water confidence between the various interests in the context • Recreational and amenity opportunities of unprecedented pressure on the water resource and the • Water use efficiency need for a clear strategic approach to water management. • Irrigated land area The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) • Energy security and efficiency provides a way forward towards improved management • Indicators of regional and national economies and use of Canterbury’s water resources. The strategy will • Environmental limits. evolve and adapt, taking a regional approach to achieving collaborative and sustainable water management. The CWMS Framework Document (Mayoral Forum 2009) sets 1.1.3. Zone Committee and Council’s role in out the key challenges, vision, principles and targets for the implementation integrated management of Canterbury’s water. The desired Ten zones have been set up across Canterbury. Each outcome of the strategy is: zone has a committee that is a joint committee of local and regional councils. Committees operate under the To enable present and future generations to gain Local Government Act, and their role is to co-ordinate the greatest social, economic, recreational and the development and periodic review of Implementation cultural benefits from our water resources within an Programmes that give effect to the CWMS. Each committee: environmentally sustainable framework. • Seeks to develop solutions for its zone
• Facilitates community involvement & debate
1.1.2. Fundamental Principles and Targets • Keeps relevant Councils (local and regional) and other Fundamental principles have been developed to underpin committees informed during process – iterative process the CWMS to ensure that our water resource is managed sustainably: • Must work collaboratively with neighbouring zone committees and the Regional Committee. • Primary principles - sustainable management, regional approach and Tangata Whenua The Regional Committee is a committee of the regional council, and has a focus on infrastructure associated • Supporting principles - natural character, indigenous with managing large scale storage and transfer of water biodiversity, access, quality drinking water, recreational across Canterbury, and with related issues such as energy opportunities, and community and commercial use generation and region-level biodiversity issues.
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 33 1.2 the LOWER WAITAKI SOUTH-COASTAL CANTERBURY ZONE COMMITTEE
The Committee is a joint committee of the Waimate and the Waitaki District Councils and Environment Canterbury. The committee members are:
• Robin Murphy Chair and Regional Committee Representative
• Kate White Deputy Chair
• Mandy Home Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua
• Te Wera King Te Rūnanga o Waihao
• Patrick Tipa Te Rūnanga o Moeraki
• Geoff Keeling Waitaki District Council
• Peter McIlraith Waimate District Council
• Peter Skelton Environment Canterbury
• Anne Te Maiharoa Dodds Community Member
• Andrew Cocking Community Member
• Matthew Ross Community Member
• Andrew Feierabend Meridian Energy
For committee member biographies see: http://ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/canterburywater/committees/lower-waitaki/ Pages/default.aspx
WAITAHA WHAKATAUKI
Aha Koa he taonga ko te hā engari e hara ko te hā i te mea, ko te mauri o te Wai Mauri Ora
Even though the hā (breath) is seen as a taonga
it is not the hā that is important
but it is the purity of the water
Mauri Ora!
34 1.3 preSENTATIONS AND REPORTS TO THE ZONE COMMITTEE
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: MAF, Role of MAF in CWMS
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Irrigation NZ, Irrigation 101
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Zone Biodiversity
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: North Otago Irrigation Company, irrigation in the zone
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Zone Biodiversity
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Zone Water Quality
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Immediate Steps Biodiversity funding
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, CWMS and Regional Planning in the Lower Waitaki
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Canterbury District Health Board, Drinking Water
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Waitaki District Council, Drinking Water
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Waimate District Council, Drinking Water
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Strategic Assessments of Infrastructure Options :- Introduction to Preliminary Strategic Assessment (pSA)
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Climate Adaption and Water Management
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Waihao Flows review Process - Update
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Meridian Energy Limited, Hunter Downs Irrigation scheme
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Meridian Energy Limited, Overview of Meridian, the power stations and the impact on the Waitaki Valley
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Strategic Assessments of Infrastructure Options :- Part 2
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Immediate Steps Biodiversity Funding Years 2 – 5 process
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Land Use and Water Quality
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Kaitiaki Targets
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki presentation
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Plan - Effectiveness and Efficiency review
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Update on Land and Water Plan
• Presentation to the Zone Committee: Environment Canterbury, Recreational and amenity opportunities in the Zone
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 35 APPENDIX 2: WAINONO LAGOON AND CATCHMENT
36 Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 37 APPENDIX 3: : HAKATARAMEA CATCHMENT
38 Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 39 APPENDIX 4: RECOMMENDED PRIORITY BIODIVERSITY AREAS
4. 1.1. overvieW OF IMMEDIATE STEPS PROGRAMME
Canterbury Water Management Strategy Immediate Steps biodiversity protection and restoration programme
This is a $10 million dollar programme over 5 years, with and retaining the ecological integrity of unconnected two thirds being funded by local government rates and aquifers; the remaining third by external sources e.g. landowner, community, conservation groups. • Preventing further loss of ecosystem health in river mouths and coastal lagoons/ hapua, and in estuaries; The funds will be allocated 8.0% to the 10 local zone committees, and 20% to the regional committee. Each Protection and restoration of these will require a dual zone committee will use per year approximately $100,000 approach of action on-the-ground (for example, pest from local government rates, with the regional committee control, fencing, planting) and improved planning having approximately $240,000 available to it. The frameworks (for example, environmental flows, nutrient remainder of project costs will come from external sources. limits, and water quality standards).
Clear priorities for protection and restoration of From now on, committees will determine their “immediate freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity are identified in steps” protection and restoration priorities. These will be the CWMS and include: projects that can be progressed over the next 5 years with Immediate Steps funding. • Protecting endangered and at risk species and habitats e.g. Canterbury mudfish, long finned eels, remnant river margin matagouri/ kowhai shrublands; Key Milestones • Protection and restoration of wāhi taonga (treasured places) / and mahinga kai waterways; December 2010 • Maintaining the braided character of all Canterbury’s Established Zone Committees, and the Regional Committee, braided rivers; decide which Year 1 projects to progress
• Protecting significant habitat for a full range of indigenous January – June 2011 braided river flora and fauna; Management plants completed for year 1 projects • Preventing further loss of, and protecting, naturally Implementation of year 1 projects (‘on-the-ground’ works) occurring wetlands; February – June 2011 • Improving the ecosystem health of lowland rivers and streams and of high country lakes; Monitor project progress and biodiversity outcomes
• Maintain existing high quality indigenous aquatic and April – June 2011 dryland ecosystems in intermontane basins and on the Committees established in 2010 incorporate Immediate plains; Steps 5 year programme into Implementation Programmes. • Maintaining ground water quality, velocities and levels,
40 Immediate Steps Funding – Decision Making Process Year 1
CWMS Principles, Targets and Goals
Environment Canterbury Immediate Steps biodiversity projects come scopes potential year 1 from a variety of sources projects and 5 year programme priorities in partnership with: Zone Committee decides which projects to progress • local authorities • Ngāi Tahu as tangata whenua Project proposals developed and assessed; • Department of ecological values, partnerships, viability, Conservation value for money, etc • Fish & Game • Community groups • Zone Committee Progress to implementation programme • QEII and monitoring by Environment Canterbury in partnership with others
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 41 Summary of “Immediate Steps” restoration actions and planning initiatives (From Annex I, CWMS pages 134-139)
Table 1: Potential priority restoration programme
Biodiversity Water Resources Management as part of Priority 1 actions Outcomes Braided rivers Maintain and Actions restore the • Control weeds and pests to enhance habitat values for threatened natural character river bed birds of braided rivers • Manage vehicle use and disturbance in river beds, and other wildlife as iconic natural landscapes/ • Exclude stock features and for Planning their associated • Commence process for setting environmental flows that maintain habitats and flow variability (particularly in relation to the magnitude, timing and species frequency of fresh and flood flows) and river bed processes • Avoid structures that impede fish passage or alter channel forming processes
Banks Peninsula and Kaikōura Maintain natural Actions streams: character, • Revegetation of margins, particularly in lower catchments. hydrology, Streams and rivers on the peninsula • Remove barriers to fish passage e.g. road culverts, weirs, and dams. and at Kaikōura have the best connectivity • Restoration/ translocation Banks Peninsula is a priority site native fish diversity in the Eastern (where relevant), South Island, and contain endemic trophic status, Planning invertebrate species. High habitat ecological • Set environmental flows that maintain flow variability, and avoid values of peninsula streams may reflect functioning and takes that individually or cumulatively abstract a large proportion of the extent of riparian vegetation along habitat diversity stream flow many waterways
Wetlands: Investigate Actions Includes swamps, bogs and seeps options, including • Avoid or remove incompatible land use change on adjoining areas, storage, for more and protect margins reliable water for • Control stock access, vegetation clearance, infilling, changes to the northern part hydrology. of the Zone. • Weed (e.g. willow) and pest control Planning • Prevent further loss (area, diversity)
High country lakes Maintain natural Actions character, levels, • Stock exclusion connectivity, • Pest and weed (e.g. willow) control to enhance habitat values trophic status and habitat • In some instances retain disconnectivity (e.g. tarns) diversity • Protect outlet streams Planning • Avoid level controls (e.g., weirs) and other barriers to connectivity • Catchment management including allocation limits for nutrient inputs within particular lake catchments
42 Biodiversity Water Resources Management as part of Priority 1 actions Outcomes Intermontane streams: Maintain natural Actions Catchments and margins often have character, flow • Avoid/manage land use intensification in adjoining catchments variability, water higher natural character and are less • Maintain well vegetated riparian margins modified that is the case for lowland quality, habitat streams values Planning • More emphasis on protecting low altitude areas through tenure review • Maintain dryland areas in Mackenzie basin • Avoid changes to hydrology
Hill country catchments Maintain stream Planning flows, water • Commence process for setting environmental flows quality and • Set water quality standards and/or catchment contaminant load habitat values limits Groundwater: Maintain water Actions Braided rivers are intimately connected quality, quantity, • Maintain or restore environmental flows and levels in contributing with groundwater resources – part of velocities and water bodies levels. Retain the same body of water. Springs are • Control abstractions to retain hydrological head – important ecological “hotspots” for biodiversity for springs and spring fed streams and groundwater velocities integrity of (important for groundwater quality) unconnected aquifers • Avoid establishing hydrological connections between isolated aquifers Planning • Groundwater management zones to protect water quality and quantity
Hapua, lagoons, estuaries Maintain natural Actions character, • Stock exclusion (fencing) connectivity, • Pest and weed (e.g. willow) control to enhance habitat values trophic status and habitat • Riparian planting of tributaries diversity Planning • Set water quality standards and catchment contaminant load limits. • Avoid barriers to connectivity • Allow for coastal retreat on eroding coastlines • Integrate across district/regional council boundaries
Artificial and modified waterbodies: Retain key sites Actions Water races can be a last repository of for biodiversity • Stock exclusion biodiversity, particularly on the Plains, • Pest and weed (e.g. willow) control to enhance habitat values and also provide connectivity Clearly identify • In some instances retain disconnectivity (e.g. tarns) Lowland streams as natural water, • Protect outlet streams Many lowland springs and streams and protect Planning have been highly modified and are and restore key considered to be drains. However, these habitats for • Avoid level controls (e.g., weirs) and other barriers to connectivity modified waterways often have high biodiversity • Catchment management including allocation limits for nutrient potential or actual biodiversity value inputs within particular lake catchments
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 43 Canterbury Water Management Strategy Immediate Steps programme (from CWMS Annex G – Inserted July 2010 after page 102) Please note that CWMS Targets and Goals listed are those considered specific to the indigenous biodiversity Immediate Steps programme.
Table 2: Targets and Goals specific to Immediate Steps programme
Relevant CWMS Targets and Water Resources Relevant CWMS Targets and Goals by 2015 Goals from 2010 Targets and Goals Implement actions to correct the • Prevent further loss or degradation of Ngāi Tahu nominated wāhi relevant to all water decline in freshwater species, taonga. resources incl. habitat quality or ecosystems. • All degraded wāhi taonga (treasured places) and mahinga kai waterways nominated by Ngāi Tahu have an active restoration programme in place that responds to cultural priorities.
Braided rivers Implement actions to correct the • Protected the indigenous habitats in riparian wetlands, springs and decline in useable braided river the lagoons associated with braided rivers. bird habitat. • Enhanced and protected breeding population of indigenous braided river birds.
Banks Peninsula and See Targets and Goals relevant to all water resources. Kaikōura streams
Wetlands Prevent further loss of area of • Protected all and restored at least two significant wetlands in each naturally occurring wetlands. zone.
Intermontane Maintain existing high quality streams indigenous aquatic and dryland ecosystems in intermontane basins and on the plains.
Hill country • Highlighted any high country spring-fed or foothill streams where catchments ecosystem health is declining, and identified the cause with an action plan in place.
Hapua, lagoons, Implement actions to prevent estuaries further loss of ecosystem health in river mouth and coastal lagoons.
Lowland streams Identify and prioritise for • Protected and enhanced the ecological health of the best examples protection lowland streams of lowland streams’ ecosystems in each zone. ecosystems in each zone. • Improved ecosystem condition in at least another 10% of lowland streams in each zone.
High Country Lakes See Targets and Goals relevant to all water resources.
Groundwater
Artificial and modified water bodies
44 APPENDIX 5: STOCK EXCLUSION RULES
http://ecan.govt.nz/publications/Plans/stock-exclusion-from-waterways-factsheet.pdf
Factsheet
Stock exclusion from waterways
This Factsheet explains rule WQL21 in the operative Canterbury Natural Resources Regional Plan
There are new rules excluding stock from natural waterways in Canterbury which are designed to safeguard and improve water quality.
The rules from June 2011 Livestock access to natural waterways is allowed only if there are no significant adverse effects, which include: • Heavy pugging in rivers, lakes, or wetlands • Visible discolouration of water • An increase in bacteria levels Fencing to provide a buffer between stock and a waterway helps to • Any obvious evidence of faecal matter in waterways. protect water quality. Plants in the riparian zone – whether grasses or natives - create a filter to help absorb nutrient runoff.
Additional rules from June 2012
All intensively farmed livestock will be completely prohibited In addition any cattle, farmed deer or pigs will be from entering natural waterways. This applies to: prohibited from entering waterways defined in the relevant schedule or planning map, which are: • Farmed pigs • Within 1km of a river bathing site • Dairy cattle • Within 1km upstream from a community drinking water • Any stock grazed on irrigated land (including sheep, deer, supply horses, goats, lama, alpacas) • At a salmon or inanga (whitebait) spawning site • Any stock break-feeding or strip-grazed on winter crops (such as kale) in or adjacent to a natural waterbody • In a permanently flowing reach of specified low land (including wetlands). rivers.
Everything is connected
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 45 Fencing, even if only temporary, is the Riparian planting absorbs nutrient runoff Bridges and culverts keep stock out of natural simplest way to restrict stock access to helping to protect water quality waterways. natural waterways.
Recommendations for stock management Where to get information or advice We recommend everyone who manages stock should take the If you would like to talk to someone about the new rules or get time to understand these rules and put measures in place to some on-farm advice call Customer Services on 0800 324-636. ensure stock are kept out of natural waterways. More information on the new rules is available on our website: In places where stock are causing significant adverse effects www.ecan.govt.nz/nrrp urgent action is needed to reduce or avoid these effects. Financial support for fencing may be available for extended Methods to reduce stock access to natural waterways include: riparian areas with high biodiversity value and in conjunction • New permanent fences with a native planting programme. Call Customer Services and ask to speak to a Biodiversity Officer or visit: • The use of temporary fences www.ecan.govt.nz/biodiversity for more information. • New bridges or culverts for stock to cross waterways. • Avoid planting winter feed crops in paddocks with What is a natural waterway? natural waterways. River or stream: a continually or intermittently flowing body of fresh water. This includes a stream and modified Additional recommendations from June 2012 watercourse. It does not include any artificial watercourse Dairy and pig farmers should be planning to exclude stock from (such as an irrigation canal, a water supply race, a natural waterways by June 2012. hydroelectric canal, or a farm drain). New management tools may be required, including: Lake: a body of fresh water which is entirely or nearly • Restricted stock access drinking points in natural waterways surrounded by land. • A reticulated stock water system Wetland: includes permanently or intermittently wet areas, shallow water, and land-water boundaries that support a Regulatory consequences natural ecosystem of plants and animals adapted to wet conditions. Failure to comply with the new rules for stock access to natural waterways is likely to result in enforcement action, such as an abatement or infringement notice, or could even For more information: please visit our website for more detail result in prosecution. on these rules: http://ecan.govt.nz/nrrp E11/46 Everything is connected Environment Canterbury offices Promoting quality of life through Christchurch Timaru balanced resource management PO Box 345 75 Church Street Christchurch 8013 PO Box 550 www.ecan.govt.nz P: 03 353 9007 Timaru 7940 P: 0800 324 636 P: 03 687 7800 F: 03 365 3194 F: 03 687 7808
The Lower Waitaki Zone shares a boundary with the Otago Regional Council. For information on Otago Regional Councils rules and policies relevant to waterway protection please go to the website below.
http://www.orc.govt.nz/Information-and-Services/Farming-and-land-management/ Waterway-protection-programme/
46 APPENDIX 6: GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY of Maori terms
Kaitiaki Guardians, custodians.
Kaitiakitanga The exercise of guardianship by the Tangata Whenua of an area in accordance with tikanga Māori in relation to natural and physical resources. Includes the ethic of stewardship.
Tangata Whenua Those with traditional status, rights and responsibilities in an area, based on their traditional territories.
Taonga Treasured possessions, both tangible and intangible.
Taonga raranga Plants which produce material highly prized for use in weaving.
Mahinga kai Food and places for obtaining natural foods and resources. The work (mahi), methods and cultural activities involved in obtaining foods and resources.
Mana whenua Traditional/customary authority or title over land and the rights of ownership and control of usage on the land, forests rivers etc. Also the land area (and boundaries - rohē) within which such authority is held.
Mātauranga Mātauranga takes many forms, including language (te reo), traditional environmental knowledge (tāonga tuku iho, mātauranga o te taiao), traditional knowledge of cultural practice, such as healing and medicines (rongoā), fishing (kai moana) and cultivation (mahinga kai).
Rangatiratanga Chieftainship.
Tikanga Rights, customs, accepted protocol, rule, Māori traditions, lore or law, the correct Māori way.
Wāhi taonga Places of sacred or extreme importance.
Wāhi tapu Sacred places.
Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 47 general GLOSSARY
Adaptive management A structured process of decision making using system monitoring in order to respond to change or uncertainty.
Allocation The volume of water that may be taken from a fresh water resource by resource consent holders.
Audited Self Management ASM is a process where collective groups manage their resource use and activities to verify their adherence to good practice to achieve set outcomes.
Ecosystem Plants, animals, their physical environment and the dynamic processes that link them.
Groundwater Water located underground in rock crevices and pores /layers of geological material, groundwater supplies wells and springs.
Intensity of land use The concentration of the use of the land through activity or productivity.
Limit To define the capacity for use of a resource, e.g. maximum water take, minimum discharge quality or receiving water quality standards.
Natural character The natural flow regimes, dynamic processes and biodiversity of rivers are still in place, and the interdependence of waterways, land and coastal systems are intact.
Nutrient A substance that provides nourishment essential for life and growth.
Riparian planting Planting usually of indigenous plants on the banks of rivers or streams to reduce erosion, stock access and pollution run off into a waterway.
Target A biological indicator (e.g. species abundance), or a physical or chemical indicator (e.g. temperature or concentration) representing objectives for environmental protection.
Values Values of water bodies include uses by people (drinking water, mahinga kai, recreation, irrigation, hydro-generation) and intrinsic values (ecological, cultural, aesthetic, natural character).
Wetlands Wetlands are areas that are intermittently or permanently wet, shallow water and land water margins that support plants and animals that are adapted to the wet conditions.
48 Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Implementation Programme 49 Everything is connected Environment Canterbury offices Promoting quality of life through Christchurch Timaru balanced resource management PO Box 345 75 Church Street www.ecan.govt.nz Christchurch 8140 PO Box 550 Report: R11/78 P: 03 365 3828 Timaru 7940 ISBN: 978-1-927146-63-7 F: 03 365 3194 0800 324 636 © Environment Canterbury 2012