Wellington Water Seaview Waste Water Treatment Plant Intermittent Discharge Recreation Effects Assessment

Home , Lower Hutt, Pencarrow Head, Petone

October 2017 Draft ver 2 1

Rob Greenaway & Associates

Wellington Water Seaview Waste Water Treatment Plant Intermittent Discharge Recreation effects assessment

Wellington Water Seaview WWTP Intermittent Discharge | Recreation effects assessment Rob Greenaway & Associates 2

Wellington Water Seaview Waste Water Treatment Plan Intermittent Discharge Recreation effects assessment

Prepared for Stantec Ltd by Rob Greenaway & Associates www.greenaway.co.nz

October 2017

Version status: Draft ver 2: 10 October 2017

Wellington Water Seaview WWTP Intermittent Discharge | Recreation effects assessment Rob Greenaway & Associates 3

Contents

1 Summary ...... 4 1.1 Introduction ...... 4 1.2 Findings ...... 5 1.2.1 Recreation activities ...... 5 1.2.2 Proposal effects ...... 7 1.3 Method ...... 8 1.4 Author experience and expertise...... 9 2 Literature review - recreation ...... 10 2.1 National marine recreation participation ...... 10 2.2 Regional recreation activity distribution ...... 12 2.2.1 Shellfish gathering and swimming ...... 14 2.2.2 Fishing ...... 18 2.2.3 Boating and sailing ...... 21 2.3 Terrestrial recreation ...... 24 3 Interview summaries by activity ...... 26 3.1 Boating ...... 26 3.1.1 Kayaks, rafts, SUP ...... 26 3.1.2 Keelers and launches ...... 26 3.1.3 Waka ...... 27 3.1.4 Rowing ...... 27 3.1.5 Model boating ...... 27 3.1.6 Kite and wind surfing ...... 27 3.2 Harvesting ...... 28 3.2.1 Fish ...... 28 3.2.2 Shellfish ...... 28 3.3 Swimming and wharf jumping ...... 29 3.4 Terrestrial ...... 29 4 References ...... 30

List of Tables Table 1: Participation locations in natural settings, Wellington (Sport NZ 2015a) ...... 12 Table 2 :Activities recorded from Estuary Bridge downstream (Greenaway, 2015) ...... 12

List of Figures Figure 1: Main activity areas - summary ...... 5 Figure 2: Sport and recreation activities with the highest participation levels (SPARC 2009b) ...... 10 Figure 3: Shellfish and line fishing sites from Allen et al 2009 ...... 14 Figure 4: GWRC Regional Coastal Plan Coastal Water Classes for Wellington Harbour ...... 15 Figure 5: GWRC monitored marine bathing sites in and around Wellington Harbour ...... 16 Figure 6: SLNZ recommended swimming beaches ...... 17 Figure 7: Surfcasting guide recommendation, Draper & Airey (2012) ...... 18 Figure 8: Boat fishing guide recommendation, Airey (2014) ...... 20 Figure 9: Boat club, club and DOC mooring and ramp locations, Wellington Harbour ...... 22 Figure 10: Windsurf launch sites ...... 22 Figure 11: Sail racing marks Wellington Harbour ...... 23 Figure 12: Public access around the Hutt River mouth – Source: WAMS ...... 24 Figure 13: Hutt City online GIS recreation areas ...... 25

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1 Summary

This report:

. Identifies the recreation activities undertaken in the area potentially affected by the proposed Seaview Waste Water Treatment Plan (WWTP) Intermittent Discharge; and . Reviews the potential effects on recreation of the location of the discharge point south of the Waiwhetū Stream confluence in the mouth of the Hutt River.

The bulk of this report describes the relevant recreation opportunities. The effects of the discharge on recreationally-taken fish and shellfish and on water quality are summarised in the relevant assessment reports described in the Seaview WWTP Intermittent Discharges Resource Consent and AEE. These data are not repeated in detail in this recreation report, but relevant factors are reviewed in section 1.2.2.

This assessment finds that the proposal has a minor adverse effect on recreation amenity. Adverse effects are limited by: . The low frequency and short duration of unplanned discharges,

. The management of controlled maintenance discharges to occur in winter,

. Timing of planned discharges to occur on outgoing tides,

. The discharge plume to be limited to the true left of the flow of the Hutt River, avoiding effects on contact recreation in a proximate area on the true right around the Sea Scouts facility,

. The coincidence of rainfall-related overflow discharges with high (if not higher) levels of background contamination,

. Established expectations that shellfish gathering in an urban area with many stormwater discharge points is inadvisable.

Health warnings will be required during planned and unplanned discharges along Port Road specific to whitebaiting (during the season) and contact recreation. As stated, during wet weather discharges, the potential for adverse effects are masked by high background levels of contamination in the Hutt River and Waiwhetū Stream, and standard rain-event warnings will remain necessary.

1.1 Introduction

Wellington Water is reconsenting the existing outfall in Waiwhetū Stream which is used to discharge treated wastewater when heavy rains exceed the capacity of the system, or if the discharge pipe to the coast at Pencarrow needs maintenance. Rain events mean it is used an average of four or five times a year, and maintenance requirements mean it might operate for a week or so every few years. A preferred alternative location for the discharge has been identified to the south of the confluence of the Waiwhetū Stream with the Hutt River mouth (Figure 1). This assessment considers the discharge as a new activity and reviews effects without the existing discharge in place.

An earlier version of this study was used in assessing alternative locations for the new outfall.

The assessment area is defined by the marine and river areas where treated wastewater has the potential to disperse to, defined by the 10m depth contour between the Petone Wharf and

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the southern end of Lowry Bay, and up to the Estuary Bridge on the Hutt River, and the Wainui Road Bridge on the Waiwhetū Stream (the dotted line in Figure 1).

1.2 Findings

1.2.1 Recreation activities Figure 1 shows the main recreation activities in the study area.

While fishing and boating were identified as occurring throughout the study area, the main locations for fishing are the Petone Wharf (although currently closed due to earthquake damage), the Estuary Bridge and the western area of the Hutt River mouth (particularly for netting), Point Howard and Lowry Bay.

Small boats frequent the Hutt River mouth area, Lowry Bay and the Petone Beach area, and include waka ama (competitive outrigger canoes), waka taua (large ceremonial or war canoes), rowers, sailing dinghies, kayakers, rafters (mostly Sea Scouts), sea kayakers and SUP (stand-up paddle boarding). Larger vessels are based out of Seaview Marina and the Lowry Bay ramp, and pass through the area, and also occasionally fish. Sladden Park, Hikoikoi Reserve and the Sea Scouts site are also launching areas for small craft. Waka taua

Figure 1: Main activity areas - summary

Key

Proposed outfall discharge site Study area boundary

Whitebaiting

Walking, cycling on paths

Beach activities and swimming

Shellfish gathering

Kite and wind surfing

Fishing

Keelers, launches / cruisers, trailer craft Small boats – rowing, sailing, SUP, kayak, waka, dinghies

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have used Waiwhetū Stream to the urupa, and sea kayakers might rarely ‘poke their nose’ into the waterway. Shellfish gathering is reported to occur at the Petone Beach (pipes and cockles) and Point Howard and Lowry Bay (mussels). Point Howard is a recreational shellfish gathering water quality monitoring site. A 2013 study of the microbiological effects of a treated wastewater discharge to Waiwhetū Stream (MWH, 2013) recommended that shellfish should not be collected for human consumption at locations between Petone Beach west and Lowry Bay less than four weeks after a discharge of treated wastewater to Waiwhetū Stream, or less than four weeks after a significant high flow event in the Hutt River or Waiwhetū Stream, which may result in the discharge of contaminated stormwater or an overflow of wastewater into these water bodies. It was noted that this restriction would likely rule out much of the year, but would be consistent with the general advice previously provided by Regional Public Health, and by the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, to not collect shellfish near urban areas because of the on-going impact of stormwater and sewage related contamination. Whitebaiting occurs during the season on both banks of the Hutt River near the mouth. Potential whitebait habitat has been identified in the Waiwhetū Stream, but there was no fishing activity identified in this study.

Swimming occurs at all beach areas – Petone, Lowry, Sorrento – and around the Sea Scouts building. The Sea Scouts and Cadets activities result in many instances of water contact recreation in their area. Beaches are used for casual recreation, such as picnics, walking and dog walking. Recreational water quality is monitored at two sites on Petone Beach, at Point Howard and in Lowry Bay.

Wind surfers and kite surfers use the offshore area when conditions permit, with kite surfers launching from the Petone foreshore area.

Almost all the coastal margin is publicly accessible from adjacent land, and is bordered by walking and cycle opportunities, both on and off-road.

Waiwhetū Stream was reported to have little in-water recreation, with some fishing near its mouth, rare waka taua activity, and an occasional small boat. Walking and cycling on the nearby paths were the main reported activity, with volunteer planting on its banks.

The Hutt River to its mouth is identified as a primary water contact site for recreation and as a trout fishery in the Proposed Natural Resources Plan for the Wellington Region, and a first order priority area for improvement for contact recreation and Māori customary use; and the Waiwhetū Stream is identified as a second order priority area for improvement.

Almost all activities occur on all tides and at all times of the day. Fishing on incoming tides is preferred for some activities, especially whitebaiting and shore fishing, and can occur at night. Shellfishing (although not advised) is preferred at low tides, and swimming at high. Almost all activities include some form of contact with the water, with consumptive activities associated, as expected, with fishing and shellfishing. Summer is the busiest season. Weather is the key limiting factor for participation. Section 3 includes summaries of these factors by activity.

The Hutt River mouth, Petone Beach and Lowry Bay are most likely the busiest locations in the study area for recreation, and the Hutt River mouth has the highest variety of activities undertaken. The River mouth area is likely to be one of the more busy recreation settings in Wellington Harbour after the Lambton Harbour area and Oriental Bay, although the study area is very unlikely to compete as a swimming site with the bays south of Lowry Bay and east and south of Oriental Bay.

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1.2.2 Proposal effects The proposal is to locate and operate an intermittent waste water discharge south of the Waiwhetū Stream confluence extending 8m into the Hutt River mouth beyond the intertidal zone. Storage will mean discharges can be managed to almost always occur on outgoing tides, significantly reducing the potential for discharge to flow up the Hutt River and Waiwhetū Stream on incoming tides. The corollary requirement is for an increased rate of flow during discharge periods. On rare occasions, when the available storage is full due to peak wet weather flows, the tidal discharge option might not be available. At such times, elevated flows in the Hutt River and Waiwhetū Stream typically overcome the tidal inflow resulting in surface waters moving in a downstream direction throughout the tidal cycle, preventing upstream movement of the discharge. Discharge periods, based on historic events, would be for a rare maximum of six weeks in the period 5 May to 5 July, and/or a discharge of up to two weeks at any other time. A discharge of more than six weeks has occurred only once, in 2009, when a malfunction at the main pump station resulted in excessive pressure in the pipeline and damage to multiple pipeline joints. Hutt City Council records show that discharge durations are typically far less, averaging one event per year with a duration of six or seven days.

A dye and dispersion study shows that the discharge remains on the eastern side of the Hutt River (true left) and does not cross the midline of the river channel. Activities in the plume area potentially affected include whitebaiting on the true left of the Hutt River mouth, and beach activities west of the Seaview marina. Fish other than whitebait taken recreationally in the mouth area may also pass through the plume, and some line-fishing occurs at the Waiwhetū stream mouth. Walkers and cyclists pass nearby on Port Road. Water quality effects have been assessed in the XXX study under two scenarios: programmed maintenance discharges and wet weather overflow discharges. The scale of effect of these discharges on human health and biota are summarised in the Assessment of Environmental Effects report.

During wet weather overflows, and periods when rain events overcome storage during maintenance discharges, the levels of background contamination in the Hutt River and Waiwhetū Stream mask that of the discharge and result in no additional requirements to avoid contact recreation or the consumption of shellfish in the affected area (Petone Beach west to Lowry Bay south). Wet weather and high flow periods have low recreation amenity generally. Standard and existing recreational warnings about avoiding water contact and the taking of shellfish during and after high river flow periods will remain necessary with the proposed outfall in place, and during significant rain events there is unlikely to be any additional restriction on recreation in the study area as a result of the proposal.

Planned maintenance discharges are programmed for winter when recreation use is low, and outside the whitebait season. There are unlikely to be any changes to winter recreation patterns as a result.

Unplanned maintenance discharges can occur at any time, but are likely for shorter periods of two weeks. The worse-case scenario for recreation would be an unplanned discharge occurring during the whitebait season, although whitebaiting occurs on incoming tides, with planned discharges timed for ebb tides. The aquatic ecology assessment indicates that the discharge will not have any effect on fish migration. High southerly wind events could drive surface water back up the Hutt River mouth, but the level of dilution would be extremely high upstream of the discharge and on the true right (David Cameron, Stantec, pers comm).

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There is unlikely to be an increased risk of illness resulting from contact recreation during maintenance discharges; a result of the high level of treatment at the Seaview WWTP. However, treatment occasionally – albeit rarely – does not fully remove all pathogens and so it cannot be guaranteed that there will be no increase in risk (David Cameron, Stantec, pers comm). The Assessment of Environmental Effects report does not characterise the change in risk due to its small scale, but, as a precaution, health warning signs will be required to advise and exclude whitebaiters on the true left of the Hutt River mouth, and beach users west of Seaview marina, during discharge periods, and for both winter and summer for beach use to include general coastal activities such as swimming a dog.

The frequency of these events is such that the net effect on recreation values will be minor.

The proposal presents the potential to create a recreation asset on the outfall structure. This could include a fishing platform, or just a small seating area. Such options offer a benefit from the proposal. The outfall will most likely create a focal point for whitebaiting where the fish are forced around the structure and be more easily targeted upstream of it.

1.3 Method This report is based on a literature review and interviews with 18 individuals with knowledge of recreation patterns in the study area:

. Greater Wellington Regional Council: Travis Moody, Hutt River Ranger

. Hutt City Parks: Craig Cottrill

. Friends of the Hutt River: Pat van Berkel

. Harbour Master (GWRC): John Tattersall

. Petone Community Board: Pam Hanna

. Friends of Waiwhetū Stream: Merilyn Merrett

. Lowry Bay Yacht Club: Colleen Christison

. Seaview Marina: Suzanne Willis

. St James Sea Scout Group: Kevin Biggins

. Wellington Recreational Marine Fishers Association: Jim Mikoz

. Wellington Yakity Yak Sea Club: Andy Blake

. Wellington Ocean Sports: Philippa Durkin

. Hikoikoi Waka Club: Petra Melville . Local whitebaiter: Ian Laing

. Hutt River Trail - Rotary coordinator: Linton Adams

. Local spear fisher: Derek Wilsher . Windsurfer, paddle board, kite surfer: Bruce Spedding

. Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui kit e Upoko o te Ika a Maui Inc: Teri Puketapu

Site observations by Boffa Miskell in October confirmed whitebaiting activity to the south of the proposed outfall.

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1.4 Author experience and expertise

The author of this report, Rob Greenaway, is an independent leisure and open space and planner with 25 years’ experience. He has completed well-over 300 consultancy projects in the recreation and tourism fields in New Zealand and the Pacific and has presented evidence as an expert witness at more than 80 consent hearings. He is an Accredited Recreation Professional, and a Fellow, with the New Zealand Recreation Association (and a member of the NZRA’s accreditation board) and a member of the NZ Association for Impact Assessment. In marine settings he has completed assessments for, for example, several marine farms in Marlborough and the Kaipara, including the King Salmon proposal in 2012 for the Marlborough District Council, several marina development proposals nationally (and is a current member of the Nelson City Council Nelson Marina Advisory Committee), the consent application to leave the remains of the wreck of the Rena on Astrolabe Reef, a review of snapper quota proposals for the NZ Sport Fishing Council, recreation planning for the Lyttelton Port Recovery Plan, a survey of recreational use of regional marine facilities for the Christchurch City Council, and many other coastal recreation surveys and several marine discharge reviews. He is currently working on three harbour deepening projects (Wellington, Whangarei and Lyttelton), and the runway extension proposal for Wellington International Airport.

Rob owns a 10 metre yacht based in Nelson and has extensive coastal and blue water sailing experience spanning 50 years. He lived and worked in Wellington in the 1990s (and helped establish and operate the original Big Coast mountain bike events around the Rimutaka Range and along the Pencarrow Coast), and has completed various consultancy projects in the region, including assisting with the 2015 masterplan for Mount Victoria for Wellington City, and the 2016 survey of recreational use of the Hutt River Corridor for the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

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2 Literature review - recreation

2.1 National marine recreation participation

Various estimates are available for the number of marine fishers in New Zealand. Kearney (2002) reviews various studies which have given a wide range for the level of participation. These include estimates based on surveys carried out between 1996 and 2000 ranging from 9.7% to 39% of the population (Reilly 2002 in Kearney 2002). At the national level, reliable relative data (if not absolute)1 are provided by the Active NZ Surveys carried out by Sport New Zealand (previously SPARC – Sport and Recreation NZ) (SPARC 2009a, 2015a). The data from the most recent studies (2007/08 and 2013/14) are based on a stratified (by time and location) national respondent set of just over 4,400 and 6,400 adults aged over 16 respectively. The 2007/08 results showed that 19.3%2 of all New Zealand adults aged 16 years and over (633,768 people) had participated in fishing at least once; 16.6%3 had participated in marine fishing (539,515 adults aged over 16) and 5.7%4 had participated in freshwater fishing. This made marine fishing the 7th most popular form of active recreation in NZ in 2007/08 (Figure 2), while freshwater fishing was ranked 21st equal (with rugby union) (SPARC 2009b).

Figure 2: Sport and recreation activities with the highest participation levels (SPARC 2009b)

The 2013/14 Active NZ results do not provide a breakdown by marine and freshwater activity. Different methodologies also make comparison across the years problematic. However, fishing participation was shown in this more recent survey as now the fifth most popular

1 SPARC (2009a) notes: “The Active NZ Survey is a nationally representative survey of all New Zealand adults. The findings in this profile are not directly comparable with other sources of information about fishing. This is because methodological differences (e.g. the way data is collected, the definitions used) contribute to differences in findings between different data sources.“ 2 (95% CI: 17.7–21.2) 3 (95% CI: 15.0–18.3) 4 (95% CI: 4.6–6.8)

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activity nationally at 19.5%, having over-taken jogging and running; and the third most popular activity for Maori. For men, fishing was the second-most popular form of recreation (29.2% participation), and for women, the ninth (10.5%).

The level of participation in fishing (marine and freshwater) in the Wellington Region for 2007/08 was slightly less than the national average with 15.2% of the region’s population fishing (and 21.1% of men), making it the ninth-most popular active recreation or sport pursuit in the region (SPARC 2009c). The 2013/14 Active NZ survey showed that 15.8% of the regional population fished (Sport NZ 2015b). Variability between surveys needs to be treated cautiously due to the small regional sample size (488 respondents for the Wellington Region).

At the national level, 3.8% of the population reported going diving in 2007/8, and in 2013/14 the figure was 3.4%; and 2.4% went sailing or yachting, and in 2013/14 the figure was 2.1%. Canoeing and kayaking also showed a growth in popularity between the surveys (from 6.3% to 8.2%) (SPARC 2009b & Sport NZ 2015a). This does not include the use of stand-up paddle boards, but does include sea kayaks and sit-upons. Such small data sets are not analysed at the regional level.

The Active NZ surveys only consider physically active, non-motorised pursuits and so did not review motor boating participation.

Kalafatelis & Magill (2013) completed a national survey of recreational boating activity for Maritime NZ with 1500 respondents. The results do not appear to have been filtered for marine activity only. This indicated, at the national level, that 24% of New Zealanders aged over 18 owned or used a vessel for recreation boating purposes (57% male and 43% female):

. 15% owned or used a canoe or kayak,

. 9% owned or used a power boat under 6m,

. 9% owned or used a dinghy,

. 5% owned or used a power boat over 6m,

. 3% owned or used a sail boat under 6m,

. 2% owned or used a sail boat over 6m,

. 2% owned or used a jet ski.

During periods when boaties are ‘most active’, such as over summer, 24% of users of power boats under 6m went at least weekly, and another 25% went out once every couple of weeks. Similar levels of activity were evident for other vessels, but power boats under 6m were the most frequently used. The average number of years of boating experience was 12.9 years, with those owning or using kayaks and canoes the least experienced.

Kalafatelis & Magill (2013) reported the ownership of types of vessel by region, but the levels of response by subgroup was not high and there is limited reliability in the data.

Vance (2014) used the data gathered by Kalafatelis & Magill (2013) and older information to review trends in boat ownership. Eight Colmar Brunton surveys completed between 2002 and 2011 gave a range of 16% to 19% of households owning at least one boat in New Zealand; or 641,000 people and 727,000 vessels. Kalafatelis & Magill (2013) gave an estimate of 900,000 vessels. Vance (2014) estimates that between 30% and 50% of boat users go out at least every couple of weeks; and that levels of ownership have been reasonably consistent since at least 2006, but with possible increases in the ownership of trailer power boats and canoes

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and kayaks. However, the use of different survey methods means these trends are not certain.

2.2 Regional recreation activity distribution

Sport NZ (2015a) reported on locations where respondents undertook their activities in natural settings in the Wellington Region. Table 1 shows that beaches and other locations by the sea where the second-most preferred setting for outdoor recreation (at 51.3% for all Wellington Region adults), while being in or on the sea was relatively less popular at 25.4%, but more popular that recreation on or in a river or lake.

Table 1: Participation locations in natural settings, Wellington (Sport NZ 2015a)

A survey of recreational use of the Hutt River Corridor was carried out by the Greater Wellington Regional Council in 2015 (Greenaway, 2015). This showed the most frequently recorded activities at, and downriver of, the Estuary Bridge were cycling, walking and dog related activities. Swimming, fishing and small boating activities were also popular (Table 2).

The Corridor was divided into ten sections extending from the mouth to Harcourt Park. The mouth area was the fifth-most popular section of the corridor for the number of activities named (189 compared with 479 at for the Hutt City centre between Melling and Ewen Bridge), and the sixth for number of respondents (74 compared with 214 for the Hutt City centre). The majority of respondents in this section of the Corridor were from Hutt City. More respondents considered the mouth area to be unsafe than safe, and there were personal safety concerns experienced during the survey process around the Evans Park area.

Table 2 :Activities recorded from Estuary Bridge downstream (Greenaway, 2015) Activity Count Walking 42 Cycling 32 Dog related 24 Swimming 12 Boating/sailing/waka/rafting/tubing/rowing 12 Fishing 12 Running 10

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Table 2 :Activities recorded from Estuary Bridge downstream (Greenaway, 2015) Relaxing/socialising 7 Kayaking 7 Market 4 Golf/disc golf 4 Geocaching 3 Picnicking 3 Sport 2 Blackberries 2 Photography 2 Exercise 2 School/scout trip 1 Stone gathering/throwing 1 Access river/beach 1 Meditation/prayer/yoga 1 Firewood 1 Sand collecting 1 Campfire/camping 1 Family/playing 1 Kite flying 1 Total count 189

Biosecurity New Zealand released a review of coastal social values in 2009 (Allen et al 2009). This indicated that, at the national level, there is only a very coarse understanding of the distribution of marine recreation. The study considered beach recreation, surfing, diving, boating and seafood gathering, but, in the main, only proxy information was used to identify where these activities occur – such as the presence of a surf living saving club to identify swimming locations or a yacht club for sailing. This resulted in broad descriptions of activity patterns which are better described using more specific data sources (such as those discussed elsewhere in this section). Figure 3 (over page) shows two examples of the scale of data provided in Allen et al (2009).

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Figure 3: Shellfish and line fishing sites from Allen et al 2009

Shellfish gathering locations and local authority monitoring sites

Recreational line fishing locations and fishing clubs

2.2.1 Shellfish gathering and swimming The Regional Coastal Plan for the Wellington Region (WRC, 2000) states that parts of the waters of Wellington Harbour are to be managed for shellfish gathering purposes (10.2.1 p126), and that all of the harbour is to be managed for contact recreation purposes (10.2.2, p127). These areas are defined in Planning Map 8D, much of which is shown in Figure 4, over page. This shows shellfish gathering sites around, for example, Mātiu/Somes Island and for much of the coast north of Pencarrow Head, and coastal waters east of Baring Head.

The Proposed Natural Resources Plan for the Wellington Region (GWRC July, 2015) identifies Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River as a: ‘regionally significant primary contact recreation water body’ (Schedule H); a fresh water body for primary contact with a first order priority for ‘improvement of fresh and coastal water quality for contact recreation and Māori customary use’ (Schedule H2); and as a trout fishery (Schedule 1). Schedule C4 identifies the Waiwhetū Stream as a ‘site of significance to Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika a Maui’ for, amongst other things, mahinga kai (a food source) and tauranga waka (a waka landing place). Schedule H2 identifies the Waiwhetū Stream as a second order priority for ‘improvement of fresh and coastal water quality for contact recreation and Māori customary use’.

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Recreational shellfish gathering water quality monitoring was carried out over the 2015/16 season in the Harbour by the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) at Shark Bay, Mahanga Bay and Sorrento Bay (Figure 4). Only Shark and Mahanga Bays were fully compliant, as they were in 2013/14. In the 2011/12 season, only Sorrento Bay was compliant (Morar & Greenfield, 2016).

Figure 4: GWRC Regional Coastal Plan Coastal Water Classes for Wellington Harbour

Recreational shellfish gathering water quality monitoring sites

The GWRC monitors recreational water quality at 36 sites in Wellington Harbour and on the south coast (Figure 5, over page). These are considered to be 'popular' swimming sites5, although swimming can occur at many sites throughout the Harbour. Water contact recreation is likely to be associated with all shellfish gathering sites indicated on Figure 4 as ‘waters managed for shellfish gathering’, although these are not all assessed as shown in Figure 5.

5 http://mapping.gw.govt.nz/GW/RecWaterQualityMap/RecWaterQualityMap.htm retrieved June 2017

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Suitability For Recreation Grades for the four bathing sites in the study area over the 2015/16 season were ‘fair’, meaning, “Generally suitable for swimming but extra care should be taken to avoid contact with the water during or following rainfall or if there are signs of pollution such as discoloured water, odour or debris in the water” (Morar & Greenfield, 2016).

The Hutt River was assessed furthest upstream at Melling Bridge and achieved a ‘poor’ grade, meaning, “Susceptible to faecal pollution and water quality is not always suitable for swimming. During dry weather ensure that the site is free of signs of pollution such as discoloured water, odour or debris in the water and avoid swimming at all times during and for up to two days following rainfall” (ibid).

Figure 5: GWRC monitored marine bathing sites in and around Wellington Harbour

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The Wellington Harbour Islands Kaitiaki Plan 2012-2017 (DOC 2012) includes this description for the recreational activities near Mātiu/Somes and Mākaro/Ward Islands (p13):

Makāro/Ward Island is surrounded by shallower water than Mātiu/Somes and that shallow water extends to the Eastbourne shoreline. Off the southern end lie beds of seaweed providing shelter for abundant fish life, and opportunities for collecting shellfish such as pāua and green-lipped mussels

Surf Lifesaving New Zealand identifies eight swimming beaches in and around Wellington Harbour (Figure 6). None is identified at Petone or the East Harbour or any other part of the Harbour.

The NZ Coastal Policy Statement (DOC 2010) does not identify any surf breaks of national significance in the Wellington Region. Lyall Bay and Titahi Bay are commonly identified as the top regional sites,6 as well as a number of breaks along the Wairarapa Coast (such as Ning

Figure 6: SLNZ recommended swimming beaches

6 For example, see: http://www.jasons.co.nz/surf-cities-in-new-zealand; http://www.surf2surf.com/reports/wellington; http://surf.co.nz/reports/north-tasman/wellington/; http://www.wellingtonnz.com/discover/things-to-do/sights- activities/beaches-and-bays/

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Nongs, The Spit and Tora).7 The Proposed Natural Resource Plan for the Wellington Region (July 2015) does not identify any breaks relevant to the study area in its Schedule K (Significant surf breaks).

The Wavetrack New Zealand Surfing Guide (Morse & Brunskill, 2004) identifies a number of surfing sites between Eastbourne and Pencarrow and near the harbour entrance. No sites are identified north of Eastbourne.

Atkin et al (2015) in their review of regional surfing opportunities identify no additional harbour surf breaks north of Eastbourne.

2.2.2 Fishing The Spot X national surfcasting (Draper & Airey, 2012) and boat fishing (Airey, 2012) guides identify many fishing opportunities in and around Wellington Harbour. Figure 7 shows 12 recommended shore-based fishing sites in and around the Harbour from

Figure 7: Surfcasting guide recommendation, Draper & Airey (2012)

7 http://www.swellmap.co.nz

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Draper & Airey (2012). Relevant sites identified are 27 Petone Wharf and 28 Point Howard. Petone Wharf has the following advice: Target species: gurnard. Other species: kahawai, red cod, trevally. All tides, all year, all day. Best wind: NE and NW. Beginner. Fish off the end of the wharf if there is space. Often produces its best fishing in the evening and into the night. A good long cast well out from the wharf would be an advantage. If you want to target kahawai, use a little berley hung under the wharf in an onion sack, and drift baits back behind the berley, either straylined or suspended under a float. Red cod are a common capture through winter.

And for Point Howard:

Target species: kahawai. Other species: barracouta, gurnard, red cod, snapper, trevally. All tides, all year, all day. Best wind: NE and E.. Beginner. Put frozen berley or a tin of catfood in an onion sack, or wire basket, and hang it in the water where you intend to fish. Fish off the wharf as you would around the rocks with strayline and floats. Keep your baits in the vicinity of where your berley is drifting. Small livebaits are also worth using. It can be worth casting a bait well out from the wharf. Kids will be happy with a sabiki, or small baits and hooks.

Online references to fishing around the Hutt River mouth include (verbatim):

Hi there,

There are two main areas to fish at the mouth. The Petone road bridge and anywhere along Port Road at Seaview, there's also access on the Petone side of the river I think.

The main species is Kahawai (Australian Salmon in Oz??) which can be caught in good numbers at times, it's usually either feast or famine though I find.

Fishing a pilchard under a float or surfcasting off the shore with baited flasher rigs work well.

Lure fishing with a spinner would probebly work well too although I haven't tried there.

One issue is the mouth has a reputation for being polluted, the Waiwhtu stream along Port Road is heavily polluted.

…

The Hutt river like posted above can be ok...but pollution is potentially an issue and generally the Kahawai arent as big.

Good luck.

… Hi mate!

Ive fished the Petone Road bridge recently and caught a decent Kahawai. Most people tend to use float rigs and pilchards there.

There's also the Petone wharf which usually holds it fair share of fish.8

8 http://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/hutt-river-mouth-fishing_topic68746.html retrieved May 2017

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Figure 8 shows the recommendations for boat fishing spots from Airey (2012). No sites are identified north of Point Halswell. Ward Island and the wreck of the South Sea (just north-east of Point Halswell and marked as Wk in Figure 8) are the closest dive sites to the study area identified by Enderby & Enderby (2007).

Figure 8: Boat fishing guide recommendation, Airey (2014)

Online references are made to searun brown trout and rarely rainbow in the lower Hutt River.9 Kent (2006) refers to both searun trout and the catching of a salmon at the Hutt mouth (“but this is most unusual”). The Fish and Game NZ National Angler Survey data for the Hutt River showed 3790 ± 610 angler days for 2007/08; 6160 ± 830 for 2001/02 and 19,960 ± 2020 for 1994/96 (Unwin 2009). The Waiwhetū Stream did not feature in the surveys, which are quite sensitive and report rivers with angler activity of fewer than 10 angler days per year.

The Department of Conservation administers the national whitebait fishery. There are no controls specific to the Hutt River. National rules apply, including:10

9 For example: http://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/amazing-hutt-river_topic85726.html and http://www.nzfishing.com/FishingWaters/Wellington/WGTNFishingWaters/WGTNHutt.htm retrieved May 2017 10 http://www.doc.govt.nz/whitebait retrieved May 2017

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The whitebait season is open between 15 August and 30 November (inclusive).

Whitebaiting is allowed from 5am until 8pm, changing to 6am to 9pm when daylight saving applies.

No person shall fish for whitebait within 20 m of any tide gate, floodgate, confluence or culvert, or fish from any bridge, or from any vessel. Nothing in these regulations permits any person fishing for whitebait to interfere with, alter or modify the natural bed or banks of any river, stream, estuary or channel.

Taylor & Kelly (2001) note: Historically, the Hutt River supported a productive whitebait fishery, and while the fishery in this river has undoubtedly declined; probably because of the industrial and residential development of the lower river; the river is still utilised by whitebaiters (McDowall 1984)….

There is some unrealised potential for inanga spawning in its lower tributaries, particularly the Opahu Stream (which drains Lower Hutt), and possibly Waiwhetū Stream near Gracefield….

We understand that industrial pollution has been a problem in Waiwhetū Stream in the past (WRC, pers. comm.), but inanga appear to possess a degree of resilience from pollution, and this river, with its grassed riparian margins, may be a possible inanga spawning site worth investigating in the future. The Sladden Park habitat, where a few eggs were found in 1996 by DoC, appears to have deteriorated further from the problems recorded during the DoC survey, particularly bank collapse.

2.2.3 Boating and sailing The New Zealand Cruising Guide Central Area (Murray and Von Kohorn 2002) does not identify any easy casual anchorages in Wellington Harbour. The marinas and moorings at Chaffer’s Marina, the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club, Evans Bay Yacht and Motor Club, Seaview Marina and Lowry Bay are discussed, although berthage for visiting craft is described as limited. The commercial wharves are suggested for larger craft. The Cruising Guide states (p26):

The remainder of the harbour is not recommended for anchorage as it is open and exposed to wind and sea conditions. Shelter can of course be found by anchoring next to windward shores but there is considerable commercial traffic thought the area and these are best used only as picnic spots.

The Wellington Harbour Islands Kaitiaki Plan 2012-2017 (DOC 2012) includes the following description for recreational activities near Mātiu/Somes and Mākaro/Ward Islands (p12): Mātiu/Somes is located in some of the deepest waters in the harbour and is a haven for fishers who gather in numbers around the south side of the island. Makāro probably provides a small refuge for boaties from time to time. It sits in shallower water which extends across to the Eastbourne coast.

Mokopuna Island is described as having no public access (p14).

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The Lowry Bay Yacht Club and Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club have four members-only cruising moorings located within the harbour, and two moorings maintained by the Department of Conservation on the north side of Matiu/Somes Island are available for public use (Figure 9).11

Figure 9: Boat club, club and DOC mooring and ramp locations, Wellington Harbour

Heretaunga Boating Club Boating club Sladden Park

Boat ramp Hikoikoi Reserve Club mooring

DOC mooring Seaview Marina

Lowry Bay Yacht Club

Lowry Bay Point Howard

Figure 9 also shows the locations of boating clubs and boat launching ramps in the northern Wellington Harbour. Clubs generally host training and racing activities in their immediate areas within the Harbour. Keeler races and learn-to-sail programmes can include the entire Harbour area, as indicated by the location of the sail racing marks in Figure 11 (following page). These are permanent or temporary marks maintained by either the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club or the Lowry Bay Yacht Club, or are existing navigational marks.

Windsurfing New Zealand identifies six launching sites in the Harbour (Figure 10).12 Advice about the use of these sites indicates that the entire harbour is used for the activity. Information for Petone (3) and Seaview Marina (4) are:

Petone: Grass rigging area and a kiosk for Figure 10: Windsurf launch sites refreshments.

Suits: Slalom, longboard. Beginners...

Wind: Southerly directions are best. N = offshore.

Water: Flat - harbour swell good for jumping

Watch: Offshore northerly winds - if your gear breaks, it's a long drift to Eastbourne.

In Detail: Travel out from Wellington towards the Hutt Valley, turn off at Petone and go along the foreshore to the far end. Parking just before the road leaves the shore and rigging in the adjacent picnic area, or better still veer away from the beach past the Mobil Service Station then take the first right, go across the park and rig just behind the sand dunes. Sandy beach drops away slowly, watch out for sand bars at low tide. Petone is best during a southerly (onshore), in light winds is good for beginners and slalom, as wind gets stronger then wave boards for chop

11 http://www.lbyc.org.nz/cruising/ retrieved May 2017 12 http://www.winzurf.co.nz/windsurf/wgtnz/wgtnz29.htm retrieved May 2017

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hopping etc are the order of the day. Waves up to 1-2 metres but strong winds make aerial manoeuvres interesting. Good for Wellington’s extreme wind days as there is plenty of sheltered rigging on grass. Playgrounds, funparks and shops make it good for family forays too.

Seaview Marina: Small enclosed artificial beach west of marina. Suits: Intermediate and up, slalom/longboard plus wave in strong southerlies.

Wind: Anything from S through W to NW

Water: The southerly swell builds at river mouth, standing waves. Watch: Sometimes river is polluted after heavy rain, also logs etc.

In Detail: This is a new development but has potential. Continue past Petone towards Eastbourne across the Hutt River, turn right at the roundabout and follow road around to the Marina. A small sheltered beach has been formed at the mouth of the river facing west, and if the development plans are put in place then grassed

Figure 11: Sail racing marks Wellington Harbour

Sources:: http://www.lbyc.org.nz/racing/race_marks/

And http://www.rpnyc.org.nz/images/files/Sailing/20 14- 2015%20Season/Event%20Documentation/Co urses%20and%20Mark%20Information.pdf

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areas and parking will be plentiful. Beach provides sheltered launching into southerly and northerly, and southerly swell meeting river (often in flood) creates an interesting wave effect. Potentially an ideal race/event location because of the north/south sailing.

Kite surfing is recommended in the same locations as wind surfing.13 Wellington Harbour is readily accessible for sea kayaking. Fergs Kayaks on Queens Wharf hires out kayaks, as well as stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), and offers harbour tours by kayak and training.14 Clubs such as the Wellington Yakity Yak Club15 and the Wellington Sea Kayak Network16 support the activity.

2.3 Terrestrial recreation

The Walking Access Commission’s online Walking Access Mapping System (WAMS) aims to define the public access opportunities throughout New Zealand, but has poorer coverage than one would hope.17. Figure 12 shows public access along the formed legal roads, the Seaview Marina breakwater, Lowry Bay slipway and on the banks of the Hutt River and Waiwhetū Stream, and erroneously at the Hutt River Mouth quarry. The Hutt City public GIS portal adds Hikoikoi Reserve, Evans Park and the Petone foreshore (Figure 13).

The Department of Conservation’s Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) for Wellington 1996 – 2005 (DOC 1996) offers little information about the recreational values of Wellington Harbour, but notes, in describing the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Class for the Wellington and Porirua Harbours (p242 Vol 1):

The URBAN COAST areas are characterised by the relatively protected beaches and bays of Wellington and Porirua Harbours and the coastal towns of

Figure 12: Public access around the Hutt River mouth – Source: WAMS

13 https://sites.google.com/site/wellingtonkitesurf/home and http://www.windwarriorkitesports.com/Pages/Location.aspx retrieved May 2017 14 http://fergskayaks.co.nz/ retrieved May 2017 15 http://www.canoeandkayak.co.nz/locations/wellington/Wellington+Yakity+Yak+Club.html retrieved May 201y 16 https://www.facebook.com/WellSeaKayak/ retrieved May 2017 17 http://wams.org.nz/ retrieved May 2017

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Paekakariki, Paraparaumu and Waikanae. These areas are considered to be the most important recreation opportunities in the conservancy, attracting extremely high use from both local residents and visitors

Coastal reserve areas in the Harbour identified in the 1996 CMS include Ward and Somes Islands, Pencarrow Head Recreation Reserve and Turakirae Scenic Reserve.

Figure 13: Hutt City online GIS recreation areas

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3 Interview summaries by activity

3.1 Boating

3.1.1 Kayaks, rafts, SUP Water contact: yes. Limits: weather.