Freshwater Management

1 Waterway Enhancement & Protection

1.1 Annual Plan targets – Regional Freshwater programme

This item comprises the Waterway Enhancement and Protection section reports on water quality implementation work across the Region, excluding work undertaken as part of the Manawatu and Lake Horowhenua Clean-up Funds, which are reported separately.

Brief updates for the reporting period (May - June 2015) are provided in the sections below. A summary of progress made against the targets for the year is provided in Table 1 and in the Summary Table at the end of this section.

Table 1: Annual Plan performance measures for the 2014-15 year for the Regional Freshwater Programme (excluding the Freshwater Clean-up Fund work for the Manawatu Catchment). Reporting Period YTD Measure Target % 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Actual Target additional focus waterway for water 100% 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 quality improvement Assist dairy farmers to deliver on their Dairying 260% 7 1 2 3 0 13 5 and Clean Streams Accord obligations Work with individuals, community groups and 62 19 13 21 14 130 20 650% iwi to improve waterways Environmental Grant applications supported 21 6 13 7 2 49 20 245%

1.2 Activity Report

Focus waterways / water quality improvement:

The new subzone for the 2014-15 financial year is the Porewa Sub-catchment (Rangitikei). This corresponds with the Freshwater Operational Plan to have non-regulatory programmes align with the „priority‟ catchments for nutrient management in the One Plan.

1.2.1 One fencing grant, of 630 metres, was completed in this catchment in June. This will be planted later this winter.

Work to inform where to target works to be most effective continues in close collaboration with the Science team. This includes working with the Science team to assist with water quality investigation studies, including monitoring work in the Waikawa Catchment. Staff are also assisting with the Lakes monitoring programme by seeking permissions from landowners. 1.2.2 Over this period another Lakes sampling run was undertaken, including Pukepuke Lagoon and Lake Waiwiri (Papaitonga) for the first time.

Assist dairy farmers to deliver on their Dairying and Clean Streams Accord obligations:

1.2.3 The Freshwater team worked with 13 dairy farmers this year, providing six with advice on riparian fencing and/or planting only, and seven with Environmental Grant assistance for work that does not fall into the Clean Streams Accord obligations. The bulk of this work was planting riparian areas with native trees and flaxes. This is in addition to the work in the Manawatu Catchment, which is reported separately.

Work with individuals, community groups and iwi to improve waterways:

Context

The work with individuals or groups includes providing specific advice regarding freshwater projects, generally addressing the best methods to improve water quality or aquatic habitat. These include stock exclusion, planting, weed control, sediment control and fish passage improvement advice. Each individual or group is only counted once per year, although many projects involve numerous contacts and/or visits as they progress. This excludes work undertaken in the Manawatu and Lake Horowhenua catchments, which is reported separately.

Update

1.2.4 During the 2014-15 year, 131 individuals, iwi, community groups, and clubs have requested advice from the Freshwater team, and have been visited or contacted and provided with advice. Forty-nine of these advice recipients have subsequently applied for Freshwater Grants.

1.2.5 A particular highlight this year has been the amount of collaborative work the team have undertaken with iwi and hapu groups, district councils and various clubs. Freshwater and policy staff worked with seven iwi and/or hapu groups to support applications made to the Te Mana o Te Wai (TMOTW) fund in April. The Te Mana o Te Wai application process has helped not only to develop relationships further with each of these iwi, but also has identified projects of importance to iwi/hapu which staff will continue to work with them on into the future. Projects with District Councils include the “Healthy Streams” initiative to improve urban streams in Wanganui; and involvement with the Rangitikei Treasured Natural Environment Group and various sub-projects arising from that with Rangitikei District Council; and projects via the Lake Horowhenua Accord with Horowhenua District Council.

Environmental Grant applications supported:

Context

Environmental grants support a wide range of works that primarily include fencing and planting of waterways, fish pass remediation, as well as willow and weed control such as releasing of native trees and shrubs planted last winter.

Update

1.2.6 Forty-nine Freshwater Grant applications were completed during the 2014-15 financial year.

1.2.7 A number of approved projects were unable to be completed during the year due to the wet weather in May and June impeding access for fencers, and the floods impacting on jobs that were either partially completed or due to be planted in late June. However, a number of applications in May and June, particularly for stream planting, were able to be completed, which meant that the programme was almost fully allocated again this year for the year. 1.2.8 The project delivered more than 20 km of stream fencing and more than 25,000 natives planted. (Table 2).

Photo 1: Native plantings on a tributary of the Rangitikei River

Table 2: Summary of completed and proposed work in focus catchments for the Regional Freshwater Programme for 2014-15 (excluding the Manawatu and Horowhenua Accord/Freshwater Clean-up Fund work). *TMOTW – Te Mana o Te Wai fund. Is this also a Total length Total no. Focus priority of fencing of Other work completed/ comments catchment catchment completed natives in the One planted Plan? Release spraying of previous planting also undertaken and work with landowners and other Awarua No - 50 agencies regarding fish passage and whitebaiting issues. Release spraying of previous planting Coastal Yes 232 m 1,461 undertaken. Scoped projects as part of TMOTW* Rangitikei application. Hautapu No - - Community catchment care group supported. Kaitoke Yes 1,100 2,765 Last year‟s plants released. Also 3 fish passes being designed and costed. Manganui o te Ao No 1,604 m - These are likely to be completed in summer. Mowhanau No 1,949 m 670 Willow control also planned this year. Further scoped projects as part of TMOTW* Porewa Yes 630 - application. Waikawa Yes 738 m 1,146 Faecal source tracking survey undertaken. Waiwiri Yes 370 m - Regional Freshwater Release spraying of previous year‟s plantings Grants (outside 13,784 m 19,450 completed. focus catchments) TOTAL 2014-15 20,407 m 25,542 Nga Whenua Rahui Work:

Context

As discussed in the Freshwater Operational Plan, a Freshwater staff member undertakes work on contract to Nga Whenua Rahui (NWR), assessing proposals for protection of bush remnants, wetlands and stream sites on Maori owned land.

Update

1.2.9 Fencing has been completed on five Atihau kawenata (covenants) sites, and contractors have completed approximately half of the fencing on a Maori owned section of Raketapauma (Irirangi) wetland near Waiouru.

1.2.10 The last two months of 2014-15 were particularly busy assessing and pricing up works for new kawenata proposals. A proposal for kawenata at one bush block of more than 100 hectares has been submitted to NWR ready for the August meeting, and another 410 hectare bush block is in the process of assessment and negotiation. Both sites are in Ruapehu.

1.2.11 Goat control works are underway at several sites near Raetihi, including Ohorea, Tawanui, and Te Pa, with staff assisting NWR contractors with logistical support.

1.2.12 Automatic kiwi call recording devices were installed at several sites in June, to determine whether kiwi are present at more sites than currently confirmed. We are working in conjunction with Kiwis for Kiwi and DOC to help determine the extent of the Western brown kiwi in this area. Part funding has been obtained for more intensive predator control works at Ohorea Bush, in order to protect kiwi at this large site.

Freshwater projects - combined map:

1.3 Waterway Enhancement and Protection Summary

Key programme Project Progress to date deliverables Target additional focus 1 new target catchment In 2014-15, the Porewa Stream has been the new waterway for water added to programme focus waterway. quality improvement Assist dairy farmers to The team worked with 13 dairy farmers in 2014-15, deliver on their providing 6 with advice on riparian fencing and/or Dairying and Clean Assist 5 dairy farmers planting, and 7 with advice and Environmental Grant Streams Accord assistance. obligations 130 individuals, community groups or iwi were visited or contacted and provided with advice; 81 of these Work with individuals, were outside of the Environmental Grants process. community groups or Work with 20 individuals, iwi to improve community groups or iwi Partnership projects with iwi, district councils and waterways other groups within Horizons Region are continuing to increase, with a large focus on Te Mana o te Wai applications and collaborative projects this year. 49 Freshwater Grants were claimed during 2014-15 Environmental Grant 20 Environmental Grants and many others were lodged but not completed by applications supported supported the end of June. Key programme Project Progress to date deliverables Works completed in accordance with the Fencing work continues at Raketapauma wetland contract to Nga Whenua Three large blocks have goat control operations Rahui (NWR), including underway. Nga Whenua Rahui assessing proposals for protection of bush Two new significant bush blocks are proposed for remnants, wetlands and kawenata and have progressed significantly along the stream sites on Maori process towards approval. owned land.

Clare Ridler FRESHWATER COORDINATOR

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER AND SCIENCE MANAGER

2 Manawatu River Accord and Manawatu Freshwater Clean-up Fund

2.1 Annual Plan targets – Manawatu Accord

Brief updates for the reporting period (May - June 2015) are provided in the sections below. A summary of the progress made against the targets for the year is provided in Table 1 and in the Summary Table at the end of this section.

Table 3: Annual Plan performance measures for the 2014-15 year for the Regional Freshwater Programme (excluding the Freshwater Clean-up Fund work for the Manawatu Catchment). Measure YTD Actual Target %

Protect waterways from stock access in order to decrease nutrients and bacteria affecting water quality. 64.909 km 35 km 185% Measure lineal metres (km) of fencing installed (all types) (188.382 km) (50 km) (377%) and 2-wire equivalent (in brackets)

Improve whitebait habitat in the Manawatu Catchment. 18 sites 4 sites 450% Number of new sites protected ( life to date total sites in brackets) (60 sites) (10 sites) (600%)

Improve native fish habitat. Number of new sites 21 sites 4 sites 525% protected / enhanced (life to date in brackets) (71 sites)

Involve community in projects that enhance water quality or improve understanding of water quality issues. Report 5 4 125% number of community initiatives supported annually.

2.2 Activity Report

Manawatu River Leaders’ Forum:

Context

An overview of the timelines for the development of the Manawatu River Leaders‟ Forum and the subsequent action plan is provided in Figure 1: Manawatu River Leaders‟ Forum timeline.. The action plan is overseen by the Manawatu River Leaders‟ Forum with meetings twice yearly. Progress on the Forum Action Plan was reported on in April 2014 via a public report that was accompanied by an independent science report on the state and trends of water quality in the Manawatu. A further report on progress was presented in November 2014.

Manawatu Action plan Manawatu Manawatu Clean-up Fund Action plan

River Leaders’ prepared and River Leaders’ River Leaders’ project ends continues and

Accord signed agreed Forum Accord Clean- send iteration secured $5.2 up Fund of action plan million of projects developed. funding from started to be Government’s implemented

Freshstart for on 2015

July 2011July 2012July

Freshwater 2015June

Clean-up Fund

March 2012 March August 2010 August

Figure 1: Manawatu River Leaders’ Forum timeline.

Project update

2.2.1 The Manawatu River Leaders most recent meeting was on 12 June 2015. The major focus of the meeting was the revision and update of the Action Plan. An update on the Clean-up Fund projects was provided and an overview of the joint statement from the Science and Mauturangi Maori Advisory Group was presented to the forum. The forum then split into groups, representing industry, iwi, local government and environmental groups, to discuss possible actions they could undertake as part of the Manawatu River Leaders new action plan. Each group nominated a representative (or representatives) to coordinate this work and provided a brief update to the forum on some initial thoughts about the likely direction they would take to develop further actions, and what some of the potential actions may focus on.

2.2.2 A work programme is being implemented with a goal of having a draft revised action plan available for consideration by the Forum at its November meeting. The next step in the process was a meeting for the representatives from these groups at Federated Farmers on 30 July to develop these new actions further to get to a draft stage.

Freshwater Clean-up Fund:

Context

The Manawatu River Leaders‟ Accord draws $5.2 million from Central Government‟s Fresh-start to Freshwater Clean-up Fund is part of a $30 million package to improve the water quality in the wider Manawatu River Catchment. The project is made up of eight sub-projects:

1 Wastewater treatment plant upgrades within Tararua District (Woodville, Dannevirke and Pahiatua); 2 Wastewater treatment plant upgrades within Manawatu District (Feilding and Kimbolton); 3 Land treatment of Shannon‟s wastewater within Horowhenua District; 4 Stream fencing (primarily working with sheep and beef farmers and on dairy run-offs); 5 Native fish habitat restoration; 6 Whitebait habitat restoration; 7 Environmental Farm Plans; and 8 Community projects.

2.2.3 More information on how these projects link to outcomes is available to Councillors on request.

2.2.4 The project is managed via a Steering Group and Governance Group. The Governance Group consists of the Chair and Chief Executive of Horizons Regional Council (HRC), the Independent Chair of the Manawatu River Leaders‟ Forum and a representative from the Ministry for the Environment (MfE). The Steering Group consists of two staff from HRC and one from MfE.

Seven of the eight Clean-up Fund projects were completed by the end of August 2014, with components of the Tararua District Council (TDC) sewage treatment plant upgrades (STP) still to be finalised. A summary of some of the deliverables from these seven projects is in Table 1, which focuses on the outputs of the five Horizons-led projects. Other achievements included contributions to upgrades at Kimbolton, Feilding and Shannon sewage treatment plants.

Engagement in the project has been high with:

. More than 70 news items: 34 in 2012, 26 in 2013, 12 in 2014; . Large scale public report-backs completed twice during the project; . 3 out of 4 territorial authorities engaged in works to upgrade sewage treatment plants; . More than 140 land owners completing fencing and planting (258 jobs); . 98 dairy farmers completing Environmental Farm Plans (15% of the catchment); and . 11 community groups completing 14 projects, with more 420 people participating in these projects. One project, Real Earth, reported more than 6,000 contacts.

Table 4: Summary of some of the achievements of the five Horizons-led projects. Environmental Community Total metres Total plants Fish passage Farm Plans projects fencing planted improvements completed completed 208,487 66,420 12 98 14

Following completion of the works on the Horizons-led projects, the Governance Group approved the reallocation of funds accrued due to savings and interest accumulated. This reallocation was on top of decisions made during the work programme, which included more than $61,000 of additional funds being allocated to further stream fencing projects and $37,000 towards additional aerators for the Pahiatua plant. The new projects that were allocated funding from interest and savings made from other projects were $50,000 for a tephra treatment system at the Woodville sewage treatment plant and an additional $50,000 for iwi-led community involvement projects.

The iwi-led community involvement project incudes a video viewing, release of dung beetles and a signage project that will install 14 signs at key sites along the river. The signage will communicate the histories and cultural connections of iwi to the river. Two of the iwi groups have alternative projects that were also approved. The projects are listed below: . Tanenuiarangi Manawatu Incorporated received $10,000 for a dung beetle release on a property at Hiwinui; . Muaupoko received $10,000 for viewings of a video and two signs; . Te Kāuru received $10,000 for four signs; . Rangitaane received $10,000 for four signs; . Ngati Raukawa and Ngati Kauwhata combined received $10,000 for four signs.

In February, the Governance Group was informed that the Dannevirke land treatment project was no longer going ahead. This was due to the landowner being unwilling to take the effluent after learning that there is no certainty around the acceptance of stock for processing after they have been grazing land where treated human effluent has been applied.

After considering a number of options for the reallocation of these funds, the Governance Group approved reallocation of the budget to target phosphorous and nitrogen in the Dannevirke wastewater, and further aerator treatment at other sites. The group approved:

. Two aerators for Dannevirke STP and a further treatment unit for phosphorous (in addition to the already approved tephra treatment system); . Two aerators for Pahiatua STP; . One aerator for Woodville; . One aerator for Eketahuna.

Project Update

More than 29.8 km of stream fencing and 15,205 riparian plants were planted as part of the Clean-up Fund work programme this financial year, and 5 community projects and 7 fish pass repairs were completed. Fifteen environmental farm plans were also completed in the 2014-15 year, providing farm plans for all of the dairy farms in the Pohangina and Tiraumea sub-catchments of the Manawatu. A map of the Clean-up fund work to date (over the 3 years) is shown in Map 1, and the work in 2014-15 is shown in

2.2.5 Map 2 alongside the other work completed as a part of the Manawatu Accord Targeted rate work programme (see below).

2.2.6 The Governance Group met following the Manawatu River Leaders meeting on 12 June 2015. This meeting included approving the extension of the timeframes for the project to allow the additional work to be completed, and consideration of the evaluation of the project once it was completed.

2.2.7 A deed variation was prepared by MfE in June to extend both the Tararua District Council project and the iwi signage project to the 31 December 2015. This extension is necessary to allow TDC to install the additional STP equipment, described above, which is being shipped from overseas. It is also necessary to allow iwi time for appropriate consultation to collate the material for their signage to be installed along the Manawatu River catchment.

2.2.8 Work continues on the Tararua District Council sewage treatment upgrade projects. Work is continuing at Woodville to complete the additional tephra treatment plant, which was damaged in the June flooding. At Dannevirke pond 2 the manhole has been repaired and pond 2 is nearly completely lined. The additional equipment has been ordered and is in transit to New Zealand. Work on the tephra plant at Pahiatua is underway and work on the tephra plant at Dannevirke will be the focus at that site once the lining of pond 2 is complete.

2.2.9 Work on the signage project with iwi is continuing and all material is required to be with the designers by the end of August 2015. Several of the signs are near completion. The flood event has slowed progress on the Rangitane signage project.

2.2.10 An annual report for the Manawatu Clean-up Fund project will be complied in July-August for submission to MfE by the end of August.

Photo 1: Stream fencing completed in the Mangatainoka Catchment in June 2015.

Map 1: Location of works completed as part of the Manawatu Clean-up Fund work programme over the 3 years of the project.

Map 2: Location of works completed as part of the Manawatu Clean-up Fund and Manawatu Accord Target rate work programme in 2014-14.

Manawatu River Accord implementation work:

Context:

The momentum created by the Manawatu Clean-up Fund projects continues throughout the Manawatu Catchment via the implementation of work as part of the Manawatu River Accord. This is funded via $406,000 of Horizons‟ targeted rate funding. For the last two years this funding has been incorporated into the Manawatu Freshwater Clean-up Fund work. In 2014-15, the targeted rate funding was used to run a programme in addition to the Manawatu Clean-up Fund work. This work is overviewed below.

The implementation work includes more stream fencing, riparian planting, fish habitat enhancement including fish barrier remediation work, and community projects. The community projects approved in the 2014-15 year included.

. Ossie Latham – Mangaone West Landcare Group; . NZ Landcare Trust – Stoney Creek Catchment Project; . Mike Hoggard & Alison Short – Haynes Creek Project; . Te Roopu Taiao o Ngati Whakatere – Manawatu riparian planting near Poutu Pa; . REACH Roslyn (Marise Clark) – Little Kawau Stream rehabilitation project; . Tanenuiarangi Manawatu Inc – Tuna revitalisation; . Te Kāuru – Phase 3 Parahaki Island Project; . Te Kāuru – Phase 2 Kaitoke Walkway Establishment; . Dennis Emery (Oroua Catchment Care Group) – Colyton Stream, Guy property riparian project; . Dennis Emery (Oroua Catchment Care Group) – Colyton Stream, continuation of riparian work at AFFCO.

Update

2.2.11 Several of the projects receiving funding from the Manawatu River Accord Community Grant fund have completed work, however all of the projects have now been scheduled for completion in the 2015-16 financial year.

2.2.12 Staff have been involved in some recent community planting days. Anna Regtien of the Freshwater Team organising a field day in Levin on Sunday 24 May to mark World Fish Migration Day. The day was a success with approximately 18 people attending. Some riparian planting was done, followed by a walk around the Denton Road and Queen Street area to look at two different types of fish pass solutions. The waterways in this area are home to native fish and on the day the team used electro fishing to catch a banded kokopu and a few eels in a tributary of the Koputaroa Stream. Jamie Peryer-Fursdon, of the Freshwater Team, helped Te Kauru with their community planting day at Parahaki Island on 23 of May. Lucy Ferguson helped Green Corridors with a community planting day in Summer Hill on 28 June.

Photo 2; Children from Tokomaru School help with riparian planting along a tributary of the Tokomaru River.

In the wider catchment programme, where the focus has been on completing fencing and planting projects, and getting the claims completed by the end of the financial year, 40 projects were completed during this reporting period. The table below outlines the preliminary numbers of fencing planting and fish passes completed in the 2014-15 financial year. This includes work completed in July and August 2014 as part of the Clean-up Fund work (

2.2.13 Map 2).

Number of Community Total metres Total plants Fish passage jobs projects fencing (km) planted improvements completed Manawatu 77 35.053 21,482 5 0 Accord Manawatu 58 29.856 15,205 7 5 Clean-up Fund 2014-15 Total 135 64.909 36,687 12 5

2.2.14 There are a number of projects that were programmed for the 2014-15 financial year which have been delayed for various reasons (including the flood event) but are planned to proceed in the new financial year. Most of these jobs involve further riparian planting and some planting that will be completed early in the new financial year (July, August, September).

2.2.15 Over the next few months, the focus will be on completing planting projects, helping with community led projects and advertising the funding available for projects in the new financial year.

2.3 Manawatu River Accord and Manawatu Freshwater Clean-up Fund

Key programme Project Progress to date deliverables Following a report back to the community in April 2014 on the water quality of the catchment and the efforts to improve it, the focus of the forum has been the ongoing implementation of the action plan and the Clean-up fund project, and the review of the Action Plan. The forum has met twice during the year (in Manawatu River Meetings completed, November 2014 and June 2015) Leaders forum Action Plan implemented A Science and Mauturangi Maori Advisory Panel has met in 2015 and produced a joint statement report to inform the Action Plan revision process. The findings have been presented to the Manawatu River Leaders Forum. A work programme has been implemented with a goal of having a draft revised action plan available for November Leaders Forum meeting. The project timeframes were extended in 2014-15 to enable the work programme to be fully implemented. All of the Horizons-led projects were completed by the end of August. Overall, the programme completed 29.856 km of fencing, planted 15,205 plants, repaired fish passage Manawatu Clean-up Work Programme at 7 locations, completed 15 environmental farm Fund project completed plans for dairy farms, and 5 community projects. Additional work was commissioned within the Tararua District Council projects and iwi-led community projects. The project has been extended into 2015-16 to enable the final components of work in the TDC and community involvement projects to be completed. In 2014-15 the Manawatu Accord targeted rate work was in addition to the clean-up fund work. Overall, the Accord targeted rate programme completed 35.053 km of fencing, planted 21,482 plants, repaired fish passage at 5 locations, and Work to compliment the Manawatu Accord allocated funds to 10 community projects. This is in goals of the Manawatu implementation work addition to the work identified as part of the Clean-up Accord Fund above. Some fencing and planting jobs were delayed due to the flood event (and for other reasons). All of the community projects have work remaining for the new financial year before they will be completed.

Lucy Ferguson FRESHWATER COORDINATOR

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER AND SCIENCE MANAGER

3 Lake Horowhenua Accord and Lake Horowhenua Freshwater Clean-up Fund

3.1 Activity Report

The Lake Horowhenua Accord and Clean Up Fund:

Context

The Lake Horowhenua Accord was signed on 4 August 2013. The Accord development was led by Horowhenua District Council (HDC) and draws together five partners: the Lake Horowhenua Trustees, who represent the beneficial owners of the lake; the Lake Domain Board; HDC; the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Horizons (HRC). The Accord has the following objectives:

. Return Lake Horowhenua as a source of pride for all people of Horowhenua; . Enhance the social, recreational, cultural and environmental aspects of Lake Horowhenua in a fiscally responsible manner that will be acceptable to the community of Horowhenua; . Rehabilitate and protect the health of Lake Horowhenua for future generations; and . Consider how to respond to the key issues, management goals and 15 guiding action points.

The Freshwater Clean-up Fund project for Lake Horowhenua was announced by Minister Amy Adams on February 25 2014. The total project cost is $1,270,500 with the Government‟s Freshwater Clean-up Fund contributing $540,000. The balance of the funding is from local government (HRC, HDC) and in- kind support from industry (Tararua Growers Association and DairyNZ). The Minister said in the announcement that: “The Government has decided to help out with funding because of the partnership that‟s developed between iwi, farmers and the local council”.

Lake Horowhenua Clean-up Fund Projects:

Context

The eight projects selected for funding from the Clean-Up Fund project aim to improve the suitability of the lake for recreational use, reduce the inputs of sediment and nutrients into the lake and improve native fish populations within the lake. These eight projects (Map 3) represent an opportunity to make considerable gains in water quality and lake health in a short time: 1 Purchase and operation of lake weed harvesting equipment; 2 Provision of a boat wash facility in Levin township; 3 Riparian fencing and planting; 4 Installing stormwater treatment systems; 5 Installing a sediment trap/treatment wetland on the Arawhata Stream inflow to the lake; 6 Creating integrated drainage and sediment control plans for up to 500 ha of cropping farms; 7 Preparing sustainable milk production plans for dairy farms in the catchment; and 8 Fish pass and habitat improvement for native fish.

Map 3: Lake Horowhenua Freshwater Clean-up Fund projects in the catchment. Update - Progress during the reporting period

A key focus for the Lake Horowhenua Accord group earlier in 2015 was the development of a Te Mana o Te Wai fund application for Lake Horowhenua. This application aimed to complete work to complement the restoration work already underway and to focus on matters of key interest to the Lake Trust and the beneficial owners. Projects included in the application included seeking funding for a detailed study of the sediment in the lake and options and costs to remove it. Other components of the application included a detailed catchment-wide fish population assessment, stormwater upgrades, riparian fencing, and planting and education programmes. An item on the Te Mana o Te Wai funding applications was programmed to be presented to Council for consideration at its meeting on 30 June 2015.

3.1.1 During the reporting period, several representatives of the Lake Accord partners attended a Horizons Council meeting to outline the Te Mana o Te Wai application for Lake Horowhenua. Horizons Councillors confirmed their support for the co-funding to the projects. Decisions on the applications were scheduled for release in July.

3.1.2 The resource consent applications for several of the Clean-up Fund related projects were lodged in June for the weed harvesting, fish pass and Arawhata sediment trap projects. Preparing these applications has been a major focus for all involved in the Lake Horowhenua Clean-up Fund during the 2014-15 year. The applications were publicly notified on 22 July 2015 and the submission period closes on 20 August 2015.

3.1.3 A range of consultation meetings in relation to the resource consent applications were held in June, including a Lake Accord meeting to which all Trustees of the Lake Trust and Muaupoko Tribal Authority (MTA) were invited. A further Lake Accord meeting was held on 27 July.

3.1.4 Horizons and the Lake Trustees also hosted a field day on 1 July for the regulatory teams of Horizons and Horowhenua District Council and their experts to visit the sites for the Arawhata Wetland, the fish pass at the Hokio Stream weir and the two proposed boat ramp sites to launch the weed harvester from and unload the lake weed. A representative from the Ministry for the Environment also attended.

3.1.5 An annual report on the Lake Horowhenua Clean-up Fund will be completed in August and will be audited by Audit NZ prior to submission to MfE by the end of September.

3.1.6 The lake weed harvester has remained in storage in Tauranga while construction of the trailer for transporting the harvester is underway. A detailed lake weed harvesting strategy was completed in June, through a joint science project between NIWA and Horizons scientists.

3.1.7 A riparian fencing project and two planting projects have involved planting days held in the 2014-15 year. A further community planting day was planned for 2 August along the Hokio Stream, by the weir. This is to mark the second year anniversary of the signing of the Lake Accord. Several signs have been established in the catchment to show the work that is underway as part of the Lake Accord and Clean-up Fund projects.

Photo 3: Fencing & planting completed in June along a tributary of Lake Horowhenua.

3.1.8 The urban stormwater upgrade project for Queen Street drain in Levin has been delayed while Horowhenua District Council (HDC) consults with the Muaupoko Cooperative Society. HDC is progressing this project with an application to Heritage NZ for an authority to complete the work at the end of the Queen Street drain.

3.1.9 The sediment trap/wetland project has progressed over the year with the purchase of the land, obtaining archaeological authority from Heritage NZ, further design work and submitting the resource consent application. The flood event in June provided some further information on high flow events in the area and further sampling was completed on the recession following the high flow event.

3.1.10 An update on the work carried out with horticultural growers in the Arawhata sub-catchment, as a part of the integrated stormwater management plan for the sub-catchment, is provided in Appendix 1. In summary, 396 ha or 88% of the 406 ha of identified cropped land in the Arawhata has been assessed as part of the work program and a further 41 hectares in other parts of the Lake Horowhenua catchment (Map 4). Drainage and erosion management plans have been developed for all eight growers with the plans covering a total of 368 ha. Map 4 provides an overview of the area that has been surveyed. Recommendations range from ensuring the drainage scheme upgrades allow for water discharge from the block to taking land out of production permanently. Recommendations, such as changing row direction, has already been implemented in one case and two others are considering doing this when conditions are suitable (the entire area needs to be empty with crops) for this to happen. Keeping a vegetated strip between the rows and drainage network has also been recommended to trap fine sediments in overland flow. The focus of the project is now on supporting implantation and working with other growers in the catchment.

3.1.11 A further component of this project is the upgrade of the drainage infrastructure in the Arawhata sub-catchment. A modified network has been developed and has received funding via Horizons Long Term Plan Process. The proposed new design has been discussed with the Arawhata members of the Tararua Growers Association and has received their support. Farmers will also complete additional upgrades on their properties to complement the community drainage network. A working group will be formed to guide the implementation of this project.

Map 4: Lake Horowhenua Catchment showing the cropping land in purple and dairy land in black that has been mapped as part of the Arawhata Integrated Storm Water Management project and the Sustainable Milk Production Plan project.

3.1.12 Information gathered for the completion of the sustainable milk production plans has been used to support the resource consent applications required by all dairy farms in the Lake Horowhenua Catchment. The additional information on efficient water use and effluent management, including effective spreading, has been included in the plans to help farmers with better performance and management practices. All 10 farmers within the catchment have been visited to discuss mitigation measures required by them. Approximately half the farmers in the catchment have their resource consents and the plans are in their final stages of formatting. Two farmers have had recommendations of further waterway fencing made through the soil and LUC mapping process, and both are planning to proceed with this.

3.1.13 A summary of the work during the 2014-15 year as part of the Lake Horowhenua Accord and Lake Horowhenua Freshwater Clean-up Fund projects is provided in the Table below.

Key programme Project Progress to date deliverables During the 2014-15 year a range of meetings have been Regular meetings and held. Lake Horowhenua progress on the Lake Accord An application for further funding has been made to the Accord projects Te Mana o Te Wai fund. Horizons Councillors have confirmed Horizons funding support for these projects. Lakeweed harvester purchased and transported to New Zealand. Construction of a trailer is underway. Work to obtain the necessary permissions from Maritime Safety is underway and will continue into 2015-16 Lake Horowhenua Additional weed mapping and sampling work has been Lakeweed harvesting Clean up Fund completed Boat ramp design work has been completed. A weed harvesting strategy report was completed in June 2015. Consent applications lodged in June 2015 Various consultation meetings held. A boat wash facility has been installed and was officially Boat wash facility opened on July 18, 2014. Two community planting days were held during the 2014-15 year. Fencing of 1.098 km of waterways and Riparian fencing and planting of 2,897 plants has been completed. planting A further community planting day was planned for August 2,2015. Drainage and sediment control plans have been developed for 368 ha of the 406 ha of cropped land identified in the Arawhata catchment. Integrated stormwater Implementation work is underway. management plan The focus of the project has widened from the Arawhata sub-catchment to all sub-catchments of Lake Horowhenua. Geophysical survey and an archaeological report for the sediment trap project have been completed. Horizons has applied for an Archaeological Authority for this activity and this has subsequently been granted by Heritage NZ. Sediment trap The land for the sediment trap has been purchased Resource consent applications were lodged in June 2015. Technical work on the construction and efficacy of the wetland has been completed as a part of the consent application. All 10 dairy farmers have entered the farm plan project. Sustainable Milk Plans Plans for all 10 farms are being finalised. All 10 farmers have been visited to discuss implementation of the plans. An archaeological report for this project and the boat ramp at the Domain has been competed. Fish pass at the Hokio

Weir Horizons has applied for an Archaeological Authorities for these activities and these have subsequently been granted by Heritage NZ.

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER AND SCIENCE MANAGER

Science

4 Water Monitoring & Research

4.1 Annual Plan targets

Reporting Period YTD MEASURE Target 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th ACTUAL Track changes in the health of the Region‟s water 25 25 25 12.5 12.5 100% 100% resource % % % % % Inform policy and non-regulatory programme 25 25 25 12.5 12.5 100% 100% development % % % %- % 25 25 25 12.5 12.5 Assess policy and implementation effectiveness 12.5% 100% % % % % %

The water monitoring and research activity summary is arranged in four sections to summarise work on groundwater, surface water quantity (allocation), surface water quality and biomonitoring. A summary of progress made against the targets over the year for each of these areas has been provided in a table at the end of each section. Further brief updates for the reporting period (1 May to 30 June) are overviewed in the sections below.

4.2 Activity Report (groundwater)

Groundwater monitoring programme:

Context

Groundwater monitoring is carried out across the Region for State of Environment (SoE) monitoring purposes and to contribute to national monitoring programmes including the National Pesticides Survey, National Groundwater Monitoring and National Groundwater Age Programmes.

Groundwater level monitoring throughout the Region has progressed as scheduled. Monthly monitoring shows that groundwater levels have followed similar patterns of fluctuation as for recent years with water levels across much of the Region continuing to show the effects of reduced winter recharge.

4.2.1 Horizons‟ groundwater quality monitoring programme moved in 2014-15 from seven-monthly sampling of 26 wells to quarterly sampling of 34 wells, to increase our understanding of seasonal trends in groundwater quality around the Region. The aim is to increase the network of regular monitoring sites to up to 50 wells and screening of suitable wells is being carried out in concert with the research sampling programme; additional wells are being added to the network as they are identified. Fewer suitable wells have been found than originally expected, so the search for suitable wells will continue in the 2015-16 financial year. SoE sampling of 33 wells for water quality was carried out in June 2015. Four additional wells have been identified and will be added to the network for the September sampling, bringing the current network up to 38 wells in total. 4.2.2 A project has been initiated to statistically analyse Horizons‟ groundwater quality data and address historic changes in data collection and analysis, including changes in sample methodology, parameters and analytical methods. The project, being completed by GNS, is working to improve the structure of the historic groundwater data and to enable easier analysis of this data by accounting for changing methodologies over time.

Following the review of the draft results, the processed data set will be finalised and incorporated into Horizons‟ data management systems. Additionally, any recommendations made will be assessed for implementation.

Hydrogeology and Envirolink:

4.2.3 A review of groundwater age data for the Horizons Region was carried out by GNS Science. This project was funded by an external Envirolink grant and incorporated all the available age data for the Region, ranging from data from Horizons‟ own research projects through to data collected by water suppliers and territorial authorities. This report provides us with an overview of the available information on the age of water in wells around the Region and also highlights key gaps that we need to address to ensure we have a full understanding of groundwater travel times. This knowledge can be linked to flow models and our surface water lag times to establish recharge and discharge areas in our groundwater systems and provide key information for establishing sustainable groundwater allocation limits and land use effects on water quality.

For most of the sites with associated age tracer data, groundwater age was able to be calculated (Map 5). Although the current data set has a number of limitations, recent collection of age tracer data for the full groundwater SoE network will greatly improve the understanding of regional groundwater resources. These samples are being processed by GNS. A number of sites in the Region already show a characteristic groundwater signature that can be used to characterise their recharge source, an important factor in establishing the potential effects of diffuse discharges and land use effects on both groundwater and surface water quality.

Groundwater throughout much of the Manawatu and Whanganui Basin is older – ranging in mean residence time (MRT) from 40 to more than 100 years. Temperature data in the Basin indicates the possible existence of paleo water in deeper strata that may be thousands of years old. Vertical recharge rates across the Basin are very low, indicating confined groundwater conditions and general upwelling of groundwater to shallower strata. It is possible that groundwater at depth is not actively recharged, rather it presently exists essentially as water in storage. Thus, the sustainability of groundwater abstraction from the deeper strata requires further investigation.

Groundwater in the Horowhenua area is generally younger, ranging from less than one year to 40 years MRT, with some exceeding 40 years MRT. Hydrochemistry indicates recharge from local rainfall, while high dissolved oxygen and elevated nitrate is consistent with oxic groundwater conditions. This supports the theory that groundwater in the Horowhenua has a relatively short travel time when compared with the Manawatu-Whanganui Basin. While the overall data set shows that groundwater tends to become more oxic with increasing age, oxic groundwater is also associated with older groundwater near Foxton, possibly indicating an absence of organic matter required to facilitate the microbial reactions required for reduction of oxygen and denitrification processes.

Groundwater in the Tararua area is significantly younger than that of the western basin. Typically, these waters are <5 years MRT and are accompanied by elevated nitrate. This suggests that low lag times in this part of the Region are associated with the highest nitrate concentrations.

Overall, the findings imply that groundwater age can be associated with distinct hydrochemical signatures which can utilised to establish groundwater recharge sources. Additionally, both travel time and favourable hydrochemistry appear to be significant factors in oxygen reduction processes. Further analysis of shallow groundwater age will be crucial to advancing our knowledge of these processes.

Map 5: Map of mean residence time (inner circle) together with well depth (outer circle). Image courtesy of GNS Science, 2015.

Massey University Research Programme:

A collaborative research programme by Massey University and Horizons Regional Council investigates the transport and fate of nutrients from farms to the waterways in the Tararua and Rangitikei catchments. The work is carried out through a range of PhD and MSc projects and at present we have four students working as part of the programme. Massey University has recently added a further PhD student investigating on-farm practices and the flow of carbon in farm systems.

4.2.4 With a substantial portion of the field studies now complete, both PhD studies are now well into the report writing stage. Resource Accounting:

We have made considerable progress in developing our understanding of some of the Region‟s most utilised aquifer systems during the past year. Focus areas include the Rangitikei and Horowhenua groundwater management zones, where increasing demand for water has led to Horizons increasing both our monitoring coverage and targeted research programmes to better inform policy implementation in these areas.

4.2.5 A report addressing groundwater allocation in the Rangitikei-Turakina area was completed by Pattle Delamore Partners Ltd (PDP) in June 2015. The report explores the trend in water level data in a number of wells which have (since around 2007) shown a decline in spring water level. The data was analysed with climate (rainfall and evapotranspiration) data through a numerical model known as an Eigenmodel and establishes an area of pressure resulting from groundwater abstraction. The report also provides an initial water balance, which can be further refined as Horizons collects further information about the groundwater system. The report also provides recommendations for future management of both new and existing groundwater takes.

4.2.6 Further information on any of the groundwater projects and their recommendations can be provided to the next Environment Committee meeting if there is interest.

Abby Matthews SENIOR SCIENTIST - GROUNDWATER

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER & SCIENCE MANAGER

4.3 Groundwater Monitoring and Research Summary

Project Key deliverables Progress to date New monitoring programme is now in the implementation stage. Water quality sampling moved to a quarterly schedule from December 2014. Groundwater Upgraded monitoring monitoring programme programme implemented National pesticide survey carried out in December 2014. National reporting by ESR is anticipated June 2015. Additional water quality sites will be incorporated throughout the year. Progressing to schedule. Additional groundwater and surface water sampling completed March 2015. Surface water sampling completed February and Fate and transport of March 2015 to inform modelling of surface water nutrients research and groundwater interaction. This included the collection of isotopes and radon as an indicator of groundwater contribution to surface flow. Push-pull tests being carried out in Tararua and also planned for three sites in Rangitikei to investigate field methods for quantifying denitrification potential. Land use and Artificial recharge in the This research is progressing. An update report will groundwater / surface Lake Horowhenua be provided as soon as it is available. water quality* Catchment The focus of this project for the coming year will be upgrading water metering and telemetry on consented takes to improve water use accounting. Radon sampling was carried out in the Waikawa Stream to establish gaining and losing stream Horowhenua water reaches. allocation project Horizons supported the development of a conceptual hydrogeological flow model by GNS Science-supported student Ioana Gherasimescuio, to help investigate the relationship between groundwater and surface water flow during 2015-16. A medium Envirolink advice grant was approved to interpret all available age tracer data for the Region Envirolink and to inform resource accounting and nutrient Groundwater age hydrogeology projects management projects. This work is being carried out by GNS Science and is due for delivery in July 2015. Brochures and report Now available online and in print. Completed November 2014. Presentations, workshops, Drinking water project Ongoing communication as required. communication to relevant parties Recent presentation to Public Health Officers by Horizons policy team. A meeting was due May-June 2015 but was postponed pending completion of the Santoft water Santoft water user group balance work. A workshop with the water users is proposed for later this calendar year. Santoft Resource A water quality survey was carried out in December Management Santoft resource 2014 to define redox conditions. management project Piezometer installation for push-pull tests was carried out in April 2015. Water balance assessment Now complete. * Collaborative Horizons Science Team project

5 Water Allocation

5.1 Activity Report (water allocation)

Water Allocation Monitoring Programmes:

Water use monitoring programmes for surface and groundwater quantity are ongoing.

5.1.1 The development of the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website module on water quantity has been a focus during the 2014-15 year. The upgraded module, which is now operational, provides a range of information to the public on water allocation, flow, rainfall and groundwater level for all regional councils.

Water metering programme update:

5.1.2 The water metering field team obtained 18 new data-streams in this reporting period. These include both water takes and discharges and are mainly automated data transfers from other council data management systems. There are currently 3 new telemetry installations pending. Of the 239 sites inspected this season, 49 sites required further follow up. The majority of these are sites with known infrastructure issues yet to be addressed by the consent holder, or small takes in non-pressured areas. Further industry sites will be inspected during the winter months.

5.1.3 The water metering team have been working with Wanganui District Council and their SCADA system providers to resolve ongoing data issues, including the correction of multipliers in the data and other inaccuracies. Some of the issues resolved here may lead to the ability to detect and resolve similar issues in other territorial authorities‟ data.

5.1.4 A work programme is also being implemented between the water metering team and Environmental Protection officers to ensure that discharge metering data for all district authorities is being accurately collected, and conveyed through to Horizons appropriately. This ties in with site audit work planned in the water quality programme.

5.1.5 Processing of the 2014-2015 season telemetered water use data will commence in the next reporting period.

5.1.6 The WaterMatters rebuild project continues. The scheduled completion of the Regulatory module of IRIS pushed back plans to have had the WaterMatters system at „testing‟ level by June 2015. The “priority 1” deliverable is an automatically populated allocation status tool for surface water allocation. This tool is to replace a manually maintained system. An initial version is undergoing checking and revision. The next deliverable planned relies on the IRIS monitoring module to be operational, and will provide a simple drop-down box style query builder for reporting purposes. These tools were initially scheduled for delivery in mid-June but are now expected at the end of August.

Informing regulatory and non regulatory processes

Staff have met with the Ruahine River Care (irrigator) group twice during 2015 to discuss the process for the “renewal” of the 17 irrigation consents expiring in 2016 in the upper Manawatu area. This is a continuation of the work in this area to introduce and implement a water allocation framework. Various processes have reduced the level of over-allocation in this area and overall, the area is now within allocation limits. However, several sub-zones remain over-allocated (Map 6). These sub-zones include the Raparapawai and the Upper and Lower Tamaki. Staff have been working with the four irrigators in the over-allocated zones to assess options for the consenting process and the allocation limits being met.

The irrigators have also expressed interest in further water allocation in the wider upper Manawatu area. As a next step in the ongoing work with the Ruahine River Care group, a broad level assessment of groundwater availability in the Upper Manawatu area is proposed. One component of this study will be to look at the availability of further groundwater in the Raparapawai sub-zone, which currently has the only consented groundwater take for irrigation in the Manawatu catchment upstream of the Hopelands flow recorder site.

Map 6: Consents expiring in the Upper Manawatu in 2016. Policy Effectiveness Monitoring:

5.1.7 Cawthron Institute has completed a report documenting the discussion and findings from the Envirolink funded workshop with Horizons staff (20 May) on assessing the effectiveness of the One Plan surface water core allocation limits and minimum flows. The report summarises the discussion from the workshop and suggests “next steps” in establishing a framework for assessment.

5.1.8 Key findings from the workshop include:

. Recognition that water allocation effects on instream health and water quality are difficult, if not impossible, to definitively isolate and that minimum flows and allocation form part of a broad package of river health management; . Effects of a water allocation regime may be both direct and indirect, and relevant monitoring will need to reflect the values to be maintained in-river; . Collaboration with other monitoring agencies is required to ensure access to all useful monitoring data (e.g., working with Fish and Game on fish monitoring programmes); long-term datasets are key in understanding change; and . A consistent, structured approach to a programme of assessment and review of the allocation framework would be the preferred methodology for assessing policy effectiveness.

5.1.9 The Water Allocation portfolio for 2015-16 includes a project to undertake some initial assessments and potential reviews of the status of river health at some key flow monitoring sites in the Rangitikei Catchment. This project will help form the basis of a framework for consistent review of allocation policy effectiveness across the Region.

Raelene Mercer ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST – WATER QUANTITY

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER & SCIENCE MANAGER

5.2 Water Allocation Monitoring and Research Summary

Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date Reports including water allocation audits Upper Manawatu completed. Rangitikei for catchments within the Region and Catchment report and remaining relationship between consented water catchments completed. Report on rest of Water Allocation and actual use. the Manawatu completed. Status and Monitoring Programmes Ongoing. Surface and groundwater quantity Work underway to communicate some of monitoring including flow monitoring. the information collected via the LAWA website. Ongoing; currently receiving data from 396 sites. Telemetry installed to automatically 18 new data-streams during the reporting measure water use in the Region. period with 3 awaiting installation. A total of 56 new data-streams acquired this financial year (including FTP water takes and discharges). Annual inspections of water take flow Ongoing; 239 sites inspected to date for meters as part of the telemetry the season; 49 of these required follow- programme. up visits. Ongoing; to date 161 verifications Verifications complete as per the completed by third party suppliers National Water Metering Regulations. (Irrigation NZ certified verifiers). Ongoing; processing of 2014-2015 data to commence in the next reporting Quality assurance and archiving of period. historical water metering information. Water metering A small number of complicated sites from programme / National last season still need to be dealt with. Water Metering Regulations Documentation on how to process water Water meter data processing use records. documentation draft almost complete – undergoing final proofing and review. Meeting requirements of the National There are 394 consents in these Water Metering Regulations – takes categories. To date 341 confirmed as >20 L/s, and10-20 L/s must comply by 10 metered, 339 of which provide data Nov 2012, 2014 respectively. automatically, and 3 pending telemetry installation. Follow up on the remainder is underway via the Compliance team and will be reported on in the new financial year. Communication Met with Raparapawai consent holders to discuss process for upcoming consenting process. Communications ongoing as we work with them to consider alternatives available. Ongoing communication with water users as required throughout year. Support of PhD study in collaboration Project initiated in 2013. Work is ongoing Dairy Farm Water with Massey University and DairyNZ. with farmers contacted and sites set up. Use Project Expected completion date is 2016. Scope the scale and contents of a Cawthron workshop and report on Water Allocation programme for water allocation policy possible policy effectiveness monitoring Policy Effectiveness effectiveness monitoring and reporting. approach for the allocation framework Monitoring complete.

6 Surface Water Quality

6.1 Activity Report (surface water quality)

Water quality monitoring programmes:

6.1.1 Water quality monitoring programmes continued during the reporting period. The Science team completed a number of surface water quality investigations during the summer monitoring period. These include:

. An integrated water quality investigation in the Waikawa Catchment – reported below; . An investigation in the Mangatainoka Catchment (reported in the Massey groundwater section); and . Monitoring using nutrient diffusing substrates. This monitoring has been undertaken in the Kumeti and Oroua catchments to investigate the nutrients limiting periphyton growth in these rivers. This study will provide information about the relationship between understanding of nutrient limitation using direct water quality measurements e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the water column compared to nutrient limitation as determined by providing substrates with different combinations of nutrient (e.g., some without nitrogen, some without phosphorus, some with both nitrogen and phosphorus). The trial has been completed and samples are with the lab awaiting analysis.

Lake Horowhenua:

6.1.2 A report on the water quality monitoring results for the Lake Horowhenua catchment and relative contaminant contributions from the tributaries to the lake has been completed. This report was commissioned to inform the lake restoration work and the resource consent process. The report is an update of the information collated to inform the development of the Lake Clean-up Fund projects.

6.1.3 The report assesses the state of water quality with regards to the One Plan targets and provides an indicative assessment against the national objective framework (for the 2014 year)

6.1.4 The assessment against the national objectives framework for the 2014 year showed that Lake Horowhenua is below the national bottom line for total nitrogen, total phosphorus and chlorophyll a. The Arawhata Stream is below the national bottom line for nitrate toxicity, all of the inflowing tributaries are below the national bottom line for the 95th percentile E. coli (bacteria) and the Makomako Road and Sand Road Drains are below the national bottom line for median E. coli concentration. The results also provide indications of some of the inflowing streams having conditions with very low oxygen concentrations.

6.1.5 Contaminant loadings for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammoniacal nitrogen and suspended sediments were calculated for the inflows and the outflow (Hokio Stream). The following conclusions were made with regards to loads: Water Quality of Lake Horowhenua and Tributaries

. The inflowing total nitrogen exceeded what was being exported down the Hokio Stream on all sampling occasions and the Arawhata Stream was the dominant source. . The load of ammoniacal nitrogen was generally higher in the Hokio Stream than the combination of the tributaries, suggesting more ammoniacal nitrogen was exported than entered the lake. Of the inflowing tributaries, the Mangaroa Stream was often the dominant source. . The load of total phosphorus was generally higher in the Hokio Stream than the combination of the tributaries, suggesting more phosphorus was exported than entered the lake. Of the inflowing tributaries the Arawhata Stream was often the dominant source. . The load of suspended sediment was generally higher in the Hokio Stream than the combination of the tributaries, suggesting that more sediment was exported than entered the lake. Of the inflowing tributaries, the Arawhata Stream was often the dominant source. . On the sampling occasion in May 2014, the Arawhata Stream contributed significantly larger portions of sediment, phosphorus and ammoniacal nitrogen than on any other sampling occasion. This result showed the importance of sampling during high flows to get an improved understanding of the dynamics of water quality contributions to the lake. Extra sampling was completed in June following the flood event.

Science and Matauranga Maori Advisory Panel for Manawatu Accord:

6.1.6 The Science and Matauranga Maori Advisory Panel for the Manawatu Accord met on 5 and 6 March to discuss outcomes. The panel comprised 12 external scientists (from NIWA, Cawthron Institute, Massey University, Fish and Game, Department of Conservation, iwi and Landcare Research) and five Horizons staff

6.1.7 A joint statement from the panel was presented to the Manawatu River Leaders Forum meeting in June. The findings of the report will be presented to councillors at the Environment Committee Meeting.

Waikawa Investigation

6.1.8 Water quality and contact recreation sampling in the 2013-2014 summer showed elevated E. coli levels in the Waikawa Estuary and in response, an integrated water quality investigation in the Waikawa Catchment was carried out. This investigation included delineating surveys measuring flow, nutrients and E. coli, faecal source tracking (FST) to investigate the sources of the E. coli, and radon sampling to determine groundwater surface water interaction zones. Using the integrated water quality investigation, three sites in the catchment were selected for FST.

6.1.9 A report on the findings of the investigation is undergoing peer review and will be presented to Councillors once the report is finalised. The information gathered as part of this project is being fed into the development of an intensive monitoring programme in the Ohau and Waikawa catchments for the 2015-2016 financial year.

Continuous Sediment

Storm event June 2015

6.1.10 During the flooding event in June, Horizons‟ continuous turbidity network was operational with the exception of the Manawatu at Hopelands site, which was buried by gravel. Using the unprocessed (raw) information from this data feed it is estimated that over the period 21 to 24 June 2015:

Site Sediment load 21-24 June 2015 Mean annual sediment load (Hicks and Hoyle, 2012) Whanganui at Te Rewa 1.03 million tonnes 3.32 million tonnes Rangitikei at Mangaweka 0.129 million tonnes 0.593 million tonnes Manawatu at Teachers College 0.384 million tonnes 1.92 million tonnes

6.1.11 Further work on the storm event in 2015 is presented in the land section of this report.

Research on erosion and river sediment loads in the Manawatu Catchment

6.1.12 During the reporting period, staff attended a seminar at Massey University by Samantha Abbott from Texas State University. Samantha is part of the research team that works with Dr Jason Julian looking at the impacts of land disturbance on water quality. Her master‟s research is focusing on the “legacy effects of land use change and an extreme precipitation event on soil erosion and river sediment loads” using the Manawatu Catchment as a case study.

6.1.13 The presentation focused on her initial work assessing if the February 2004 flood event created persistent sediment sources for future events in the Pohangina and Oroua catchments. She utilised data from the Horizons‟ sediment, flow and rainfall monitoring networks for the catchments, including the Pohangina at Mais Reach and Oroua at Almadale continuous turbidity and sediment data and the landslide layer created by the team at Landcare Research in 2005.

6.1.14 The conclusions drawn from the dataset were:

. The Oroua Catchment is indicative of a transport limited environment which means that the river will carry as much sediment as it can in a flood. The Pohangina Catchment showed lower sediment loads in floods following 2004, suggesting that this catchment is supply limited. . There is a clear relationship between landslide and land cover type and landslides were more predominant on the brown and pallic soils. . 62% of the landslides were unconnected so there would be a lag response to this sediment entering the river. It is likely future rain events will move these closer to the channel.

6.1.15 Future work that is going to be undertaken as part of her master project is to:

. Complete the analysis for the other continuous sensors in the Manawatu Catchment. . Look at all flood events on record, not just 2004. . Look at a comparison between river load and volume eroded. . Explore differences between the catchments to determine if this is influencing sediment supply/transport. . Look at antecedent soil moisture conditions. . Integrate the Manawatu Catchment land disturbance satellite data into the assessment.

Joint research programme with DairyNZ

6.1.16 During the reporting period, further work was completed to establish a joint research programme with DairyNZ. The project work is to focus on three separate water quality related projects during the 2015-16 year.

6.1.17 The first project investigating the likely benefits of increased uptake of good management practices in the Mangatainoka Catchment. This project builds on information from the Mangatainoka environmental farm plans project around on-farm management practices and will investigate the likely water quality benefits and costs of increased uptake of practices around effluent management, stock crossings and runoff from tracks. This project has been contracted to AgResearch to complete with input from Horizons and DairyNZ staff.

6.1.18 The second project is assessing the state and trends of periphyton in the Region and the drivers of periphyton growth. A project brief for this work has been developed and was likely to be commissioned in July. 6.1.19 The third project is to focus on resource accounting in the Region to advance the understanding of water quality in the Region and its drivers. A key focus of this work will be to provide an update to the resource accounts that have been developed already in the Region. A workshop to further scope this project was scheduled for July 2015.

6.2 Surface Water Quality Monitoring and Research Summary

Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date Continuous water quality monitoring of sediment, pH and Continuous river water dissolved oxygen continues within the established quality monitoring measurement networks for these parameters. Programme on-going (2013-14 monitoring complete). Additional temporary sites established in the Manawatu focusing on areas where works are being undertaken River water through the Freshwater Clean-up Fund. Monthly river water quality quality Data from this project has been provided for reporting on sampling via the SoE monitoring Land, Air, Water Aotearoa (LAWA). programme and discharge programme monitoring network Results from this monitoring programme have been reported as catchment summary posters. Results from this monitoring programme for tributaries around Lake Horowhenua to December 2014 have been analysed and the technical report has been completed PNCC wastewater The hearing for the PNCC review has been completed. monitoring programme 2013-14 monitoring completed and a report on the Contact Contact recreation season‟s findings has been drafted. recreation monitoring completed and 2014-15 monitoring is completed for the season. monitoring reported via websites and The programme has been reviewed with some changes programme annual report made to the current website and more to be made as resourcing allows. Monthly sampling of Lake Horowhenua resumed in July 2013. Macrophyte survey maps completed in January, September and November 2014. Macrophyte sampling for composting and stock feed Lakes suitability completed in November 2014. monitoring, Lake Horowhenua Lake buoy deployed and operational from July 2013. reporting and monitoring programme informing lake Results from this monitoring reported as a catchment upgrades completed. restoration poster. programmes Results from this monitoring programme to December 2014 have been analysed and the technical report has been completed. The monitoring work has also been used to inform the development of a lake weed harvesting strategy that was completed during the reporting period. Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date Site visits being undertaken to assess feasibility of sampling on the proposed coastal dune lakes. Upgraded lake monitoring programme for 2014-15 is underway with the first round of sampling completed at the end of November. Round 2 of the upgraded programme was completed in January (helicopter lakes) and February (boat lakes). The next round of sampling for this Lake monitoring programme will occur in March (helicopter lakes) and May (boat lakes). TLI calculations have been undertaken for the 2013-2014 year for 4 sites where a year of data has been collected and reported to the environment committee. Staff have worked with NIWA and Waikato University scientists to support a bid for further lake research in the Region. Preparation of info pack for Panel Support for the Manawatu Science and Panel met in early March Manawatu Matauranga Maori Advisory Leaders‟ Accord Panel Joint statement from the Panel completed and presented to the Manawatu River Leaders Forum Members.

Joint research Completion of 3 projects to Two of the three projects have been scoped, a third has programme with inform nutrient management been conceptualised and required further scoping in July. DairyNZ in Horizons Region

Maree Clark SENIOR SCIENTIST – WATER QUALITY

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER AND SCIENCE MANAGER

7 Biomonitoring

7.1 Activity Report (biomonitoring)

Biomonitoring update:

The biomonitoring programme contains the aquatic macroinvertebrate, periphyton, cyanobacteria, didymo and freshwater fish monitoring programmes that form part of the water quality activity of the Long Term Plan.

7.1.1 These programmes continued with the main focus on data entry and report preparation.

Phormidium (cyanobacteria) monitoring:

Phormidium continues to be a key issue for Horizons and we are partnering with external research agencies to better understand the causes of Phormidium proliferation in order to inform management practices.

Photo 4: Phormidium bloom in the Mangatainoka River at State Highway 2 bridge.

7.1.2 During the monthly periphyton monitoring, samples of Phormidium are collected if it is present at a site to allow toxin analysis to be undertaken. During the 2014-15 financial year, 53 samples were collected from more than 840 site visits i.e., 6.3% of site visits found sufficient cyanobacteria to sample. These 53 samples were collected from 26 sites across the Region (i.e., some sites had multiple samples collected). Of the 26 sites where samples were collected only three sites did not have any toxins detected in the samples. These were Manawatu at Opiki, Mangatainoka at downstream Pahiatua STP discharge, and Pohangina at Piripiri. The concentrations of toxins present in the other samples varied significantly between sites, with variations between 0.01 to 53.37 mg/kg being recorded (Figure 2). This programme has provided new information on the extent of the cyanobacteria issues across theRregion, via sampling within a structured monthly sampling programme. The programme has also provided information on the range of toxicity values for sites when cyanobacteria is found. The programme will be repeated in 2015-16 to investigate seasonal/annual variability. This type of information informs the State of Environment assessment of the scale and extent of cyanobacteria as an issue for the Region.

Cyanotoxin Concentrations in the Horizons Region 2014/2015 60

50

40

30

20 Cyanotoxin Concentration Concentration (mg/kg) Cyanotoxin 10

0

MakotukuSH49 at

Manawatu at Opiki at Manawatu

MakakahiHamua at

Tiraumea at Ngaturi at Tiraumea

Pohangina at Piripiri at Pohangina

Mangatainoka at SH2 at Mangatainoka

Makotuku u/s Raetihi Makotukuu/s Raetihi Makotukud/s

Makuri at Tuscan Hills Tuscan at Makuri

Ongarue at Taringmotu at Ongarue

Mangatainoka at Larson at Mangatainoka

Manawatu at Hopelands at Manawatu

Oroua at Awahuri Bridge OrouaAwahuri at

Oroua at d/s Feilding STP Orouad/s at

Mangatainoka at Hukanui at Mangatainoka

Manawatu at d/s at STP PNCC Manawatu

Tokomaru at Horseshoe at Bend Tokomaru

Mangatainoka at us at Mangatainoka Tiraumea

Mangatainoka d/s DB Brewery d/s Mangatainoka DB

Mangawhero u/s Ohakune u/s Mangawhero STP Ohakune d/s Mangawhero STP

Mangatainoka at Tuakeretaki Rd Tuakeretaki at Mangatainoka

Mangatainoka at u/s Pahiatua STP u/s at Mangatainoka Pahiatua STP d/s at Mangatainoka Pahiatua

Mangatainoka at Scarborough Konini Scarborough at Mangatainoka Mangatainoka at Pahiatua TownBridge Pahiatua at Mangatainoka Sample Sites

Figure 2: Cyanotoxin concentrations in the Horizons Region for the 2014-2015 financial year Inanga spawning surveys:

7.1.3 As previously reported, straw bales were placed in the Kaikokopu Stream to ascertain the extent of the inanga spawning area. During the reporting period, a significant fresh was experienced down the Kaikokopu Stream and mud became entwined in the bales. It is likely that the mud made the bales unsuitable for spawning, and they have since been removed.

Photo 5: Inanga spawning in the Turakina River.

Freshwater Fish Monitoring:

The Freshwater Fish Monitoring programme involves an ongoing survey of fish species abundance at selected fishable SoE sites, re-checking the Sites of Significance Aquatic as part of One Plan policy effectiveness assessments, and undertaking exploratory surveys to further our knowledge.

7.1.4 As previously reported, Horizons deployed lamprey detectors at the five sites recognised as Sites of Significance – Aquatic (SOS-A) for lamprey (Map 7). The monitoring results from the lamprey detectors were received during the reporting period. Of the five streams where they where deployed, 1 site has adult and juvenile pheromones detected (Turitea Stream), 1 site only juveniles (unnamed tributary of the Manawatu River), 2 sites had no pheromones detected (unnamed tributary of the Manawatu River and Mangotai Stream) and the last site experienced flooding, which destroyed the membrane which holds the pheromones (Makaretu Stream). Monitoring in the Turitea Stream (which also has flow data available) estimates at least 200 juveniles upstream of the monitoring point.

Map 7: Lamprey detector sampling results from the 2014-15 investigation.

Horizons received an Envirolink grant of approximately $5,000 to create an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) for fish using data collected by Horizons, Massey University and others. The fish IBI is commonly used as a tool by regional councils around New Zealand to inform management. The IBI will allow us to categorise sites into Excellent, Good, Moderate, Poor and Very Poor, depending on the species of fish found at a site. Horizons will use it, for instance, to advise on the priorities for fish pass installations and to add a regional perspective to the native fish, including whitebait, component of a regionally specific Stream Ecological Evaluation (SEV) model.

7.1.5 During the reporting period, staff received a draft of the report to provide comments. These have been completed and passed back to Dr Mike Joy at Massey University for finalisation of the report.

7.2 Biomonitoring Monitoring and Research Summary

Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date Survey work for 2014-15 was completed in mid-February at 81 sites across the Region. The samples are at the lab for sorting and SoE information on the identification of species. health of the Region‟s All of the 2013-14 samples have been sorted and species of Invertebrates waterways (both state macroinvertebrates identified. The result of the QA of 2013-14 and trend) samples was received and the lab passed with flying colours. Data from this monitoring programme has been provided for reporting on the LAWA website. Monthly monitoring is ongoing. SoE information and Five sites have been added to the Mangatainoka Catchment to knowledge of the enhance knowledge of periphyton and cyanobacteria in this relationship between catchment. These sites will be monitored twice monthly to get a Periphyton flow, nutrients and better understanding of the periphyton and cyanobacteria growth periphyton growth for nutrient management research in the Region. around the Region The fortnightly monitoring in the Mangatianoka Catchment is due to cease in September 2015 after 2 years worth of data collection. Monthly monitoring at these sites will continue. A final copy of the Envirolink report analysing Horizons' weekly cyanobacteria dataset has been received. Samples of cyanobacteria from around the Region are being collected to investigate regional toxin production, and 53 samples have been sent to Cawthron Institute for analysis. Cyanobacteria Benthic cyanobacteria The analysis undertaken for toxins showed that 47 of the 53 sites had toxins present, although the concentrations between samples varied significantly. Three sites have been monitored looking at the ecological effects of cyanobacteria; this monitoring follows a recommendation made by Cawthron Institute. Two other councils managed to collect samples to allow us to gain a national understanding. Monitoring occurs in May, November and February each year. Fourteen sites from the February round of sampling have come Monitoring to check for back negative. Didymo didymo incursions. Only 5 sites managed to be sampled in May-June 2015 due to unsuitable river flows for sample collection. Next round of sampling to be completed in November 2015. Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date SoE monitoring for the 2014-15 year started in June 2014. Brown mudfish monitoring has commenced for the monitoring season with 6 sites completed to date. Further Sites Of Significance – Aquatic (SOS-A) monitoring commenced in January 2015. A report by NIWA on how to monitor the effectiveness of fish Monitoring programme passes and the results of the Upper Kingston Road fish pass trial Freshwater completed and has been finalised. Fish reported on. Results from the lamprey detectors have been received with pheromones detected at 2 sites, none at 2 sites, and 1 site where membrane was destroyed by flooding. Inanga spawning surveys completed in the Whanganui, Kai Iwi, Turakina, and Mowhanau Stream. The deployment of straw bales in the Kaikokopu Stream was unsuccessful in identifying areas of spawning. Bacterial Contribution of regional 5 sites have been sampled as part of the national programme and Community data to a national level samples sent to Auckland University for analysis. Index research programme. Collection of reference data is continuing. Stream Ecological SEV model specific to An Envirolink application for a fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) for Valuation the Horizons Region the Region was successful. This will inform the development of (SEV) the SEV model for Horizons‟ Region. A draft copy of the report has been received and comments provided back to Dr Mike Joy.

Logan Brown SENIOR SCIENTIST – WATER QUALITY

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER AND SCIENCE MANAGER

8 Environmental Research and Monitoring

8.1 Annual Plan Targets

Reporting Period Measure Actual Target 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Undertake policy effectiveness monitoring 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100%

Review environmental indicators 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% Monitor Regional Pest Management Strategy 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% effectiveness Provide environmental information service to the 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% public Monitor and report on environmental health (air 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% quality)

8.2 Activity Report

A summary of the progress made against the targets for the year is in the table at the end of this section. Further brief updates for the reporting period from May 1 to June 30 are overviewed in the sections below.

Policy Effectiveness Monitoring:

The objective of the policy effectiveness programme for 2014-15 is to continue to evolve the programme to inform policy and non-regulatory programme development and to measure the efficacy of Horizons‟ policies.

8.2.1 During the reporting period, the Science and Policy teams continued to work on the framework for policy effectiveness monitoring and reporting for One Plan.

8.2.2 Staff met with the Cawthron Institute in May to progress the Water Allocation Monitoring and Research Project around the review of minimum flows and allocation limits.

8.2.3 Staff also contributed to the work programme of the Land and Water Forum during the reporting period.

Review Environmental Indicators:

Work continues on the National Biodiversity Indicators project, and presenting water quality and quantity information on the web via the LAWA website. This includes work on modules to include lakes water quality data and macroinvertebrate information, and to overview levels of water allocation, river flows and rainfall on the LAWA website.

8.2.4 The LAWA water quantity module was launched on 29 June. This module includes information around the availability and usage of both groundwater and surface water at regional and catchment scale. The module also reports live monitoring data from the flow, rainfall and groundwater level sites across the Region using internationally recognised data transfer standards

8.2.5 During the reporting period, staff provided information for the communications team to populate the content for the LAWA Lakes Module, which is under development. Monitor Regional Pest Management Strategy Effectiveness:

Staff have continued to contribute to the Pest Management Strategy Review as reported in the Biodiversity Monitoring and Research chapter of this agenda.

Air Monitoring:

Horizons continues to monitor concentrations of fine particles under 10 microns in diameter (PM10) in Taihape and Taumarunui, the Region‟s two gazetted airsheds (or air quality monitoring areas). The monitoring work uses BAMs (Beta Attenuation Monitoring) instruments located in the two towns.

8.2.6 Monitoring for the months April, May, June and through to 17 July 2015, shows that there have been three exceedances of the alert level (above 35 µg/m3) recorded in Taihape and five exceedances in Taumarunui.

8.2.7 A report on PM10 monitoring for the 2014 calendar year was presented to the Environment Committee via the 9 June 2015 Environment Committee report.

Envirolink Update:

The Envirolink Fund provides funding from Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment - Science and Innovation for regional councils to engage research from the Crown Research Institutes and universities.

As reported previously, Horizons has nine active projects funded from Envirolink from this financial year, totalling about $132,000 for research. These projects are:

. Fish Pass Monitoring Advice – to train staff in monitoring the effectiveness of fish passes using marked (dyed) fish ($20,000); . SLUI Climate Change – to model the effectiveness of SLUI works against a range of climate change scenarios ($20,000); . Further cyanobacteria monitoring advice – to advise on a sampling programme that will allow Horizons to determine cyanobacteria thresholds in relation to ecological effects on aquatic macroinvertebrates ($12,000); . Fish Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) model – creation of the IBI specific to Horizons‟ Region ($5,000); . Suitability of macrophytes for various uses – advice sought on a monitoring programme and interpretation of results from monitoring for macrophytes in Lake Horowhenua ($5,000); . Regional Age Tracer Data Interpretation – compilation of all groundwater age tracer data available for Horizons‟ Region and interpretation of that data ($20,000); . Mangatainoka sheep and beef nitrogen leaching – to quantify N losses from sheep and beef farms in the Mangatainoka Catchment ($20,000); . CADDIS data ingestion – to develop an in-field electronic device for recording periphyton monitoring data so that it can go directly into the CADDIS database ($5,000); . Policy Effectiveness Monitoring Framework for Water Allocation – to identify if a regional framework for water allocation policy effectiveness monitoring is possible ($20,000).

Further updates on the progress of these projects are reported elsewhere in the Environment Committee agenda.

Provide Environmental Information:

The provision of environmental information through servicing data requests directly or via working with other teams continued during the reporting period.

8.3 Environmental Research Summary

Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date Ongoing information State of Environment collection and analysis to Ongoing through a range of programmes. (SoE) Report inform future SoE reporting Staff have been involved in the reference group for the development of the national objectives framework. Input into the national Staff have contributed to the development of policies and monitoring National Environmental Monitoring and Reporting frameworks Undertake policy frameworks. effectiveness reporting Staff have contributed to the work programme of the Land and Water Forum during the reporting period. Impact of climate change on Modelling work with Landcare Research has been Sustainable Land Use initiated as reported in the Land Research and Initiative (SLUI) outcomes Monitoring section of this agenda. Continued development and production of scorecard indicators for various water quality attributes for use in public presentations and work on the national Clear and understandable Review environmental biodiversity indicators project. indicators for public indicators Work has focused on the indicator for Lakes on the presentations LAWA website. LAWA Water Quantity module was launched on 29 June Information provision to external organisations has Information provision to the continued. Several large data transfers have been public and external undertaken during the year, including provision of agencies data to MfE for national State of Environment reporting. Provide environmental information The AirQuality Matters and Water Matters websites continue to provide up to date information on a daily Information provision via basis. websites The annual update of water quality information for the LAWA website was completed in September.

Pest Management Review the Regional Plant As reported in the Biodiversity Monitoring and Strategy Effectiveness Pest Management Strategy Research section of this report. Air quality monitoring continues in the Taihape and Taumarunui airsheds. Air quality monitoring and reporting Annual calibration of the monitoring instruments Monitoring and (BAMs) by Watercare was done on the 16 and 17 reporting on April 2015. environmental health Education material on encouraging healthier heating (air quality) is being promoted and our website has been Air quality public education updated. campaign – cleaner heating Advertising in local newspaper and online via the MetService site.

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER AND SCIENCE MANAGER

9 Land Research and Monitoring

9.1 Annual Plan Targets

The Land Research and Monitoring section reports on fluvial monitoring, research and land monitoring and research. This work is closely linked to other research and monitoring projects, and provides information for management of gravel takes, flood protection schemes, land application of wastewater and the SLUI programme.

Brief updates for the reporting period (May 1 to June 30 2015) are provided in the sections below. A summary of the progress made against the targets for the year is provided in Table 1 and in the summary table at the end of this section.

Reporting Period YTD Target Measure Actual 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Track changes in the health of the Region‟s 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% land and fluvial resource Inform policy and non-regulatory programme 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% development Assess policy and implementation 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% effectiveness

9.2 Activity Report

Fluvial monitoring and reporting:

The fluvial survey programme provides information on the changes in levels of aggradation or degradation of river channels and berms. This information is important for the management of gravel takes from the Region‟s rivers and flood protection schemes, and as an indicator of the efficacy of programmes such as SLUI. The work is coordinated by a cross organisational team involving Science, Operations and Survey staff. The 2014-15 schedule of work includes completion of the Kawhatau (a tributary of the Rangitikei), Upper Mangahao (Tararua) and Upper Whanganui (Taumarunui), and beginning the Lower Rangitikei and Mangatainoka surveys.

9.2.1 The survey of the Mangatainoka River (including four new sections) was completed during the reporting period. At the time of writing this report (17 July 2015), all of the scheduled surveys had been completed with the exception of the Lower Rangitikei River. The Lower Rangitikei has been deferred to 2015-2016 as there was insufficient resourcing to complete this work within projected revenues.

Gravel Extraction:

9.2.2 The collection and storage of information on the amount of gravel being extracted from schemes and consents for the fourth quarter of 2014-15 has been completed. The figure below depicts the volumes of gravel extraction for this financial year compared to previous years. Volumes are similar to the previous two years.

Figure 3: Extracted gravel volumes from 2011-12 financial year to the 2014-15 financial year, showing trend in reduction of gravel takes from the Region’s rivers and river margins.

Sedimentation and River Schemes:

9.2.3 Over the reporting period, staff continued to develop the scope of a long term programme to collect sediment information to inform flood protection scheme asset management. The scope of the programme, including the 2015-2016 objectives, will be further refined as the Science team develops the 2015-2016 Science Operational Plan. The project context will be reported to the Environment Committee in the first report for 2015-2016.

Sustainable Land Use (SLUI) Outcomes and Climate Change:

Landcare Research continues to work on this Envirolink funded project to establish in-river sediment outcomes after SLUI implementation under different climate change scenarios. The updated IPCC climate change scenarios have not been completed, so the reporting is proceeding using the 4th IPCC scenarios.

9.2.4 A draft of the final report was received in early June and the report is currently undergoing formatting and proofing.

Nutrient leaching from sheep and beef farms in the Mangatainoka catchment:

Landcare Research has been engaged via an Envirolink funded project to establish the rate of nutrient leaching from representative sheep and beef farms within the Mangatainoka Catchment.

9.2.5 Work has continued on this project with the researchers working with local farm consultants to ensure accuracy of the work.

9.2.6 A draft of the final report was received in early June and the report is currently undergoing formatting and proofing.

9.3 Land Research and Monitoring Summary

Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date

Survey work in the Kawhatau River, Makuri-iti Stream, Upper Wanganui River, Upper Mangahao River and Fluvial monitoring Cross-sectional survey Mangatainoka River has been completed. and research to information to inform gravel Programmed survey work in the Lower Rangitikei River inform gravel management and flood to be carried over to 2015-16. management control works Gravel extraction data continues to be collected and collated on a quarterly basis. DHI has scoped development of a catchment/sediment transport model to inform long term management Scoping of a model to decisions around flood protection schemes. Sedimentation and inform long-term river schemes management of schemes in Staff have reviewed the report and Operations staff are relation to sediment revising the project scope, and the Survey team are completing a stocktake of the information available for the project.

Staff advice and input into Staff have provided technical input into the integrated Lake Horowhenua fluvial/land implementation stormwater management project and the sediment trap implementation projects as a part of the wetland project of the Lake Horowhenua Clean-up Fund projects support Lake Horowhenua Clean-up project. Fund project

The Dairy Shed Effluent Storage Calculator and the Town Effluent Calculator, tools developed by this research portfolio, continue to be used on a regular basis. Horizons supported the on-site wastewater system trials at Rotorua again this year, along with many other Information around funding partners. wastewater treatment on Staff continue to support and assist TAs (mainly the Informing land land, including dairy farm Horowhenua and Rangitikei DCs) and the general public treatment of effluent, on-site wastewater with approvals of design and queries about on-site wastewater treatment and land wastewater systems design and management. treatment of municipal Work on extending the trial of municipal effluent wastewater treatment using tephra at Norsewood (or Woodville) is in the scoping phase. Research findings from the tephra investigations are now being scaled up into full-scale systems. The Manawatu Clean-up Fund is supporting systems being constructed at Dannevirke, Pahiatua and Woodville by the end of June. Predicting water Information on expected quality outcomes Envirolink funding has been received to investigate the water quality results from from the efficacy of the SLUI programme under different predicted SLUI work under different Sustainable Land climate change scenarios. SLUI management Use Initiative Landcare Research has provided a draft report. scenarios (SLUI)

Report and gather Envirolink funding has been received to investigate Nutrient leaching information on nutrient leaching on representative sheep and beef farms in the from sheep and leaching from sheep and Mangatainoka Catchment. beef farms beef farms in the Mangatainoka Catchment Landcare Research has provided a draft report. Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date

Support of events that Supporting Support was provided to the Fertiliser & Lime complete extension and extension and Research Centre Conference in February 2015 research communication research with farmers and the Support was committed to the LandWISE communication industry conference in May 2015.

Harold Barnett ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER AND SCIENCE MANAGER

10 Biodiversity Research & Monitoring

10.1 Annual Plan Targets

Reporting Period YTD Measure Target 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Actual Track changes in the health of the Region‟s 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% biodiversity Inform policy and habitat protection 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% programme development Assess policy and implementation 25% 25% 25% 15% 10% 100% 100% effectiveness Provide annual operational and monitoring 10% 90% - - - 100% 100% reports by November each year

10.2 Activity Report

A summary of progress made against the targets during the year is provided in the table at the end of this section. Further brief updates for the reporting period (May 1 to June 30) are overviewed in the sections below.

Totara Reserve Regional Park pest management outcomes monitoring:

The pest management outcomes monitoring for Totara Reserve Regional Park involves annual monitoring of rats and mustelid activity, and native bird abundance.

10.2.1 The results of 2014-2015 monitoring year were presented in the previous Environment Committee report. Over the period, staff reviewed the rat and mustelid monitoring programme and concluded that the final year of this five-year monitoring trial should proceed with no further increases to monitoring intensity or change to the network design. The purpose of the monitoring is to inform the research question around whether Horizons‟ pest control initiatives in the Reserve are making a difference to the avian fauna. The monitoring checks one part of the rationale for pest control i.e., the established link between rat relative abundance in spring and the success of native bird fledging the following summer. The 2015-16 rat control campaign aims to bring rat relative abundance sufficiently low to have a positive effect on bird numbers. The rat monitoring and the bird monitoring in the Reserve provide indicators to monitor how this relationship is working.

10.2.2 Staff considered options to improve the specificity of the design and concluded that the increased cost of monitoring would be better directed toward rat control. Staff also considered ending this trial early but concluded there was a need to test the effectiveness of the planned 2015-16 rat control work in the regional park, in the context of the biodiversity outcomes sought.

Regionally consistent biodiversity monitoring and information sharing:

This activity covers a range of projects that, together, lead the regional councils toward standardised monitoring and reporting of biodiversity and biosecurity information.

10.2.3 During the reporting period, staff continued to contribute a small amount of time to the biodiversity reporting strand of the national Environmental Monitoring and Reporting (EMaR) framework. The draft scoping report was completed in June and the final report was to be sent to the EMaR steering group in July.

10.2.4 During the reporting period, staff continued to test the system to capture the periphyton data from the Biomonitoring Programme in the field. The main project deliverable (a reliable in- field method for capturing data) has been delivered as expected. The added benefit of a means by which the data is automatically reported back to Horizons‟ databases has not yet been achieved and will be a focus for the 2015-16 year. This project is supported by a $5,000 Envirolink grant.

Forest fragment and wetlands programmes:

Among the non-regulatory tools to protect and preserve biodiversity under the One Plan, Horizons has programmes that aim to actively manage 200 high priority bush remnants and 100 high priority wetlands.

10.2.5 Staff visited 27 wetlands and coastal lakes as part of a wider programme to determine the effectiveness of One Plan implementation. The sites visited represent a mix of wetlands, both Horizons-managed and “unmanaged”, as well as a small number of poor sites for reference comparison. A report on the findings of this investigation is in the final stages of review. Preliminary results indicate an improvement in the condition of the wetland habitat in both Horizons-managed sites and the “unmanaged” sites, particularly where fences, weed control and restoration planting have been established. The next step is to establish whether the system of site assessment is repeatable and accurately portrays improvement in condition. The focus during 2014-15 was on lake habitats while the focus for 2015-16 will be on swamp habitats.

Photo 6: Lake Koputara, 13 November 2014

One Plan implementation and information requests:

Science staff continued to provide support, information and advice – over and above formal contribution to the resource consenting and compliance technical assessments – to other staff, the public, and individuals seeking to undertake activities that may trigger the biodiversity rules. There were five such occasions during the reporting period.

Pest management strategy support:

10.2.6 No further work (by Science staff) was done on the Pest Management Plan during the reporting period while the Pest Management Strategy is being written. Work to add the final touches to the Plan will re-start in July.

James Lambie SCIENCE COORDINATOR

Jon Roygard FRESHWATER & SCIENCE MANAGER

10.3 Monitoring Summary

Project Key Deliverables Progress to Date Data from 2012 observations have been loaded. Observations reported to pest plant field team so that they can act on the information. Pest Plants Report Research report pending (requires internal peer review). Peer review of final project report further delayed due to more pressing priorities. Possum Report Results reported in the combined Totara Reserve Regional Park 2013-2014 Monitoring Outputs 2013-14 report. Totara Reserve outcomes Results of 2013-14 survey reported in the combined Totara Reserve Regional Park Monitoring Outputs 2013-2014 report. monitoring Rat and mustelid Monitoring for 2014-15 started November 2014. monitoring All data loaded, analysed and reported as part of the Totara Reserve Regional Park Monitoring Outputs 2014-2015 report. Results of 2013-14 survey reported in the combined Totara Reserve Regional Park Monitoring Outputs 2013-2014 report. Bird monitoring Monitoring for 2014-15 completed in December 2014. All data loaded, analysed and reported as part of the Totara Reserve Regional Park Monitoring Outputs 2014-15 report. Lake wetland Field survey complete and data being analysed. margin Surface Water Capture Zones of a selection of coastal lakes have assessment been mapped to aid in the implementation of nutrient management. Forest fragments Evaluation of Informal review of wetlands Rapid Ecological Inventory Protocol and wetlands current systems undertaken. Report of Tararua Report finished (2013-14). Forest Fragments Akitio Scheme Liaison members and Tararua District Council sent a Survey copy of report along with individual landowner reports. 11 of the 17 indicator reports have been finalised. Biodiversity Regions have identified first indicator set (3 “easy” indicators where Regionally indicators data already exists) for implementation and discussion about consistent implementation continues. biodiversity monitoring and Phase One (case studies identification) complete and NIWA information invoiced for Horizons‟ part in helping lead the project. Biodata Services sharing Phase Two (regional test cases) complete. Stack Phase Three (other regions to participate) has been funded. Horizons‟ degree of involvement in this phase to be determined. Provide Formal information requests, which result in a letter with disclaimer, One Plan information are being served at a rate of approximately 1 per fortnight. implementation Undertake RMA Advice being delivered as required. Two formal advisories and information advice site visits produced for the financial year so far. requests One Plan Giving pre-consent advice to potential applicants continues. implementation Review the Stakeholder meetings and discussion continue. Regional Plant Council workshops held in August 2014 and April 2015. Pest Management Strategy Contribution to briefing papers to members. Pest Management Strategy support An Envirolink bid was funded 2013-14 with the final output being a research plan for implementation (delivered June 2014). Possum migration from DOC estate Due to the large potential cost of undertaking the research, and lack of enthusiasm from Greater Wellington and Hawkes Bay, no further funding to undertake the research has been sought.