Our RegionMarch/April 2011 News from the Greater Regional Council www.gw.govt.nz

Stay up to date with Greater Wellington A summer facebook.com/GreaterWellington for the Great twitter.com/greaterwgtn Outdoors Thousands enjoy regional parks Keeping it pristine GW’s Environmental Protection team on the case Boosting kids’ cycling confidence Wainuiomata’s Adaway family at the Baring Head Lighthouse. Baring Head, on Volunteers and police Wainuiomata’s coast, is a new addition to help kids cycle safely Greater Wellington’s regional parks network

Movin’March is back! Walk, cycle, scoot or skate to school during Movin’March week from 21-25 March. Movin’March celebrates the contribution that kids taking A beautiful site active journeys are making towards relieving traffic congestion around schools. Movin’March can be celebrated in many ways – from a cycle Baring Head – one of the region’s most iconic sites – safety rodeo to a fancy feet parade. Find out more about programmes is now open to the public that encourage safe and active journeys to school: www.gw.govt.nz/movin-march Many of the region’s residents have viewed Baring Head on Wainuiomata’s Walk this way coast from afar – there are great views of it from Wellington’s south coast and It’s been a great summer for walking to work, capped off by Walk to its dramatic cliffs and lighthouse greet Work Day celebrations on 16 March in Wellington’s Park with those returning to Wellington by ferry freebie reflective gear, coffee, buns and giveaways. Not that the end of or approaching from the south by air. daylight saving means you need to stop walking – just make sure you’re visible as the daylight hours shorten. Reflective tape is an effective way But until now the public hasn’t had of being seen and it’s inexpensive. For all the information you need for physical access to Baring Head, as it your next walk, see: was private property before a Greater Wellington-led consortium purchased www.gw.govt.nz/journeyplanner the land in mid-2010. Public transport consultation Joy Baird, Chair of the Friends of Baring Head Trust, says that when the land came (l-r) Friends of Baring Head Trust Chair Joy Baird, Help us deliver a great public transport system by giving your feedback Lower Hutt City Mayor Ray Wallace, Greater up for sale last year many people saw an on the proposed Wellington Regional Public Transport Plan 2011. Wellington Chair Fran Wilde and DOC Wellington The proposed plan was developed following consultation with public opportunity that couldn’t be missed to Hawke’s Bay Conservator Alan McKenzie put the land into public ownership. (The transport operators and local councils last year and will be out for public consultation in May. For a copy of the draft and information Friends are a community group formed Baring Head was jointly purchased by on making a submission, see: with the aim of protecting and enhancing Greater Wellington, the Hutt City Council, the values of Baring Head.) Department of Conservation, Nature www.gw.govt.nz/ptplan “There is so much about Baring Head Heritage Fund and a private benefactor. that makes it special and worthy of Greater Wellington will manage Baring New plan for regional parks protection – from the rich plant and bird Head as part of East Harbour Regional There’s a great new reference tool for environmental groups, life, geological features and heritage Park. For a brochure on Baring Head recreational organisations and others with a strong interest in our associated with the lighthouse through (including a map of the area) and regional parks – the Greater Wellington Parks Network Plan. It includes to the great rock climbing, walking and information about consultation on its maps and information on how Greater Wellington manages the regional mountain biking opportunities. I really future development, see: parks network. You can find it on our website, along with sections that am very proud that the site is now open are still under consultation: for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.” www.gw.govt.nz/baring-head www.gw.govt.nz/greater-wellington-parks-network-plan Welcome to Our Region – the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s quarterly magazine. There’s news and information on the work we are doing for a better region, and how you can participate to make our region truly sustainable. Your feedback is appreciated – 0800 496 734 or [email protected]

Bomarea (Bomarea caldasii, B.mulltiflora) is a climbing vine that can grow up to 10 metres. It’s usually found on forest edges and wasteland. It has thin, pale green leaves with pointed tips that may turn yellow and drop A summer for the off in colder months. Red or orange trumpet-shaped flowers are produced in dense drooping clusters, which turn into capsules that ripen and split to reveal Great Outdoors clustered bright orange/red fleshy seeds. Bomarea grows into the tree canopy and forms large masses Great Outdoors 2011 has seen thousands enjoy that rapidly smother and replace native vegetation. guided walks, off-track adventures, and nature tours in regional parks and forests Seen it? Contact us: 0800 496 734, [email protected] “The parks are for everyone – and with this programme we aim to introduce people to the parks, show them what a great time they can have just beyond their back doorstep, and encourage them to come back with family and friends,” says Councillor Nigel Wilson, Hannah (left) and Olivia Scholten admire a cute critter at Battle Hill Chair of Greater Wellington’s Social and Cultural Farm Forest Park Wellbeing Committee. “We also receive wonderful support from community This year’s highlights were Creepy Crawly Critters volunteers, who willingly share their depth of knowledge (a new event where kids got up close and personal and expertise on many of the guided nature walks,” to slugs and bugs), the ever-popular Kev the says Councillor Wilson. Wandering Kiwi Walks and the opening of Baring Head (see cover story). Some events book out within days of being advertised, such as the Rimutaka Rail Trail, Sunset 4WD Tours in Bomarea Akatarawa Forest, and the Lighthouse and Lakes Walks Most events are free or low cost which take in two stunning jewel-like lakes in East Harbour Regional Park. Councillor Wilson says it’s important to keep the Interested in doing these events in 2012? Make sure programme as accessible as possible, so most of you get in quick and book as soon as the programme the events are free or low cost and there’s a range comes out in early December. of activities so people of all ages and fitness levels can find something that suits. Great Outdoors 2011 still has a month to go. Check out what’s happening in March and early April. www.gw.govt.nz/events

Over 1,000 warmer homes It’s going to be a warmer, drier winter for over 1,000 homes around the region

Myrene and Andres Pimentel of Waterloo, Lower Hutt, likened their house to “a fridge” in the past. Installation of adequate insulation was always on the agenda, so when they heard about the Warm Greater Wellington scheme they decided to take advantage of the offer. The scheme offers the region’s ratepayers up to $2,600 DIY dos and don’ts as a top up for support offered by the Energy Efficiency Doing DIY on your house? Remember that rubbish and Conservation Authority (EECA) for home insulation and runoff from your project can escape down the and clean heating. This money is repaid through a roadside gutter into the stream where it will harm targeted rate against the property over the following native fish, eels and other aquatic life. nine years. Stormwater drains and roadside gutters are made The Pimentels had ceiling and under-floor insulation installed throughout the house by Firewool Ltd of Myrene and Andres Pimentel’s home is the 1,000th to benefit from to carry only rainwater as they flow into small, local the Warm Greater Wellington scheme streams and from there to the sea. Lower Hutt. “The whole process was fantastic and I’ve noticed the difference already in terms of heating “The benefits of modern insulation and clean heating Around your house there are two waste water disposal costs,” says Myrene. systems, one for dirty water (from toilets and sinks) appliances are immense, including a warm and dry home, and the other for clean water from your roof. Make Greater Wellington’s Chair Fran Wilde says that 1,000 reduced heating costs, health benefits and added value sure that you know which one is which and be sure homes receiving financial support through the scheme to properties. And in addition, by having a heat-efficient that only rainwater and nothing else goes down the is something of a milestone, especially since the scheme home you’re helping to reduce air pollution.” has only been running since April 2010, and she urges stormwater drain. Find out more about the scheme: other householders to use it. Follow these DIY tips and help to protect the native www.gw.govt.nz/warmer-gw animals in our waterways: or call 0800 496 734 during business hours • Never allow concrete to wash down into the gutter. Allow it to harden into small lumps and dispose at the landfill • Never put a garden sprinkler on freshly poured Studies begin on transport spine concrete. Cover it with polythene if you wish to slow the drying (curing) process Options for a high-quality public transport spine between The study will identify the advantages, disadvantages, • Always wash water-soluble paints out in the Wellington Railway Station and the Wellington Regional costs and benefits of the various options, plus possible laundry sink or in a bucket of water that you Hospital in Newtown will be the focus of a study which connections of the spine to the rest of the network. Public tip in the garden is about to begin. Light rail, bus and other options will consultation, including focus groups, will be carried out be included in the $1 million investigation run by at various stages of the study. For more information, see: For more sustainability tips: Greater Wellington. www.bethedifference.gw.govt.nz www.gw.govt.nz/pt-spine When the environment’s under threat, Greater Wellington’s Environmental Protection team is on the case

Callout – Titahi Bay What does the Environmental Protection Stormwater drains aren’t sewers team do? Trudy says it’s too early to say what action will result 9.30am, Monday 7 February. Greater Wellington Greater Wellington’s Environmental Protection team from the incident but her immediate focus is making Environmental Protection Officer Trudy Richards is at the frontline of responding to and investigating sure the contractors prevent further discharges, as well receives a call that the tidal pools at Rocky Bay north environmental incidents, and educating people how as cleaning out the stormwater sump and the road. of Titahi Bay have turned a muddy brown colour. to prevent pollution. Pollutants getting into the stormwater system – like As duty officer for the week, Trudy’s role is to investigate Today’s incident is one of around 1,200 callouts today’s incident – are a regular occurrence, says Trudy. the incident and take steps to prevent further pollution. attended annually – including odour complaints, “One of the biggest challenges is educating people On arrival at Terrace Road adjacent to the bay, Trudy discharges of liquid waste, dairy effluent and that the drain outside their house or business or by the sees a thick stream of sediment – muddy clay and silt sediment, and unauthorised works in streams side of the road actually connects to the stormwater accumulated around a stormwater drain. Up the road or on construction sites. network and then to streams, rivers, harbours, coasts and the sea. A stormwater drain isn’t a sewer and contractors are replacing a piece of water pipe after When on a callout, duty officers will identify the problem what goes down it can end up affecting fish, plants a section of the old pipe failed earlier that morning, and its solution. Later, investigating officers gather and other aquatic life.” causing a spectacular geyser of mud and rock. That evidence and decide what action needs to be taken. sediment has flowed into the stormwater drain and saltmarsh and tidal pools at Rocky Bay. Enforcement action is not always used. In some cases www.gw.govt.nz/environmental-pollution a business can join Greater Wellington’s Take Charge “Sediment can smother streambeds, destroy habitats pollution prevention programme and learn ways to and choke the creatures that live there,” says Trudy. improve its environmental performance and prevent In her field book she notes her observations. further incidents. After gathering information, Trudy issues an advisory notice to the contractors, asking that they take action Help us out to stop further discharges of sediment. If you notice an environmental incident Then she walks down to the bay to collect a number or an activity that you think may of samples and take photos. Later, the samples are damage the environment, call Greater sent to the laboratory to analyse sediment levels. Wellington’s Environment Hotline: 0800 496 734

How do we enforce? Enforcement action is decided by the: + Severity of environmental effects and nature of the environment where an incident has occurred Trudy takes a water sample from Rocky + Compliance history of a site (have there been Bay to be analysed for sediment levels other environmental incidents here?) + Efforts that those who caused the problem have made to fix it and the likelihood of reoffending

Sediment stained tidal pools at Enforcement may range from an advisory notice Rocky Bay, just north of Titahi Bay through to infringement notices and prosecutions.

These are some of the incidents that end up affecting our waterways, harbours and coasts

Paint (Wellington Botanic Gardens’ duck pond) Hydrocarbons (Takapu Stream, Porirua) Foam (Mitchell Stream, Tawa) Cement/concrete wash in stormwater Sediment (Makara Stream, Makara) Contact your Regional Councillor Boosting kids’ Water Kapiti Nigel Wilson cycling confidence smart T 04 905 0583, 021 284 3339 [email protected] Kids at Tawa schools are learning cycle-safe skills winner! “Cycling’s a fantastic way to get to school – it’s fun, healthy and LOWER HUTT fast. But concerns about safety mean that parents and caregivers Natasha Kenyon is used Peter Glensor often drive their kids to school,” says Susan Hutchinson-Daniel, to making water go T 04 586 4119, 027 241 5152 Greater Wellington’s Sustainable Transport Projects Coordinator. further – she lived in [email protected] California for a few years “We’re working with local police and local volunteers to where water can be pretty Sandra Greig teach Tawa students the skills they need to ride safely and scarce. And she’s still T 04 586 0847, 027 640 8681 with confidence. Once students have mastered the bike- careful with garden [email protected] handling basics, they go on to learn how to ride safely watering at her home Prue Lamason on the road.” in Khandallah. “I’ve been T 04 566 7283, F 04 566 2606 The volunteers were trained earlier this year. “We really using pea straw mulch to 021 858 964 appreciate them – without their generosity, the programme reduce garden watering – plus it means less weeding, [email protected] wouldn’t have been possible,” says Susan. which makes gardening a lot easier.” The $118 prize pack she won in Greater Wellington’s summer water conservation PORIRUA-TAWA www.gw.govt.nz/cycling-skills competition will certainly help to keep her garden water-smart Jenny Brash and healthy. Along with five other gardeners, Natasha won a T 04 233 8217, 027 354 4233 water timer (“It’ll be great for my vege garden!”), hose flow [email protected] controller, watering wand and soak hose. Barbara Donaldson It’s easy to be water smart. Check out these tips: T/F 04 237 0773, 021 976 747 www.bethedifference.gw.govt.nz [email protected]

UPPER HUTT Paul Swain T 04 528 7830, 021 270 9113 [email protected] New Ma¯ori name for WAIRARAPA Gary McPhee Greater Wellington 027 457 5363 [email protected] Greater Wellington’s partnership with the mana whenua iwi of the has been Evening training for safe cycling volunteers at Tawa’s Redwood School WELLINGTON reinforced by the adoption of a Ma¯ori name – Judith Aitken Te Pane Matua Taiao T 04 475 8969, 027 769 6424 [email protected] The new name was developed by a group of tohunga reo Protecting Hutt (Ma¯ori language experts) representing the mana whenua iwi Paul Bruce of the region and presented to the Council by Taranaki T/F 04 972 8699, 021 027 19370 Wha¯nui kauma¯tua Sam and June Jackson. [email protected] central from floods “The willingness of the region’s mana whenua iwi to gift us this Construction of the Boulcott-Hutt stopbank is planned taonga symbolises both the close historic relationship between T 04 934 3143, F 04 934 3148 to begin in April/May this year Greater Wellington and the mana whenua iwi, and our current 027 425 4668 relationship, which is going from strength to strength,” says [email protected] The new stopbank is needed to reduce the risk of a devastating Greater Wellington’s Chair Fran Wilde. flood in the central Hutt area. It is designed to withstand a 1 in Daran Ponter 440-year flood, giving a much higher level of protection for Te Pane Matua Taiao is not a literal translation of Greater T 04 475 9959, 027 454 0689 residents and property than currently exists. Wellington Regional Council, but reflects the leadership role [email protected] that Greater Wellington has in promoting ”Quality for Life” The approval to carry out construction has come after extensive Fran Wilde, Chair and the social, economic, environmental and cultural work and discussions with the community – including a five-day T 04 830 4246, F 04 384 5023 wellbeing of the Wellington region. hearing in August last year. 021 888 075 [email protected] For more information about this project, see: www.gw.govt.nz/boulcott-hutt-project

What does Greater Wellington do? Water supply to Emergency management New-look Porirua All aboard for Waikanae reservoirs Coordinates Civil Defence Delivers high-quality emergency management Station Waikanae residents are now treated water to the main for the region. Vibrant Pasifika murals and enjoying a full commuter train reservoirs in each city. Flood protection stunning photographs now greet service, after the double tracking Environmental Helps communities protect passengers at Porirua Railway and electrification from MacKays management themselves from the Station. The subway and stairwells Crossing was completed last effects of flooding. Ensures the region’s have an entirely new look and feel month. Trains run on average natural resources are Pest control thanks to the work of local artists. every 20 minutes during the used appropriately. Works with landowners Safer stairs, stronger lighting, new morning and afternoon peak, Regional parks and forests to target pest plants and fencing, a resurfaced platform and half hourly throughout weekdays and from Waikanae Station free animals, and eradicate Maintains a network of refurbished bus shelter are also and regularly at evenings and of charge. If you’re travelling from regional parks and forests bovine Tb. part of a $1.3 million joint Greater weekends. Buses now stop right Waikanae Beach to Paraparaumu, for recreational use. Harbour safety Wellington and Porirua City Council beside the platform at Waikanae via Waikanae Station, you can buy Metlink buses and trains Looks after navigational project. Take the train to Porirua Railway Station and people who a same day bus/train return ticket safety in Wellington and Coordinates and funds and enjoy the station! live in Waikanae and have a for $7. For more information, see the region’s Metlink public Porirua harbours, and the monthly Waikanae-Wellington www.metlink.org.nz. transport network. region’s coastline. rail pass can take the bus to Transport planning Land management Develops long-term Works with landowners plans for the region’s to prevent or reduce transport network. soil erosion. Regional economic development Promotes the Wellington Regional Strategy – a sustainable economic growth strategy. GW/COM-G-11/25