Social Profile for Lake Forysth-Wairewa Area and Rural Banks Peninsula

Taylor Baines & Associates

Social Profile for Lake Forysth-Wairewa area and Rural Banks Peninsula

Prepared by Nick Taylor, Wayne McClintock, Mike Mackay and Miria Goodwin1

June 2013

Introduction

This social profile summarises the current state of the Lake Forysth-Waiwera area. The profile provides a baseline from which future water management options can be assessed. Where available, trends (over the last ten years) are described, in order to provide a picture of recent changes in the Catchment. Historical data are also referred to for a sense of longer-term trends.

Where possible, information is provided about the Lake Forysth-Waiwera Catchment, the township of Little River and smaller settlements and the people who live there. However, it is not always possible to separate the area from Rural Banks Peninsula in which the Lake is located. Some information is only available for Banks Peninsula, and many essential services such as health, education, retail and other services are delivered outside the Lake Forysth-Waiwera area. Hence, while this profile includes some data for Banks Peninsula, its main focus is on the Lake Forysth- Waiwera Catchment as defined by Environment Canterbury.

The profile was developed from a wide range of sources comprising published information, official statistics including the census, other documentary sources including local histories, interviews conducted in the assessment area, and discussions at public meetings and community workshops.

The social profile reflects a wide range of social and cultural values present in the Catchment. These values are also the subject of complementary technical areas such as ecology, water quality and cultural assessment. It is also important to note that values vary between people and groups, and change over time as a result of current conditions. Major value areas covered in this profile include those associated with:

• the productive and consumptive uses of water that provide reliable irrigation, drinking and stock water supplies, enabling people to meet social needs and gain economic livelihoods from a mix of farming systems

• the people and communities of the Catchment, their identities, ways of life and historical linkages to water, and

• the recreational, ecological and intrinsic values of rivers, streams, groundwater and drains, lakes, lagoons and wetlands, and the cultural and aesthetic values associated with them.

Updating this social profile will continue throughout the planning process, capturing wherever possible the views of local people and aspects of the Catchment that they value, to complement the different technical analyses.

Economy and employment

In a rural area, such as the Lake Forysth-Waiwera Catchment, the economy drives employment, which in turn influences the size and composition of the population, its growth, and the services and community life that sustain a high level of social and economic wellbeing for residents.

1 Nick Taylor, Wayne McClintock and Mike Mackay from Taylor Baines and Associates, and Miria Goodwin from Environment Canterbury.

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The Lake Forsyth-Waiwera Catchment has an area of 109 square kilometres of which Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth comprises 5.6 square kilometres. The area comprises 56 per cent tussock grassland, 39 per cent pasture and 5 per cent lake.2 Although regenerating native forest now covers 10 to 15 per cent of Banks Peninsula, tussock and grasslands are the most common forms of vegetation extending from the coast to the highest peaks on the hills.3

Little River Township is located at the head of Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth. The Māori settlement at Little River was on the east bank of the Okana River which is the site of the present Māori reserve. Māori from this settlement were employed at several whaling operations on the Peninsula, and a number worked at Hugh Buchanan’s Kinloch run as shepherds, musterers and shearers.4 A Māori fishing settlement also existed at Waikakahi (Birdlings Flat) which later became the site for holiday homes around 19005.

With the arrival of European settlers to Canterbury, the logging of indigenous forests on Banks Peninsula rapidly increased during the 1860s. This timber was not only used for firewood and house building, but also for public works such as railway projects. After the sawmilling boom had ended in 1880, the area of forest on Banks Peninsula had declined by 34,000 acres in 20 years. The opening of the railway from Christchurch to Little River in 1886 facilitated agricultural settlement in the vicinity of the Lake Forysth-Waiwera Catchment. Landowners cleared the ground of trees and bush often by controlled burning that created an ash layer which enhanced the fertility of the soil. 6 The conversion of indigenous forest to pasture grass was transformed by cocksfoot introduced to New Zealand from Europe.7 Most cocksfoot was grown on the northern side of the Peninsula or in the valleys near Little River which had more sun and shelter from southerly winds, while the highest proportion of forest cover remained in the bays which faced south.8 By the end of the 19th century Little River Township had a population of 380, and there were about 45 farms in the area engaged in dairying, sheep farming and seed production.9

The decline of the cocksfoot industry began about 1910 when the export of seeds became erratic, and the First World War had “a negative effect on the industry from which it never recovered”.10 Dairying and fattening of lambs became more profitable after the war, and yields from seed production were dropping, and these factors led to changes in land use.11

Dairy farming and the production of cocksfoot seed remained dominant until the 1940s, but since then sheep and beef production have provided the economic base of Banks Peninsula.12 A series of droughts and the withdrawal of farm subsidies during the 1980s affected the financial viability of many farms. Farmers diversified into other land uses such as viticulture, horticulture, wood lot forestry and tourism.13 Moreover, Banks Peninsula is a popular holiday destination, with a high

2 Davie, T. (2005). 3 “By 1900, successive waves of human occupation had reduced forest cover to approximately 1% of the original coverage. Forest regeneration this century has increased the indigenous forest cover to approximately 10% of original ground cover.” p.31 Yet the Banks Peninsula District Plan also notes later: “By the 1920s less than 1% of the original forest cover was left. By the 1990s the situation was much improved, with regenerating native forest now covering about 15% of Banks Peninsula.” p.69 Christchurch City Council (2012). 4 Ogilvie, G. (2007). pp. 227-228. 5 Ogilvie, G. (2007). p.227 6 Wood, V. and Pawson E. (2008). pp.453-456 7 Wood, V. and Pawson E. (2008). p.457 8 Wood, V. and Pawson E. (2008). pp.460-461 9 Ogilvie , G.(2007). pp.237, 246. 10 Wood, V. and Pawson E. (2008). p.461 11 Wood, V. and Pawson E. (2008). p.461 12 Christchurch City Council (2012). p.30 http://www.ccc.govt.nz/ Downloaded 9 May 2013. 13 Cloesen, U. (2007). p.30

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proportion of dwellings in the district owned by non-residents.14 Akaroa has become increasingly reliant on the tourism industry; particularly holiday home owners who now comprise over 50 per cent of the population. Most domestic day visitors to Banks Peninsula are from the Canterbury region.15 The township of Little River not only acts as a gateway to the Peninsula from Christchurch, but itself is a tourism destination, particularly in the summer season. It is the terminus of the Christchurch-Little River Rail Trail which follows the 45 kilometre route of the former railway line and is used by cyclists and other visitors to the Lake Forysth-Waiwera Catchment.16 A survey of 152 people who travelled the Rail Trail between December 2007 and May 2008 reports that about half of these visitors were aged between 45 and 59 years. Ninety-six per cent were from New Zealand, and 30 per cent were residents of Banks Peninsula.17

Visitor accommodation in Little River comprises several bed and breakfasts, a camping ground, garden eco-stay, holiday lodge, hotel and some holiday homes. There are innovative plans for accommodation in grain silos for cyclists using the rail trial. Accommodation providers are busy all year round. Their customers include walkers, cyclists, radio flyers, duck shooters, bird-watchers, and travellers passing through the area, and they host local weddings and other social events. Interviewees have noted an increased number of visitors since the Canterbury earthquakes – both non-Cantabrians wanting to stay to “do their bit for the Canterbury economy”, and Christchurch people unable to go mountain-biking in their usual places due to earthquake damage or “too many people on the trail”.

Agricultural and forestry statistics are available for Christchurch City which includes Banks Peninsula and other rural areas. The Agricultural Survey recorded 15,706 dairy cattle, 36,932 beef cattle, 313,340 sheep, 13,389 pigs, and 13,349 Deer within the City boundaries at 30 June 2007.18 Many of the sheep and beef cattle graze in the valleys and on the hills of the Banks Peninsula. Dairy cattle, however, are less prevalent in Banks Peninsula as they are less suited to the topography. The number of dairy cows on Banks Peninsula’s farms declined from 2,134 to 2,080 between 1998/99 and 2011/12 as shown in Figure 1 and fell to 1,377 in the 2006/07 year.19

14 Christchurch City Council (2012). p.30 15 Cloesen, U. (2007). p.85 16 http://www.littleriverrailtrail.co.nz/fastpage/fpengine.php/templateid/12 10 May 2013 17 Department of Conservation (2008).p.3, 8, 12-13 18 Statistics New Zealand, livestock-by-TLA-2007.xls, downloaded 4 November 2011 19 New Zealand Dairy Statistics 1998 to 2012 www.dairy.co.nz/dairystatistics

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Figure 1

Number of Dairy Cows - Banks Peninsula 1998/99 to 2011/12 2500

2000

1500

1000

500

Source: New Zealand Dairy Statistics 1998 to 2012 www.dairy.co.nz/dairystatistics

The production of grain and seed crops is also a minor activity in both Banks Peninsula and Christchurch City as shown in Table 1 by the relatively small area of hectares harvested in these areas during the year to June 2007.

Table 1: Grain and Seed Crops produced in Christchurch City and New Zealand for year ended 30 June 2007 Christchurch City New Zealand Tonnes Hectares Tonnes Hectares harvested harvested harvested harvested Wheat 1,947 214 344,434 40,538 Barley 2,809 C 335,627 51,481 Oats 298 75 27,531 5,773 Other cereal grains C C 13,709 2,267 Maize C C 185,627 17,030 Field/seed peas 9 3 22,053 6,273 Herbage seeds 293 27,329 Vegetable seeds 69 7,330 Other grain/seed crops 85 6,982 Source: Statistics New Zealand, livestock-by-TLA-2007.xls, downloaded 4 November 2011. Note: The symbol “C” means confidential and is usually because there are few producers in an area.

Christchurch City had an estimated forest area at 1 April 2012 of 11,945 hectares;20 with some of those blocks being located on Banks Peninsula.

Housing statistics for the Banks Peninsula show that median rents for three types of dwellings in Banks Peninsula/Selwyn (5+ Bedroom, 4 Bedroom, and 3 Bedroom houses) were higher than median rents for the country as a whole. Those for the remaining types of dwelling were either slightly lower or the same.21 The value of sales of dwellings for Banks Peninsula in April 2013 were 0.06% of

20 Ministry for Primary Industries (2012). 21 Department of Building and Housing (2013) www.dbh.govt.nz/Utilities/market-rent.aspx? 15 May 2013

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national sales, and the median sale price of dwellings for Banks Peninsula in April 2013 was 40.1% lower than in May 2012.22

People and communities

Settlements in the Lake Forysth/Wairewa area include a mixture of farming, forestry and residential communities located within the valleys. Those to the north of the area “align more readily with Tai Tapu and Lincoln” rather than with the township at Little River.23 The NZ Deprivation Index 2006 for the Little River area unit is 3-4 (10 being the most deprived); though a profile prepared by the Christchurch City Council comments “there are several pockets of extreme deprivation within these communities”.24

Little River Township is 52 kilometres from Christchurch on State Highway 75 and is a central point on the road access between the Canterbury Plains and Akaroa. There are limited employment opportunities in the area and a number of residents commute to Lincoln or Christchurch.25

The township at Little River developed around White’s timber mill which began operating in 1864. A railway line to Birdlings Flat was opened in 1882, and four years later the first train to Little River completed its run.26 Later developments were a town hall (1907), a new library (1913), a Māori hall (1919), a new Masonic Hall and new Catholic Church (1924), maternity hospital (1927), a new post office (1938) and a new school (1942).27 The decision to close the Little River branch railway was made in March 1954, and it was noted that “In a sense the town died along with its train”.28

Nowadays Little River has a craft shop and information displays based at the former railway station, and the Little River gallery, cafés, general store, library, hotel, camp ground, and bush walks, together with the Christchurch-Little River Rail Trail, attract many domestic and overseas visitors. All of these businesses and activities provide residents with opportunities to socialise and a strong sense of community. Many of the hospitality-based businesses have experienced an increased number of visitors since 2011, perhaps as a result of closure of many Christchurch cafés and restaurants after the Canterbury earthquakes. In recent years, an increased number of cruise ships arriving in Akaroa have resulted in increased numbers of visitors to Little River Township as a mid- way point on the way to Christchurch by bus.

Birdlings Flat and Cooptown are smaller settlements within the Lake Forysth-Waiwera Catchment. Birdlings Flat, originally called Poranui, is located near Kaitorete Spit, and was named after William Birdling whose family were the first European settlers to farm the area.29 The settlement has a number of permanent and some holiday homes, and attracts visitors to a gemstone and fossil museum and nearby recreational fishery, as well as recreational opportunities on the lake and sea. A number of Māori families take turns to occupy housing at Birdlings Flat for eeling. Cooptown is a

22 Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (2013) http://apps.reinz.co.nz/reportingapp/default.aspx?RFOPTION 15 May 2013. These figures are lower than values of sales for the Canterbury/Westland area (11.03% of national sales) and median prices for Banks Peninsula were substantially lower than the previous year in comparison to Canterbury/Westland (5.4% higher than previous year) and New Zealand as a whole (5.8% higher than previous year). 23 Christchurch City Council (nd). Community profile: Little River/Waiwera. http://www.ccc.govt.nz/ Downloaded 9 May 2013. 24 Christchurch City Council (nd). 25 Christchurch City Council (nd). A number of families include one family member who commutes to Christchurch for work and another who remains at home with young children. 26 Ogilvie , G.(2007). pp.230,232 27 Ogilvie , G.(2007). pp.237,246 28 Ogilvie , G.(2007). p.247 29 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birdling%27s_Flat 21 May 2013

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village four kilometres north of Little River on State Highway 75. For several years it hosted the Little River Music Festival, and has a garage for auto repairs and a holiday lodge at Puaha Valley.

The population of the Lake Forysth-Waiwera Catchment, where these settlements are located, was 753 in 2006. It had increased at twice the rate (22%) of the Rural Banks Peninsula and national populations (11%) between 1996 and 2006. 30 Population growth was particularly strong during the five year period ending 2001 when there was a net gain of 93 residents (15%) in the Catchment. The population estimate for Rural Banks Peninsula in 2012 is 2,550, and that for the Little River Area Unit is 1,140.31 The Little River area unit (of which the Lake Forsyth-Waiwera area is only a part) had 417 occupied dwellings in 2006, and another 105 were unoccupied as they were either empty or the residents were away.32 Some of these unoccupied dwellings in the Little River area unit are likely to have been holiday homes.

Table 2: Changes in usually resident population of selected areas of Banks Peninsula - 1996-2006

Per cent change Area 1996 2001 2006 1996-2006 Lake Forysth-Wairewa Catchment 618 711 753 21.8 Rural Banks Peninsula 2025 2139 2250 11.1 New Zealand 3618303 3737280 4027947 11.3 Source: Statistics New Zealand

The key features of the populations of the Lake Forysth-Waiwera Catchment and Rural Banks Peninsula in 2006 were:

. The population of the Catchment was relatively younger than the population of Rural Banks Peninsula, with a higher proportion of children, and a lower proportion of people aged 65 years and over among its residents.

. The gender balance was slightly uneven with males predominating in the population of both areas; a situation that is characteristic of many parts of rural New Zealand.

. The populations of both areas were relatively homogeneous in their ethnic composition when compared to the national population, with over three-quarters of responses by residents identifying themselves as European. The Catchment had a higher proportion of Māori residents than did Rural Banks Peninsula.

. Residents of the Catchment were relatively more mobile than people living in Rural Banks Peninsula in 2006. People living in the Catchment were more likely to have been domiciled there for a shorter period.

. Residents of both areas were relatively better educated, and had higher levels of participation in the labour force when compared with the New Zealand population.

30 For this demographic analysis the Lake Forysth-Waiwera Catchment was defined as the combined total of mesh blocks 2712802, 2712900, 2713000, 2713100, 2713200, 2713300, 2713400, 2713502, 2713601, 2713602, 2713700, 2713800, and Rural Banks Peninsula as the combined total of the Port Levy, Banks Peninsula Eastern Bays, Akaroa Harbour and Little River area units. These definitions have been used to calculate population change and identify key features of the populations of the two areas. 31 Downloaded from Statistics New Zealand, 9 May 2013. The area that has been defined as the Lake Forysth- Waiwera Catchment comprises a major part of the Little River Area Unit. 32 http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/about-2006-census/final-counts-tables/canterbury-region.aspx downloaded 10 June 2013

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. Both areas had very high proportions of self-employed persons and relatively more employers in their workforce; reflecting a pattern of employment status generally associated with agricultural production and its support services.

. There was a high incidence of farmers and less skilled workers employed on-farm and by agricultural support services in the Catchment and Rural Banks Peninsula.

. The main sources of employment for residents of both areas were the agriculture/forestry/fishing, wholesale/retail/hospitality, professional/technical/administrative, and education/health/social/arts sectors.

. Couple only families predominated in both areas, but the Catchment had relatively more two parent families and one parent families than did Rural Banks Peninsula.

. There was a small difference between the distribution of household incomes in the Catchment and Rural Banks Peninsula, with the Catchment having relatively more households with incomes of $20,000 and under.

. Government payments received by people living in Rural Banks Peninsula comprised 29 per cent of its population aged 15 years and over (the national average), whereas it was 25 per cent for the Catchment.

. Both areas had much higher levels of home ownership (owned and family trust) than was typical for New Zealand.

. The general access to motor vehicles for residents of the Catchment and Rural Banks Peninsula was high by national standards.

School rolls in Rural Banks Peninsula

School rolls indicate population trends and social vitality at the community level. Rural schools have large catchments that are defined by their enrolment zones and bus runs. Although the total roll of all schools in Rural Banks Peninsula increased from 264 to 278 (5%) between 2004 and 2012, the general pattern was one of decline. Only the roll of Akaroa Area School increased between 2004 and 2012 (by 41%), while the rolls of the four schools at the small settlements at Duvauchelle, Le Bons Bay, Little River, and Okains Bay all declined (see Figure 2). The roll of Little River School, however, fell only slightly over this period. In 2004 the number of pupils enrolled at this school was 90. Over the next three years the number declined to 73, and thereafter grew to 85 in 2012 (see Figure 3). Little River School is a full primary school with a principal and seven teachers (five FTE teachers), a secretary, and teacher aides. About half of the children who attend the primary school travel daily by school bus along two routes. Apart from the township itself, they come from Birdlings Flat, Te Oka, Okuti Valley, Cooptown, Puaha Valley and Western Valley.33 Secondary students from the Lake Forsyth-Waiwera Catchment also travel to schools in Lincoln and Christchurch.34

33 Message from the Board - Helen Fowler, Chairperson, Board of Trustees. http://www.littleriver.school.nz/about-us/ 16 May 2013 34 Christchurch City Council (nd).

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Figure 2

Rural Banks Peninsula - School Rolls July 2004 - July 2012 160 140 120 Number of 100 Pupils 80 60 40 20 0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Year

Akaroa Area School Duvauchelle School Le Bons Bay School Little River School Okains Bay School

Source: http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/statistics/schooling/july_school_roll_returns/6028 7th May 2013

Figure 3

Little River School - Roll 2004-2012 100

60 Number of Pupils 40

0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Year

Source: http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/statistics/schooling/july_school_roll_returns/6028 7th May 2013

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Social issues

The Christchurch City Council has categorised a number of organisations and facilities within the Lake Forysth/Wairewa area: 11 community organisations, 6 sports groups, 8 recreational/leisure groups, 2 faith-based organisations, 3 residents’ groups, 1 business association and 5 community meeting venues.35 These community organisations and recreational groups include the Waiwera Runanga, the volunteer fire brigade, a play centre, a toy library, yoga classes, cricket club, rugby club, pony club, motor cycle club, and a multi-sports club.36 Such organisations and activities often organise events and fundraisers, all contributing to the sense of community.

A local business community, mainly based at Little River Township, has been affected by the economic recession, and “a local, depressed tourism market”.37 Community resilience has been tested by the 2010-2011 earthquakes; particularly stress and tiredness experienced by individuals and families. There are no local social service agencies to provide programmes for residents, although community events have supplied release from stress and mutual support.38

The community currently lacks a health centre and pharmacy, with most residents travelling to Akaroa, Christchurch, or Lincoln for healthcare. The closest pharmacy is at Halswell. However, the community expects a doctor will come to Little River in the near future. In Birdlings Flat, funding has been allocated and plans are underway to create a community centre for social welfare agency meetings and community events.

Little River - water and wastewater supplies

Christchurch City Council (CCC) supplies approximately 74 residential and 23 commercial properties in the Little River community with reticulated water supply sourced from Police Creek, a spring-fed tributary of the Okana River.39 The supply does not currently meet Drinking Water Standards, and is insufficient to supply all those within the area who would like to be connected. Some residents feel that water and wastewater issues are a ‘brake’ on further development.

CCC is planning to upgrade the water supply to Little River and Cooptown to meet national drinking water standards by June 2015. Investigations are underway for the availability of bore water, and work will follow to install water mains, a new bore and a pump station, and upgrade the existing water treatment plant. Property owners will need to install a tank, and the CCC will supply a restricted connection to the boundary of the property (1000 litres/day). The new scheme will serve small settlement titles in Little River and Cooptown, but not new rural properties. Property owners will be required to bay $610 for the connection, as well as apply for building consent, and pay a targeted water rate of $153 per unit per year. 40

Little River and Birdlings Flat are non-reticulated for wastewater. Concerns identified by the CCC include risks related to a high water table and water quality problems due to proximity to Te Roto o

35 Christchurch City Council (nd). 36 CINCH – Little River http://cinch.org.nz/ 20 May 2013 37 Christchurch City Council (nd). 38 Christchurch City Council (nd). 39 25 October 2011, ‘Decision of Hearing Commissioner Emma Christmas in the Matter of the Resource Management Act 1991 and in the Matter of application CRC103570 by Christchurch City Council to take and use groundwater for the purpose of town water supply at Little River http://ecan.govt.nz/news-and- notices/notices/hearingdecisions/crc103570-ccc-little-river-decision.pdf 40 Christchurch City Council (April 18 2013) ‘Little River Water and Cooptown Water Supply update and meeting invitation’.

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Wairewa/Lake Forysth.41 The current system is for privately owned and serviced septic tanks, many of which are ageing and dysfunctional. The City Council has programmed improvements for between 2016 and 2019. 42 The proposed system will transport domestic wastewater to a treatment plan for the small settlement zones of Little River, Western Valley and Cooptown.

Outdoor recreation

Outdoor recreation is part of a healthy lifestyle for New Zealanders, providing opportunities for physical exercise and associated health benefits, rest, enjoyment of nature and escape from daily routine.43 It also creates opportunities for socialisation and contributes to community cohesion through social interaction.44 Recreation activity in freshwater environs is very high and of great cultural significance.45 Seventy nine per cent of New Zealanders consider themselves recreational users of freshwater bodies46 and “up to 50,000 people swim in New Zealand lakes and rivers on a typical fine weekend summer day”.47 This section presents a profile of the recreation values of the Wairewa/Lake Forysth Catchment including Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth.48

Little River is the largest settlement in Lake Forysth/Wairewa Catchment. The village itself – with café, art gallery and restored railway station building (now craft store and visitors centre) – is a popular destination for day-trippers from Christchurch, some of whom arrive by bicycle using the Little River Rail Trail (see below). Given its close proximity to Christchurch (less than 1 hour’s drive), the trip to Little River has become a popular excursion for families, motorcyclists and car enthusiasts, some of whom (like the many tourists who visit) stop to rest and refuel in the village before they continue on to other parts of the peninsula.

The village is also a gateway for a range of local outdoor recreation activities including: fishing, kayaking, cycling, tramping, bird watching49, mountain biking50, swimming and rural walks. The website of the settlement’s hotel describes the Catchment as “…one of the country’s top bird watching areas with Lakes Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth and Te Waihora/Ellesmere [the latter outside the Catchment] hosting large numbers of resident and migratory birds”. It notes that, in season, there are opportunities for game bird hunting with the easy access to the lake and river which provide habitat for geese, swans and ducks. The Birdlings Flat end of the lake is a bird sanctuary, providing habitat for about 15-20 species of birds at different times of the year and associated ornithological (bird-watching) activities.

41 Christchurch City Council (2013) 42 http://www.ccc.govt.nz/cityleisure/projectstoimprovechristchurch/water/littleriver/faqs.aspx 43 See: http://ecan.govt.nz/publications/Plans/cw-regional-context-part7.pdf (see page 99). 44 See: http://ecan.govt.nz/publications/Plans/cw-regional-context-part7.pdf (see page 99). 45 See: http://ecan.govt.nz/publications/Plans/cw-regional-context-part7.pdf (see page 99). 46 See: Fink-Jenson et al., 2004. 47 See: Ward, J. and Pyle, E., 1997. 48 A review of ‘existing’ resources was carried out, but aside from the NIWA/Fish and Game New Zealand National Angler Survey, did not elicit any up-to-date quantitative information which could be used to accurately ‘measure’ the changing and/or current recreational use of the Catchment. Consequently, a more detailed use-profile was developed through an interpretation of ‘qualitative’ information from recently published secondary sources including official reports, conference proceedings, books, information leaflets and the websites of relevant recreation clubs and public/private organisations. Key informant interviews also informed the analysis. 49 In 2009, a subscriber to the Birds of Christchurch and Canterbury website reported opportunities for viewing pairs of Crested Grebe on the Okana River, with several nesting on the river’s banks. 50 See: http://www.newzealand.com/int/article/mountain-biking-the-okuti-valley/.

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Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth51 is recognised as a regionally important site for recreation.52 Specific lake activities were identified in ECan’s Inventory of Recreation Values for Rivers and Lakes of Canterbury53 where they were evaluated using two indicators: frequency and intensity of use.54 The following scores were reported for nine recreation activities for Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth (noted here by frequency/intensity):

1. Sightseeing: High/High 2. Picnicking/Barbeque: Low/Low 3. Bird-watching: High/Low 4. Water Skiing: Low /Low 5. Power Boating: High/High 6. Canoeing/Kayaking: Low/Low 7. Trout Fishing: Low/Low 8. Eeling: Low/High (only persons belonging to the Ngāi Tahu iwi can take eel form the lake)55 9. Waterfowl Hunting: High (Frequency)

Interview data indicates that people use the lake for: swimming, kayaking, sailing and sometimes wind-surfing (most users are either local or Christchurch people who use the lake intermittently). One interviewee noted that residents of Birdlings Flat use the lake for fishing at certain times of the year; catching yellow belly flounder, trout, herring and eels (mahinga kai). Power-boaters also use the lake about twice a year. Occasionally a hovercraft has been seen on the lake. Every August, the Radio Flyers club holds its annual Float and Field Fly-on on Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth (float planes, helicopters, jets, scale and sport models).56

Further information relating to the recreational use of the lake and its tributaries57 can be found in the New Zealand National Angling Surveys58 administered by NIWA for Fish and Game New Zealand

51 Situated in the western part of the Lake Forysth/Wairewa Catchment, Te Roto o Wairewa is the only lake in the Banks Peninsula Zone. The water body is recognised as a tribal taonga (a particular treasure for food and cultural identity) and is one of only two customary lakes in Aotearoa/New Zealand. It is also a Statutory Acknowledgement site, a classification which recognises the very significant cultural importance of the lake to the mana of Ngai Tahu and which guarantees tribal involvement in its management. The lake is also a very important site for the protection, harvesting and management of mahinga kai. In the context of mahinga kai values, the gathering of food from the lake has been, and continues to be, very important, with the lake supporting a customary fishery comprising: tuna (eel), patiki (flounder), aua (yellow eyed mullet), kanakana (lamprey) and inaka (whitebait). See: Banks Peninsula Zone Implementation Plan (2012) and http://www.mkt.co.nz/mahaanui-iwi-management-plan/Mahaanui-IMP-web.pdf. 52 See: http://resources.ccc.govt.nz/files/Chapter17-bpdplistofpdfs.pdf. 53 See: Sutherland-Downing, V., Elley, R. & Daly, A. (2003). 54 Frequency of use was measured across activities either as High (used continuously through the year), Moderate (used during certain times of the year) or Low (with few or infrequent visits). Intensity of use was measured as either High (maximum holding capacity for recreational users often met), Moderate (large numbers of recreationists relative to the size of the water body) and Low (small numbers). 55 See: http://www.mkt.co.nz/mahaanui-iwi-management-plan/Mahaanui-IMP-web.pdf. 56 See: http://www.radiofliers.org.nz/ 57 The Lake Forysth/Wairewa Catchment contains a network of streams and springs which converge to form the Okana and Okuti Rivers. These two rivers, in turn, join to form the Takiritawai River – a short natural watercourse flowing into the eastern end of Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forysth. This freshwater system is a recreational fishery of regional significance, with trout, perch and eel the dominant target species. 58 This longitudinal research estimates the relative annual use of all rivers and lakes managed by FGNZ. While limited to fishing, the survey “is the only national dataset for river and lake use and the only source of total (national) use for all rivers and lakes” (See Booth, K., 2009). NIWA note that “…angler usage [or angler fishing days] is one of the most fundamental parameters needed to characterise a fishery, as well as being relatively easy to define and measure” (See Unwin, M., 2009).

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in 1994/95, 2001/2002 and 2007/2008. Table3 provides angler day data from the surveys for the following waters in the Wairewa Catchment: Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forysth, and the Okana and Okuti Rivers. Table 1 shows an increase in angler days for the Okana River from 520 in the 1994/95 to 920 in 2007/2008, with 720 of these days occurring in December/January – the summer holiday months. There was a significant decline in days recorded for the Okana River during the 2001/2002 season (n=60). Although 220 angler days were recorded for the Okuti River in 2007/2008, there were none recorded for this river in previous surveys. Angler days at Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forysth held up for the two earlier surveys, with a decline in days – from 330 in 2001/2002 to 220 in the 2007/2008.59

Table 3: Angler day trends for New Zealand resident fishing licence holders for Te Roto o Wairewa / Lake Forsyth Catchment waters Angler Days Location 1994/95 2001/02 2007/08 Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth 310 330 220 Okana River 520 60 920 Okuti River - - 220 Source: Unwin, M. (2009). Angler usage of lake and river fisheries managed by Fish & Game New Zealand: results from the 2007/08 national Angling Survey. Prepared by NIWA for Fish & Game, New Zealand. NIWA report CHC2009/046.

The Okana River and Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forysth are the only waters of the Catchment listed on the website of NZ Fishing where they are described as good angling sites “close to Christchurch”.60 The website of Fish and Game New Zealand notes that the lower reaches of the Okuti and Okana Rivers (at Little River) are particularly good places to target perch.61

While fishing opportunities exist in the Catchment’s water courses and lake, NZ Fishing’s description of Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forysth includes commentary relating to the frequency of lake toxicity warnings (particularly blooms of blue-green algae) and the health and safety risks associated with eating fish caught in the lake.62 This is consistent with a 100 year history of sporadic toxic cyanobacteria algal blooms63 including Nodularia spumigena (blue green algae) and the associated spread of cyntoxin Nodularia R which is toxic to humans, livestock and pets. Such issues with lake water quality have attracted much media attention64 which is likely to have had a negative impact on public perceptions with respect to the suitability of the water for recreational activities. At the time of writing this report, a regional council warning for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom was in place for the lake, visible as a thick green scum on the water surface and along the lake edge

59 By way of a local comparison, Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere recorded 190 angler days during the 2007/08 season while Harts Creek recorded 630 days over the same period. 60 See: http://www.nzfishing.com/FishingWaters/NorthCanterbury/NCFishingWaters/NCCloseToChristchurch.htm. The website also notes that “The Okana River contains populations of brown trout and can provide good fishing, especially in spring. Public access is available to the lower reaches of the Okana through the gate on the right hand side of the road opposite the Little River Hotel. Lake Forsyth fishes best in spring, especially if the lake has recently been opened to the sea. One of the best places is where the Akaroa Highway first comes close to the lake just after the Birdlings Flat turn-off”. 61 See: http://northcanterbury.fishandgame.org.nz/newsitem/north-canterbury-reel-life-apr-2012. 62 Also see: http://www.mkt.co.nz/mahaanui-iwi-management-plan/Mahaanui-IMP-web.pdf. 63 Reid et al, 2004, cited in Berry, N. and Webster-Brown, J., 2012. 64 See: http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/christchurch-life/mainlander/19456/Rescuing-a-blighted-Lake- Forsyth; http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/8633319/Successful-start-to-duck-hunting; and 16 April 2013 ‘Algal Bloom in Lake Forsyth/Te Wairewa’ http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE1304/S00066/health- warning-algal-bloom-in-lake-forsyth-te-wairewa.htm http://ecan.govt.nz/news-and-notices/news/pages/hunters -reminded-of-algae.aspx.

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with people asked to stay out of the water until the health warning was lifted.65 (One resident said no-one swims in the lake at all while another noted that the lake was only unsuitable for recreation when algal blooms are present).

Since the opening of the Little River Rail Trail in 2006, the Catchment has become strongly associated with cycling opportunities. The trail was originally financed and constructed under the auspices of the Little River Rail Charitable Trail Trust in collaboration with Wairewa Runanga and numerous volunteers. Its maintenance, management and monitoring is now the responsibility of the Department of Conservation. Since its opening, cycling activity has increased around Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forysth with trail users provided with a 7km section of track running from Birdlings Flat to Little River following an historic railway embankment located on the margins of Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forysth. It provides recreationists (cyclists and pedestrians) with an appreciation of the lake landscape (flora and fauna) and the socio-cultural and heritage values of the area. Picnicking opportunities are available at many points along the Rail Trail (including alongside the lake at Catons Bay, a spot which is also a popular overnight or rest spot for tourists travelling by campervan).

Further nature-based outdoor recreation activities are located in the Okuti Valley – a secluded western orientated valley accessible by road from Little River. This area of the Catchment is highly valued for the views it offers across Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forysth to the Pacific Ocean, attracting walkers66, picnickers67, sightseers and (mountain) bikers.68

Four kilometres up the Okuti Valley Road (5km east of the head of Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forysth), is the Okuti Valley Scenic Reserve. This public site is popular for picnicking, short walks, and bird and nature viewing.69 Visiting the reserve is an option for cyclists using Little River Rail Trail (the reserve advertised as a 20 minute return journey from the main track). The Okuti Valley Scenic Reserve experiences high visitor use.70 Walks in the reserve feature in numerous guide books, including the Department of Conservation’s Walks for Families and Mark Pickering’s guide to Banks Peninsula walks and beaches, the latter of which notes picnicking opportunities in the reserve and paddling for children in the Okuti River.

Little River Campground (formerly Birdlands) is also located near the Okuti River where it provides opportunities for camping, walking, river swimming and river-side picnicking.71 It is also the site of Manaia Native Habitat and associated walking tracks. Manaia encompasses a large area of mature native trees (including Kahikatea, Matai and Totara, Kanuka, Manuka, Manatu Kowhai, Kotukutuku, Tarata, Kawakawa, Mahoe and Puahou) which provide habitat for native bird species (including bellbirds, fantails, tui and kereru).72

65 http://ecan.govt.nz/services/online-services/monitoring/swimming-water-quality/Pages/lake- warnings.aspx. 66 See:http://www.wonderwalkers.co.nz/default,1499,okuti-valley-scenic-reserve.sm. 67 See: http://www.sumnertoferrymead.co.nz/canterbury_picnic_spots.htm. 68 See: http://www.newzealand.com/int/article/mountain-biking-the-okuti-valley/. 69 See: http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/canterbury/christchurch-and-banks- peninsula/banks-peninsula-walking-tracks/. 70 See: http://www.doc.govt.nz/documents/about-doc/role/policies-and- plans/n36139_okutivalleyscenicres.pdf. 71 See: http://www.littlerivercampground.co.nz/. 72 See: http://www.littlerivercampground.co.nz/manaia/.

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References

Berry, N. and Webster-Brown, J.G. (2012) A summer hydrological budget for Lake Forsyth/Wairewa: Preliminary Findings. WCFM Report 2012-004. Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, Christchurch, New Zealand. 54pp. (Technical Report)

Booth, K. (2009). Recreation Values. In K. Hughey& K. Taylor (eds.) Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere: State of the lake and future management. EOS Ecology, Christchurch.

Christchurch City Council (2012) Banks Peninsula District Plan. October 2012 http://www.ccc.govt.nz/ Downloaded 9 May 2013.

Christchurch City Council (2013). Christchurch City Three Year Plan 2013-16 (Draft). Volume 2 of 2.

Christchurch City Council (nd). Community Profile: Little River/Wairewa. http://www.ccc.govt.nz/ Downloaded 9 May 2013.

Cloesen, U. (2007). Entrepreneurship within rural tourism: A private walkway on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand. Tourism 55(1): 81-91.

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Davie, T. (2005). Waiwera Research Programme: Outline of Projects. Mannaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Lincoln.

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Ogilvie, G. (2007). Banks Peninsula: Cradle of Canterbury (Second Edition). Phillips & King Publishers, Christchurch.

Sutherland-Downing, V., Elley, R. & Daly, A. (2003). Inventory of recreation values for rivers and lakes of Canterbury New Zealand. Environment Canterbury Report U04/14, April 2004.

Unwin, M. (2009). Angler usage of lake and river fisheries managed by Fish & Game New Zealand: results from the 2007/08 national Angling Survey. Prepared by NIWA for Fish & Game, New Zealand. NIWA report CHC2009/046.

Unwin, M. & Image, K. (2003). Angler usage of lake and river fisheries managed by Fish & Game New Zealand: results from the 2001/02 national Angling Survey. Prepared by NIWA for Fish & Game, New Zealand. NIWA report CHC2003/114.

Ward, J. and Pyle, E. (1997). Environmental Indicators for the Sustainable Management of Freshwater. Report No 2416/1. Ministry for the Environment, Wellington.

Wood, V. and Pawson E. (2008). The Banks Peninsula Forests and Akaroa Cocksfoot: Explaining a New Zealand Forest Transition. Environment and History 14(4): 449-468.