ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
on
Monday 2 November 2015
1pm
Meeting Room 1 Timaru District Council Timaru
ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Notice is hereby given that an Orari-Opihi-Pareora Water Zone Management Committee meeting will be held on Monday 2 November 2015 at 1pm in Meeting Room 1, Timaru District Council, 2 King George Place, Timaru.
Committee Members: Dermott O’Sullivan (Chairman), David Caygill, Kylee Galbraith, John Henry, Mandy Home, Tony Howey, Richard Lyon, James Pearse, Ad Sintenie, John Talbot, Mark Webb, and Evan Williams
ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
2 NOVEMBER 2015
MEETING 1pm
1 Apologies
2 Register of Interest
3 1 Confirmation of Minutes
Correspondence 4 7 Nutrient Management in the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone 9 CWMS targets - Emerging Contaminant Risk 5 Facilitator Update – new zone manager
11 Structuring the Work Programme: Working Group 6 Memberships and Terms of Reference
7 15 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Monitoring Results 2014-15
8 30 Technical Work Stream Update
9 Catchment Group Updates
10 Orari Gorge
11 31 Landcare Trust Project Next Steps
Powerpoint 12 circulated Understanding Overseer - Presentation separately BREAK
13 Public Forum
14 37 Biodiversity Initiatives in the Zone
15 45 Regional Planning – Update on Plan Change 5
Circulated 16 Dairy Compliance Reporting separately
17 47 Regional Committee Update
18 48 2016 Zone Committee Meeting Dates
19 49 Environment Reporting Act
20 51 Eeling Progress Report
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 Management Committee
ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 3
Prepared by Joanne Brownie Secretary
Confirmation of Minutes – Committee Meeting 14 September 2015
______
Minutes of the September Committee meeting.
Recommendation
That the minutes of the Committee meeting held on 14 September 2015, be confirmed as a true and correct record.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 1 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF AN ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN MEETING ROOM 1, TIMARU DISTRICT COUNCIL, 2 KING GEORGE PLACE, TIMARU ON MONDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2015 AT 1PM
PRESENT John Talbot (Acting Chairperson), David Caygill, Kylee Galbraith, John Henry, Mandy Home, Richard Lyon (until 2.25pm), Dermott O’Sullivan, James Pearse, Ad Sintenie and Evan Williams
APOLOGIES Tony Howey and Mark Webb
IN ATTENDANCE Barbara Nicholas (OOP facilitator), Peter Ramsden (Tangata Whenua facilitator), Dan Clark (Senior Hydrology Scientist), Sam Freeman (ECan Resource Management Officer), Janet Gregory (Landcare Trust), Michelle Ward (Landcare Trust), Janine Holland and Steven Breneger (Irrigation NZ), Alice Spencer (ECan Planner)
The meeting began with a karakia from Peter Ramsden.
1 WELCOME The Chairperson welcomed John Henry to the meeting, representing Arowhenua. A welcome back was also extended to Dermott O’Sullivan and Ad Sintenie who have been on leave.
2 REGISTER OF INTERESTS There were no updates advised to the register of interests.
3 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Proposed Kylee Galbraith Seconded Richard Lyon
“That the minutes of the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Water Zone Management Committee meeting held on 3 August 2015 be confirmed as a true and correct record.”
MOTION CARRIED
4 FACILITATOR UPDATE The Facilitator tabled a list of activities over the last 6 weeks and information regarding the Washdyke Community day to be held on 4 October.
Janet Gregory, of Landcare Trust will be taking over the Canterbury projects, replacing Phil Keene who has retired. A facilitators meeting will be held soon to undertake forward planning.
Testing of the lake bed at Lake Opuha has now been completed and the samples are with the laboratory. The Committee will be kept informed when the results are available.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 2 Management Committee 5 SMART IRRIGATION CAMPAIGN Janice Holland and Steven Breneger gave a presentation on a pilot public awareness campaign to be launched later in the year. Irrigation NZ is a small organisation which is aiming to move the whole irrigation industry to best practice, developing codes of practice towards greater water efficiency. The pilot programme builds on the results of public poling undertaken some years ago which indicated people’s wish for irrigation to be sustainable. The main aim of the campaign is to increase awareness and reduce water consumption, eventually aiming to change behaviour. Irrigation NZ will be partnering with ECan, local authorities, industry and other primary sector organisations.
The pilot will be launched mid to late November, with activity in December 2015/January 2016 and the programme reviewed in February 2016. The pilot areas are Timaru, Ashburton, Selwyn and Waimakariri but it is intended to expand the areas in 2016.
Irrigation NZ would like the zone committee to indicate if it wishes to be involved, as it will be preparing its strategy over the next 6 weeks.
Proposed Dermott O’Sullivan Seconded Evan Williams
“That the Zone Committee endorses the SMART irrigation campaign and wishes Irrigation NZ success with its programme.”
MOTION CARRIED
6 COMPLIANCE ACTIVITY IN THE WASHDYKE/WAITARAKAO AREA Sam Freeman tabled a report on compliance in the Washdyke area and a brief summary of active consents. He explained the type of operations and methods of monitoring and reporting, and gave examples. Of the monitoring undertaken, discharge to air and stormwater are the two main issues.
The Committee noted several enhancement initiatives being undertaken in the area – the Washdyke lagoon, the proposed new wetland south and east of the Timaru District Council wastewater treatment plant and the drain that runs alongside the beach which is an old piece of the Opihi lagoon.
Proposed Evan Williams Seconded David Caygill
“That the report be received and noted.”
MOTION CARRIED
7 PREPARATION OF ZONE COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT The Zone Committee is required to prepare an annual report to the District and Regional Councils. Committee members worked on key issues for inclusion in the report. Some of the items identified include: – the need to keep people engaged in the collaborative process – need an accurate measurement of success (need a true measurement of biodiversity in our zone, where we are losing ground and how to measure that) – building and increasing the environment’s resilience over time – finding a balance between increasing productivity and improving water quality
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 3 Management Committee – achievement of establishing catchment groups – achievement of engaging with industry groups – one of the challenges will be the subregional process – ensuring people higher up take notice – need to use the time we have left efficiently.
A draft of the annual report will be prepared and circulated for comment before being finalised.
Clr Lyon retired from the meeting.
8 TECHNICAL WORKSTREAM UPDATE Dan Clark provided an update on recent technical work in the zone and tabled a flowchart of the subregional process over the next two years.
Progress has been made on the modelling of the Orari-Rangitata and Inland Basins (Upper Opihi, Opuha, Ashwick Flat) for groundwater and surface water models. The current understanding of the Pareora ground water zone is nearly complete, there has been progress made on the current state of the Orari system. The groundwater quality survey has been completed, which will be reported on shortly, and another report on the Rangitata groundwater is in draft form. Cultural assessments are progressing. The Pareora Catchment is now going to be included as there are sufficient resources, which will mean the entire zone is covered.
9 REGIONAL COMMITTEE REPORT The Chairperson reported on regional activity since the last meeting regarding infrastructure, biodiversity/ecosystems, land use and water quality, stormwater and Land and Water Plan plan changes.
Proposed John Talbot Seconded David Caygill
“That the report be received and noted.”
MOTION CARRIED
10 RESTORING HARTS CREEK The Committee watched a short film of a successful restoration project at Harts Creek, Lake Ellesmere.
11 PUBLIC FORUM Brian Clearwater Brian Clearwater, a Fonterra shareholder and organic dairy farmer spoke to the committee saying that he believes nutrient controls on farms could create environmental problems ie requiring farmers to store effluent, greenhouse gas and methane emissions are significant, and therefore while trying to control one problem, another is created.
The Dairy Industry Restructuring Act is now up for review and this could be an opportunity. Farmers need to be incentivised to just grow mixed pasture with no other inputs and with smart management, nitrate losses could be reduced by 50% and greenhouse gas emissions could be halved. If farmers can get it right, they can be carbon positive. This would provide a marketing opportunity by being able to differentiate our product in the larger market.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 4 Management Committee
He indicated his interest in being further involved in the zone committee’s work. The Chairperson explained the committee refreshment process and the opportunity to be on a catchment group.
Jan Finlayson Jan Finlayson sought clarification on the purpose of the progress report on the Canterbury Water Management Strategy Targets, published in June 2015, as to whether the report was an audit and whether it refers back to the original water management targets.
David Caygill confirmed that the report is a progress report not a report for any type of audit purpose, however it does report against the CWMS targets which feature in the foreword of the document.
Jan raised the issue of new and emerging water pollutants (other than nitrogen) arising from agriculture and referred to work done in the United Kingdom which could be of value here.
She also sought information on what it is costing to fix problems such as those at Lake Ellesmere, making reference to the $200m included in the Selwyn Waihora ZIP addendum.
Her final comment asked that the public forum inputs are taken on board without speakers feeling the need to become angry.
Tom Ward – Farm Consultant Tom Ward said it is important for people to understand the structure of ECan and how zone committees fit into the process. He wants to know what limits farmers are required to meet and in what timeframe, in order to advise his clients.
David Caygill agreed that this does puzzle and frustrate people, but the problem lies in the complexity and length of time of the various planning processes.
12 STRUCTURE OF ZONE COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME The Committee considered a report on structuring the work programme to better connect with catchment groups, to advise the ECan ZIP implementation teams, and to prepare for subregional planning.
There is general approval for one committee member to be the formal link on each catchment group. It is hoped that a zone implementation team staff member will be in attendance at the next OOP Committee meeting. In regard to the subregional planning process, comment was made that the ZIP should be the central reference point, given the amount of work that went into developing it.
A request was made to have an environmental/cultural working group, as well as the three proposed in the report. Alternatively, this could be incorporated into the ‘ZIP delivery direction and priorities’ working group. It was noted that each catchment group should have a cultural component integrated into the role anyway. The continuation of the current subcommittees of environmental/cultural, land use and water quality and infrastructure was also discussed. The terms of reference for each of the proposed groups will be circulated before the next meeting.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 5 Management Committee
Proposed Dermott O’Sullivan Seconded Ad Sintenie
“That the working group approach as presented in the report be adopted, with the membership and responsibilities to be determined.”
MOTION CARRIED
13 LAND AND WATER REGIONAL PLAN VARIATION 4 The Committee noted the information on Plan Change 4 of the Land and Water Regional Plan.
14 ZONE COMMITTEE REFRESHMENT The meeting was advised that the zone committee membership refreshment will be advertised at the end of September, with selection before Christmas. Dermott O’Sullivan is the member up for refreshment this year. Dermott advised that he will not be seeking re-election due to medical advice.
The Chairperson acknowledged the incredible effort and importance of Dermott’s contribution to the work of the zone committee.
The meeting came to a close with a karakia from Peter Ramsden.
The meeting concluded at 5.05pm.
______Chairperson
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 6 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 4a
Prepared by Jan Finlayson
Nutrient Management in the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone
______
Attached for your information is a letter from the OOPs Acting Chairperson in response to concerns raised by Jeremy Talbot at the August OOP Comittee meeting.
Recommendation
To be received and noted.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 7 Management Committee
23 Grieg St Pleasant Point 7903
24 September 2015
Jeremy Talbot 49 McCully Road Temuka 7985
Dear Jeremy
Nutrient Management in the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone
Thank you for taking the time to come and present your concerns to the Orari Opihi Pareora zone committee at our August meeting and provide us with documentation and photos.
The committee notes that you highlighted two particular issues: difficulties with Overseer, and a suggestion of an inputs rather than outputs approach to managing nutrients.
The Committee considers that your concerns have wider scope than just our zone, and your documentation and photos have been provided to ECan. The committee is asking for more briefing on the Overseer tool so it can better understand issues in its use and application in a regulatory context. Also, as we prepare for sub-regional planning we will seek clarification about kinds of provisions we can recommend, given that the plan will be formulated within the 'effects based' context of the RMA.
Regards
John Talbot Acting-chair OOP Zone Committee
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 8 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 4b
Prepared by Jan Finlayson
CWMS targets - Emerging Contaminant Risk
______
The attached letter from Jan Finlayson was provided to the committee for its further information following a community forum presentation from Jan at the last meeting.
Recommendation
To be received and noted.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 9 Management Committee From: Jan Roanna Finlayson
Kia ora, Tim. It was good to see you last week; thanks for your work on Opuha.
Re: Chapter 5 of the 2015 targets report, Emerging Contaminant Risk, and emerging contaminants generally, the following may be useful as Ecan develops its testing framework. It's from an OECD report, New and Emerging Water Pollutants Arising from Agriculture, (Alistair Boxall, University of York). The sum of the approaches encapsulates present considerations of European and US study, including contaminants' behaviours, 'cocktails,' regulatory scope, detection issues, pathways… and that the area's rapidly evolving.
The comprehensive P2 study's twenty years old now, and it's likely results would be different if repeated with current highest-spec thinking and wherewithal.
Though there's a welcome widening of the contaminant-detection lens to include municipal, stormwater, and other pollutant pathways, our historic heavy reliance on conventional primary production (and its presence from the high country to the sea) would suggest agriculture should remain central on this stage.
'Emerging contaminants' exist in the whole environment, not just drinking water, as the targets report suggests, presumably unintentionally. It could be useful if targets publications reported on Ecan's work detecting and responding to these pollutants in all the theatres they're found in.
Regards, Jan Finlayson
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 10 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 6
Prepared by Barbara Nicholas Facilitator
Zone Committee Working Groups
______
Purpose of Report To confirm terms of reference and membership of zone committee working groups.
Background At a committee workshop in September 2015 the committee agreed to establish three working groups as a means to structure their work programme over the coming year. These were: Zone Implementation Programme Delivery Planning Catchment group support.
Draft terms of reference for each of these groups are attached, with proposed membership based on expressions of interest from committee members.
Proposed membership is:
Zone Implementation Ad Sintenie Programme Delivery Dermott O’Sullivan John Talbot Mark Webb
Planning John Talbot Mark Webb David Caygill Kylee Galbraith
Catchment group support John Talbot Ad Sintenie Mandy Home James Pearse Evan Williams Dermott O’Sullivan
Recommendation
That the terms of reference be adopted, with agreed membership.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 11 Management Committee Terms of reference: OOP Zip Delivery Working Group Introduction This working group is established as one of three working groups determined at the September 2015 meeting of the OOP zone committee. (The other working groups are Planning, and Catchment Groups.)
Membership will be confirmed by a full zone committee following sign off on the terms of reference.
Scope The ZIP Delivery Working Group will advise and support ECan’s Zone Implementation Manager as the manager leads the staff team charged with implementing the committee’s Zone Implementation Plan and subsequent recommendations and prioritisation.
Purpose and Functions The purpose and function of the Working Group is to provide advice on priorities for implementation of the ZIP. This will include: Preparation of draft recommendations for discussion with the full zone committee Leading the relationship of the zone committee with the Zone Manager Annual review of agreed priorities Review of draft proposals for Immediate Steps funding Updates to each zone committee meeting.
Membership and term of appointment Membership will be agreed at a full meeting of the zone committee and reviewed on an annual basis.
The working group will elect a chair determine its own regularity of meetings.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 12 Management Committee Terms of reference: OOP Planning Working Group
Introduction This working group is established as one of three working groups determined at the September 2015 meeting of the OOP zone committee. (The other working groups are ZIP Implementation, and Catchment Groups.)
Membership will be confirmed by a full zone committee following sign off on the terms of reference.
Scope The Planning Working Group will lead and co-ordinate the work of the zone committee as the sub-regional plan is developed.
Purpose and Functions The purpose and function of the Working Group is to provide advice and guidance to the Sub-regional Core team that leads ECan’s technical work to support the development of the zone committee’s ‘ZIP addendum’ that articulates the recommendations that will inform both the sub-regional plan and non-statutory actions by various CWMS parties.
This will include: advice to and liaison with the technical team o in preparation of reports on cultural, social, environmental and economic aspects of water management in the zone o in structuring and progressing discussions with the full zone committee advice on strategy for and implementation of engagement with communities of interest (including catchment groups) and stakeholders Updates to each zone committee meeting.
Membership and term of appointment Membership will be agreed at a full meeting of the zone committee and reviewed on an annual basis.
The working group will elect a chair determine its own regularity of meetings.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 13 Management Committee Terms of reference: OOP Catchment Working Group
Introduction This working group is established as one of three working groups determined at the September 2015 meeting of the OOP zone committee. (The other working groups are Zip delivery and Planning.)
Membership will be confirmed by a full zone committee following sign off on the terms of reference.
Scope The Catchment Working Group will be the operational link with the Landcare Trust project, providing advice and direction keep a strategic overview of the work of catchment groups.
Purpose and Functions The purpose and function of the Working Party is provide advice to the committee on its role as ‘steering group’ for the Landcare trust project, and identify additional ways in which the local catchment groups can be effective in identifying local non-statutory solutions to water issues in their catchments.
This will include: Regular meetings with the Landcare Trust project team to assist that project to have maximum impact Ensure each catchment group has a zone member as a formal link and channel of communication Support zone committees in their catchment group role Updates to each zone committee meeting on activities and progress of catchment groups.
Membership and term of appointment Membership will be agreed at a full meeting of the zone committee and reviewed on an annual basis.
The working group will elect a chair determine its own regularity of meetings.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 14 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 7
Prepared by Tim Davie ECan Surface Water Science Manager
Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Monitoring Results 2014-15 ______
Purpose of Report To confirm terms of reference and membership of zone committee working groups. To provide more detail on water quality and ecosystem health monitoring results in the Orari-Opihi-Pareora zone from 2014-15.
Action Required Committee members receive the summary of monitoring information. Committee members recommend these monitoring results be part of the knowledge base that informs the OOP sub-regional plan.
Background The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) Targets Report (2015) gives an overview of monitoring results across Canterbury. This paper presents more detail on the results from water quality and ecosystem health monitoring in the zone.
Source of Information The data presented here are from Environment Canterbury monitoring programmes. Dr Lesley Bolton-Ritchie, Kimberley Robinson, Dr Duncan Gray, Sian Barbour, and Annabel Barnden have provided the interpretation.
Water Quality Index The water quality index used in the CWMS targets reporting is used to summarise routine physical and chemical water quality results into five-categories for river or stream sites. The water quality index compares raw water quality data to recommended water quality guidelines; taking into consideration the number of parameters that don’t meet water quality guidelines, the frequency these guidelines are not met, and by how much to derive a score from 1-100. This score is divided into five categories and ranked to give a single grade from very poor to very good.
The water quality index is intended to provide a summary of key water quality parameters; however it does not provide a detailed analysis of water quality data and should be used only as an indicator of overall water quality.
Parameters included in the index are: nitrate-nitrite nitrogen, ammonia-nitrogen, dissolved reactive phosphorus, total suspended solids and Escherichia coli.
The results are shown in table 1, moving with time left to right. In general there has been some improvement in the water quality index during this past year (e.g. Opihi, McKinnons, Ohapi, Opuha sites). There is a concern over the Taitarakihi (between Timaru and Washdyke).
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 15 Management Committee Table 1: Water quality index for sites in the Orari-Opihi-Pareora zone Station 2008-10 2009-11 2010-12 2011-13 2013-14 2014-15 Opihi at Grassy Banks Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Very Good Opihi at Rockwood Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Fair Coopers Creek SH72 Bridge Poor Fair Good Poor Poor Poor North Branch Ohapi Creek Guild Rd Fair Fair Good Fair Poor Poor Ohapi Creek Guild Rd Poor Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Opihi River mouth Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Orari River Mouth Reserve Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Bush Stream Rangitata Gorge Road Very Good Very Good
Deep Stream near Tui House Very Good Good
Hae Hae Te Moana Glentohi Good Good Good Good Very Good Very Good McKinnons Stream Wallaces Bridge Poor Poor Fair Poor Poor Fair Ohapi Creek Above Orari Confl. Poor Fair Fair Poor Poor Fair Opuha at Skipton Bridge Fair Fair Fair Good Fair Very Good Orakipaoa Creek Milford Lagoon Fair Poor Poor Poor Poor Fair Orari River Gorge Good Very Good
Orari River Parke Rd Fair Fair Fair Poor Fair Fair Petries Drain Canal Road Poor Poor Fair Poor Poor Poor Pareora River Pareora Huts Fair Good
Pareora River SH1 Bridge Good Fair
Raukapuka Creek Coach Road Very Poor Poor Fair Fair Fair Fair Rhodes Stream Parke Road Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Smithfield Creek Te Awa Rd Poor Poor Fair Poor Very Poor Fair Rangitata River SH1 Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Taitarakihi Creek SH1 Bridge Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Very Poor Te Ngawai River Tengawai Bridge Fair Fair Fair Good Fair Good Temuka River Manse Bridge Fair Fair Good Fair Poor Fair Saltwater Creek SH1 Bridge Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Poor Waihi River Waimarie Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good South Branch Ohapi Creek Guild Rd Poor Fair Fair Poor Poor Poor Taumatakahu Stream Murray St Poor Fair Good Poor Poor Poor
Contact Recreation The microbial quality of popular swimming sites around Canterbury is assessed each summer. Freshwater (rivers and lakes) and coastal (beaches and bays) sites are monitored each year to assess baseline conditions, trends and public health risks from contact recreation. This monitoring consists of the routine weekly collection of a water sample from each site, with the water then analysed for faecal indicator bacteria concentration. The results are reported to Public Health agencies and Territorial Local Authorities (TLAs) at the end of the bathing season. During the bathing season, results that exceed single sample guidelines are reported as soon as possible to the relevant Public Health agency and TLA environmental health staff. In addition, the results are reported on Environment Canterbury’s website, which is updated daily with the most recent results.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 16 Management Committee Table 2: Contact recreation grades for bathing sites monitored in the OOP zone 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 Site SFR Grade SFR Grade SFR Grade SFR Grade SFR Grade SFR Grade SFR Grade Orari Gorge Good Good Good Good Good Fair Fair Waihi Gorge Fair Fair Poor Very Poor Very Poor Very Poor Poor Te Moana Gorge Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Opihi River - Waipopo Fair* Good* Good* Good* Good* Fair Fair Temuka River - SH1 Good* Fair Fair Good* Good* Good* Good* Opihi River - SH1 Good* Good* Good* Good* Good* Fair Fair Opihi River - Saleyards Good* Fair Fair Fair* Fair* Good* Good* Pareora River - Huts n/a Fair* Fair* Fair* Fair* Fair* Fair* Pareora River – Brass b Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Fair Pareora River - Evans C Fair* Fair* Fair* Fair* Fair* Good* Fair* Lake Opuha - Dam Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Lake Opuha - Ewarts Cr Poor Poor Poor Fair Fair Fair Fair Lake Opuha – Rec Rese Good Good Very Good Very Good Good Good Very Good West Caroline Bay Fair Good Fair Fair Good Fair Fair Mid Caroline Bay Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Timaru Yacht Club Good Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good Very Good * excludes rainfall data
Waihi Gorge Year No. of samples 95%ile MAC SIC SFRG 2010/11 77 416 C High Poor 2011/12 76 559 D High Very poor 2012/13 75 784.5 D High Very poor 2013/14 75 1663.3 D High Very poor 2014/15 D High 75 1439.8 Very poor Rain-affected data removed Year No. of samples 95%ile MAC SIC SFRG 2012/13 67 622 D High Very poor 2013/14 66 772 D High Very poor 2014/15 67 452.9 C High Poor
At Waihi Gorger there were two exceedances of the Alert guideline value, and neither of which exceeded the Action guideline value in 2014-15. One exceedance occurred following light rainfall resulting in a small fresh, however the water remain clear, and flow was still low despite the fresh. The suitability for recreation grade remains ‘Very poor’ for the full dataset and however with rainfall-affected data removed the grade has improved to poor. Despite the improvement, the site remains unsuitable for recreation.
The issue of stock access to this site has been raised in the past and Environment Canterbury Compliance staff have visited the area and spoken with farm workers. It appears that stock access remains a contributing factor to elevated E. coli concentrations; however, stock exclusion rules for bathing beach sites in rule 5.71 of the LWRP do not apply to this site. In 2013 a catchment group was created and Environment Canterbury’s Land Management team are working with land owners in the catchment.
In the 2014-15 summer, an investigation was carried out upstream of the contact recreation monitoring site. Monitoring was carried out below tributary streams to pin- point dominant contributors of faecal contamination, with the aim to prioritise streams for fencing out of stock. However, the long, dry summer meant that there was limited
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 17 Management Committee run-off in the catchment, and results were fairly inconclusive. E.coli concentrations are fairly variable over short distances, therefore any stock access restriction should focus on the area immediately upstream of the monitoring site.
Cyanobacteria (commonly phormidium) As part of the contact recreation monitoring programme Environment Canterbury carries out surveillance monitoring for potentially toxic benthic cyanobacteria (PTBC) growth at all of the non-tidal river sites that are sampled weekly. A few additional sites, which are known to be popular for dog walking and exercise, are also visited weekly for surveillance monitoring. If the surveillance monitoring indicates that specified conditions in the Alert-level framework have been triggered at a site (i.e. percent cover of PTBC growth and/or detaching, accumulating or exposed mats) then more detailed monitoring is undertaken. If Action mode is triggered by either the surveillance or alert level monitoring then response actions in the form of warning signage and media releases are initiated by the relevant Public Health agency and TLA. Information is also placed on the Environment Canterbury website and Facebook pages when warnings are issued.
Table 3: OOP zone river sites where warnings for potentially toxic benthic cyanobacteria were issued over the 2014-15 summer Site Warning Date Reason Opihi River at Waipopo Action 03/12/02014 32% algae present, no detaching mats Warning removed 23/01/2015 <20% algae present Opihi River at Saleyards Bridge Action 18/12/2014 22% algae present, no detaching mats Warning removed 10/02/2015 <20% algae present Opihi River at SH1 Action 18/12/2014 20 % algae present, no detaching mats Warning removed 25/05/15 <20% algae present following fresh Waihi River at Geraldine (SH72) Action 11/12/2014 20% algae present, detaching mats Warning removed 12/02/2015 <20% algae present Temuka River at SH1 Bridge Action 11/11/2014 25% algae present, detaching mats Warning removed 21/01/2015 <20% algae present Action 25/02/2015 30% coverage, detaching mats Warning removed 25/05/15 <20% algae present following fresh Temuka River at Manse Bridge Action 25/02/2015 23% cover, detaching mats Warning removed 26/03/2015 <20% algae present
Over the 2014-15 summer there were 6 recreational sites that reached Action mode, requiring warnings to be issued. The details of these sites, the dates that warnings were issued and the trigger criteria exceeded, and the dates that warnings were removed are summarised in Table 3. In all cases media releases were issued by Community and Public Health to advise the public of the health risk to humans and animals (particularly dogs) from contact with the PTBC mats at these sites. In instances where percent cover of PTBC mats were below the Green Mode threshold of 20% but mats were detaching, a subsequent warning was issued.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 18 Management Committee Ecosystem Health Aquatic ecosystem health is measured by what is living in a stream. Invertebrates are a good indicator of aquatic health because they live in the water throughout the year and respond over time to changes in water quality, surrounding land use and their physical habitat. Different invertebrates have variable responses to water and habitat quality. Some species are more sensitive to degraded habitat and water quality and are therefore more likely to suffer from degradation; however other species are more tolerant and likely to be present in abundance when habitat and water quality is compromised. Analysis of the invertebrate data considers the numbers and types of taxa that are sensitive or tolerant to degraded water and habitat quality (Figure 1).
Sensitive to changes in Tolerant of degraded water and habitat water and habitat quality quality
Healthy Unhealthy
Figure 1: The invertebrate community gradually changes in response to degrading conditions. Invertebrates that are present in healthy streams are more sensitive to changes in water and habitat quality, than those that inhabit unhealthy streams
In general, spring-fed plains and urban streams which are often draining catchments dominated by either agricultural or urban land use often have the poorest stream health (e.g., see Fig 2). While in comparison alpine and hill-fed rivers have healthier macroinvertebrate communities. Changes in macroinvertebrate health are typically related to changes to stream habitat, water quality and/or water quantity. For example, elevated nutrient (e.g. nitrogen and phosphate) inputs may affect stream macroinvertebrates through toxicity, excessive aquatic plant growth leading to oxygen depletion and channel choking, or sediment entrapment. Stream health may also be influenced by stock access to the stream and bank erosion.
River flow is also a strong influencing factor on macroinvertebrate health. For example in dry years low flows can limit the macroinvertebrate community and favour certain taxa due to their greater tolerance for instream conditions such as warmer water temperatures or excessive periphyton growth. In contrast, higher flows help keep water temperatures down, prevent the build-up of fine sediment and streambed periphyton and generally result in a greater range of instream habitat for macroinvertebrates. However, flood flows may temporarily reduce macroinvertebrate diversity and abundance due to displacement and mortality. Macroinvertebrate community composition is not typically driven by one factor but a variety of factors over time.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 19 Management Committee 100 90 Very Good 80 70 Good 60 Fair 50 Poor 40
30 Very Poor Percentage Percentage ofsites 20 10 0
Year
Figure 2: Grades for spring fed and urban streams across the region from 2002 to 2014. N.B. the year 2014 denotes the summer of 2014-15.
There are 33 long-term monitoring sites within the OOP zone, and all flow types are represented. Figure 3 shows the location of the monitoring sites, and stream macroinvertebrate and habitat health grades calculated for the 2014/2015 season. It is not uncommon for ecosystem health to vary between sites or over time within sites.
We used a time trend analysis to look for patterns in macroinvertebrate health grades calculated over time. Significant and meaningful trends were detected at a total of six sites. Four sites (Stony Stream, Raincliff, Glenfield, Ohapi) showed a trend of declining macroinvertebrate stream health, and two sites (Pareora and Rhodes) showed a trend of improving macroinvertebrate health.
Generally health of macroinvertebrates and habitat is better in the head waters of streams and rivers. Sites with the least gradient, lower down the catchment are usually the most degraded as a result of the pressure of land use intensification. Typical of elsewhere in the region, the spring fed plains streams in the OOP zone often have little or no riparian protection, may be highly altered as a result of re-alignment and are usually neighboured by more intense land uses. Water quality is often poor as well. These factors result in the poorest ecosystem health.
The difference between the health of habitat and macroinvertebrates often indicates that water quality or quantity may also be degrading macroinvertebrate community health. However, in general the main causes of poor ecosystem health are: high sediment inputs to the basin streams as a result of stock access and run off lack of intact riparian vegetation low flows excessive in stream plant growth (macrophytes or periphyton) as a result of high nutrient inputs and/or reduced or intermittent flows for significant portions of the year.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 20 Management Committee
Figure 3: Map of the OOP zone, showing macroinvertebrate and habitat health grades for the 2014/2015 season at 33 sites.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 21 Management Committee Graphs showing macroinvertebrate (biotic) and habitat grades from 2002 to 2014 for the routinely monitored sites within the Orari, Opihi, Pareora zone
Bush Stream (SQ00132) Biotic Habitat Scour Stream (SQ00133) Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Health Grade Health Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
Forest Creek (SQ00134) Biotic Habitat Orari River - Lochaber Road (SQ00206) Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 22 Management Committee Ribbonwood Creek (SQ00207) Biotic Habitat Waihi River - at Gorge (SQ00224) Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Health Grade Health Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
Hae Hae Te Moana - Sheep Dip Rd (SQ00225) Ohapi Creek - North Branch (SQ00230) Biotic Habitat Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 23 Management Committee Rhodes Stream - Parke and Donahue Rd Biotic Habitat Pareora River - Brassells Road (SQ00240) Biotic Habitat (SQ00237) Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
Pareora River - Cave-Pareora Road (SQ00243) Glenfield Stream (SQ00257) Biotic Habitat Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 24 Management Committee Coal Stream (SQ00258) Biotic Habitat Kakahu River (SQ00266) Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
Opihi River (SQ20232) Biotic Habitat Temuka River (SQ20250) Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 25 Management Committee Waihi River (SQ20325) Biotic Habitat Petries Drain (SQ20541) Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
Rhodes Stream - Rolleston Road (SQ20549) Biotic Habitat Hae Hae Te Moana (SQ20725) Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 26 Management Committee Ohapi Creek (SQ21045) Biotic Habitat Ohapi Creek - South Branch (SQ21046) Biotic Habitat
Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
Ohapi Creek - upstream Orari River confluence Orakipaoa Creek (SQ21049) (SQ21047) Biotic Habitat Biotic Habitat Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 27 Management Committee Coopers Creek (SQ21309) Te Ngawai River (SQ23005) Biotic Habitat Biotic Habitat Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
Station Stream (SQ26171) Stony Stream (SQ26173) Biotic Habitat Biotic Habitat Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 28 Management Committee McKinnons Creek (SQ26221) Biotic Habitat Taumatakahu Stream (SQ26638) Biotic Habitat Very Good Very Good
Good Good
Fair Fair
Health Grade Health Grade Poor Poor
Very Poor Very Poor
Year Year
Raincliff Stream Biotic Habitat
Very Good
Good
Fair Health Grade Poor
Very Poor
Year
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 29 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 8
Prepared by Dan Clark Senior Hydrology Scientist (ECan)
Update on the Technical Team Progress
______
Purpose of Report To update the Zone Committee on the progress on the science work streams. The technical team has produced maps showing current land use and irrigation area within each catchment group area. These maps will be circulated to the relevant catchment groups to validate/ground truth. Progress is being made on the modelling for Orari and Upper Opihi catchments. We are in the process of appointing consultants to model the Pareora and lower Opihi catchments (including Temuka and Waihi). An inventory of existing cultural assessments has been completed and gaps have been identified to be filled.
Recommendation
That the Zone Committee notes the work underway and supports the validation on land use and irrigation areas by catchment groups.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 30 Management Committee
Orari-Opihi-Pareora Catchment Project
Strategic Overview October 2015
Outline NZ Landcare Trust is leading the Opihi Water Project (Working for Opihi Water) in South Canterbury with cash funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries, Rabobank and Deer Industry NZ. In-kind support is provided by ECan, Timaru District Council, Dairy NZ, Fonterra, Beef + Lamb NZ, Ravensdown, Ballance AgriNutrients, Irrigation NZ, Opuha Water Ltd, and Foundation for Arable Research. The project has a 3 year focus from 1 July 2014 – 30 June 2017.
The project will focus on the sharing and coordination of information around water quality and how to mitigate the impact of farming systems through the adoption of good management practices, as well as help support and build strong catchment groups to ensure the community stays engaged through the next few years. This will be through catchment group meetings, community workshops, field days and events and written material tailored to the needs of the catchments, over the three year period to June 2017
The project will work alongside community groups to enhance initiatives that will help develop solutions for water use efficiency allowing an increase in the area of irrigation and productivity without increasing the environmental footprint.
This project will present an excellent opportunity for the community to help drive a catchment scale project which aims to increase farm profitability and productivity while reducing environmental impacts.
The Opihi River system also has cultural significance to local Iwi and provides important mahinga kai.
The Opihi catchment covers 384,000ha of South Canterbury and includes over 2600 farms. The project will adopt a coordinated approach to develop widespread understanding of water quality issues and realistic land management solutions to improve the quality of the surface and ground water in the Opihi catchment.
Aims The aims of the project are To provide a coordinated approach to develop widespread understanding of water quality issues and realistic land management solutions to improve the quality of the surface and ground water in the Opihi catchment. To enhance community initiatives to develop solutions for water use efficiency allowing an increase in the area of irrigation and productivity without increasing the environmental footprint. To develop community understanding of options for use of new water to improve water quality and reliability, increase the area under irrigation and other uses that will increase employment in the region. To address water quality issues by taking dairy, sheep, beef, cropping and deer farmers through a process of problem awareness and acceptance; environmental risk identification at both a catchment and individual property level; individual property planning and finally implementing good practice for nutrient and other farm management practices.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 31 Management Committee The objective is to increase profitability and productivity while reducing the environmental impacts on catchment farms.
Process The Zone Committee is also the Steering Group for the project has supported the formation of catchment groups across the Zone as the vehicle to obtain community input to future planning requirements as well as ensure community ownership and understanding of what is required to meet Land and Water Plan targets.
These catchment groups are facilitated by industry representatives working in the region and bring valuable information, connections and experience.
Key Contacts Phil Keene (Canterbury Regional Coordinator, NZ Landcare Trust) led the project from July 2014 til September 2015 when he retired.
Janet Gregory (Southland Regional Coordinator/South Island Team Leader, NZ Landcare Trust) took the lead role from September 2015.
Michelle Ward: works for the NZ Landcare Trust on contract to assist at a local level to organise events and work closely with the catchment groups and facilitators. She will finish this role in November 2015.
Katherine McCusker (Agribusiness Group consultant), employed by NZ Landcare Trust to help project manage and assist Janet and Michelle in preparing factsheets, help organise events and reporting.
Barbara Nicholas: (Zone Facilitator, ECan), key connection with ECan and Zone Committee.
Olivia Smith: new Zone Facilitator, ECan, from 2 Nov 2015.
Achievements July-Dec 2014 A Terms of Reference and Communication Strategy were developed in the early stages of the project and outlines the roles of the different organisations particularly ECan, NZ Landcare Trust and the facilitators. A set of 5 year outcomes and actions for catchment groups has been developed with ECan and the Zone Committee and been circulated to facilitators and catchment groups. A contacts database has been developed and this will be updated as the project progresses. A newsletter was produced in December 2014 and circulated throughout the catchment. This outlined the project and progress on the development of the catchment groups. Seven catchment group meetings were held in the first 6 months of the project (Opuha, Kakahu, Upper Opihi, Lower Opihi, Waihi, Te Ngawai/Totara Valley and Pareora). A project page was set up on the NZ Landcare Trust website where all reports, minutes, newsletters and factsheets can be found. http://www.landcare.org.nz/Regional-Focus/Christchurch-Office/Opihi-Catchment- Project
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 32 Management Committee Jan-June 2015 ECan met with catchment facilitators in January to discuss improved communication and coordination and identify what information groups needed to meet the catchment group outcomes. A range of field days, were held in the first six months of the year along with many catchment group meetings. The number of groups continues to evolve and note a 'map of catchment group boundaries' is now available on the project page. Early 2015 saw the Upper Opihi and Opuha catchment groups combine for a field day assessing the history of development, water quality and identification of hotspots from top of the catchments to the junction of the Opihi and Opuha rivers. Everyone shared and discussed openly their views and uses of the river, and Graeme Clark from ECAN and Hamish Stevens from CSI Fish and Game demonstrated aspects of water quality testing and provided comment on a range of topical issues including invertebrate and fish life. In March the Kakahu catchment group held a day on sediment traps at Kelly Bennett's property, organised by Janet Gregory, NZ Landcare Trust, in conjunction with the SFF Deer Project (Adoption of Environmental Best Practice on Deer Farms). A range of speakers spoke on the formation, maintenance and access to sediment traps and the long term effectiveness of the ponds, down stream impact etc. In May a combined field day involving over 70 farmers was held above Fairlie in conjunction with DairyNZ at Chad Steetskamp's property covering the effectiveness of winter crop preparation and yield, against the background of the 'dry', as well as a discussion on good management practices and also information and advice on riparian plantings, both as a mitigation tool for nutrient management as well as for amenity purposes. At the Fairlie field day, the Good Management Practice poster was made available. This is intended to place all the key messages on a range of farm practice in the one place and could be 'posted' in smoko rooms, wool and dairy sheds etc to help raise awareness levels. 200 laminated posters were distributed. This poster was completed just as the Canterbury initiative - Matrix of Good Management Practices details were being announced, and we have attempted to align the wording as much as possible. On 18 May 2015 a meeting was held in Pleasant Point for reps from catchment groups and other stakeholders to provide an over view of planning processes, the what and the how of the sub regional process and how it will unfold, including options for science input to the process Sheep, beef, and deer farmers attended Farm Environment Plan workshops including a specific workshop run for deer farmers in June at Woodbury. This is using the B+LNZ template that has been adapted and agreed upon by ECAN to meet their requirements. Michelle Ward was employed by the NZ Landcare Trust in April 2015 to provide local contact, work closely with catchment groups, and organise events.
July-Oct 2015 Further catchment group meetings have been held. A seminar was held by Janet Gregory for deer farmers in the area in August at Woodbury, which included technical information on Overseer, fertiliser tools such as N-Guru and Mit-Agator, Precision farm mapping, and an overview of planning for the sub-regional plan and how communities could be involved, as well as what was required to submit a resource consent. Beef + Lamb held a field day on wintering in the Cave / Albury area, with technical information provided by Plant & Food Research
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 33 Management Committee Factsheets were produced on Winter Crops- Minimising the loss of nutrients and sediment to waterways, Sediment Traps, and the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Planting Guide that were developed from the field days. These are being made available through catchment groups and at field days and on the website page. Sites for two autumn field days on winter crop management have been identified. Further meetings were held with facilitators, Barbara Nicholas (ECan), Phil Keene, Michelle Ward, and Janet Gregory (NZ Landcare Trust). Phil Keene and Michelle Ward provided reports to the Zone Committee at their meetings.
Progress with catchment groups The catchment groups have identified a range of issues they are looking at and trying to identify solutions for. This includes:
Opuha - Facilitator Julia Crossman, Opuha Water Ltd What are the water quality issues What are the fisheries values Changes in water reliability over the years The impact of historical water races What are the gaps in information The impact of erosion in the upper catchment Lake and dam management Flow regulation, flushing flows and weir modifications The clarity of water and high levels of oxygenated water in some parts of the catchment.
Kakahu Group – Facilitator, Martin O’Connor, Ravensdown Focus: Phosphorous, E.coli and increasing nutrient levels and how the community can work together to make a difference Undertaking water quality testing to help inform their understanding and priorities. Field day to look at riparian management and planting, options for winter grazing given farm geography, aspect and layout.
Upper Opihi Group – Facilitator, Caleb Strowger, Dairy NZ Focus: Improving water quality and aquatic life in local waterways and identifying hotspots. Undertaken some water quality testing Group walked the river assessing areas and sharing local history and how things had changed. Aim to ensure farmers build their knowledge to help with future discussions and outcomes they want to achieve Communication and education are high priorities Want to include the diverse interests represented in the area
Lower Opihi – Facilitator, Nicki Pridham, Rabobank Water quality The impact of the workings and dynamics of the Opuha Dam; flows, water quality and aquatic life. Ensure effective communication of issues and solutions from the top to the bottom of the catchment, especially as the sub-regional plan is developed through the on-going community meetings.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 34 Management Committee Waihi / Te Moana/ Temuka - Facilitator, Rhys Taylor, ECan formed in 2013 and has held 6 meetings Vision: ‘Surface water that sustains the lifeblood and economic health of our community, aquatic life and fauna’. Core values – ‘what’s important to us: √ Safe water - safe for drinking, recreation use, stock water and aquatic ecology √ Reliable and secure water - reliable and able to meet the needs of our diverse community’ How: ‘We will work together on local solutions to manage our water and address issues.’ Barkers Creek has been identified as an important priority area and contributor to the water quality of the Waihi River. A meeting and a field trip were held in the catchment in 2014 to discuss water quality and options for improvement.
Te Ngawai and Totara Valley – Facilitator, Rhys Taylor, ECan Steering group was formed from the first catchment wide meeting to update the community on OOP Zone Committee initiatives and water quality data. A second meeting was focused on developing a contact list of landowners and interested parties and developing a community engagement package.
Orari / Ohapi / Rangitata – Facilitator, Sue Ruston, Fonterra Many were involved voluntarily during the past decade in a Flow Allocation Group or in an Integrated Catchment Management Strategy. Reviewed previous published work, clarified its shared values. Is actively preparing for input from mid-2016 to the Zone Committee on ECan’s Sub-Regional Water Plan on water quality and quantity issues, particularly relating to below the Orari Gorge. The area covered by this group includes land south of the Rangitata, Coopers Creek, Ohapi, Dobies and other watercourses that feed into the Orari. Additional work will need to be done by visiting the Upper Catchment, above the Gorge, to ensure their local experience and views are included. There will be liaison with the adjoining Waihi group, not least because lower Waihi groundwater is fed from the Orari.
Pareora - Facilitator, Angela Darke, Ballance Agri-Nutrients Met late last year and again in early 2015. Plan to relaunch group again soon.
Next Stage A working Party has been formed from the Zone Committee to work more closely with the project team and they met on the 15th October. Zone Committee members have been allocated to each catchment group to help improve links, communication and understanding of the sub-regional plan process. A project newsletter is being produced and will be circulated at the end of October. A further Facilitators Meeting is planned for 28th October. A Community Catchment Workshop is planned for 4th November to be attended by facilitators, steering group members of catchment groups, Zone Committee members and staff from ECan. It will be hosted by NZ Landcare Trust. The aim
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 35 Management Committee is to share information and help develop catchment groups. Issues and actions will be identified that will help in the development of the project work programme for the next 18 months. B+LNZ are running a FEP workshop on 3rd Nov at Fairlie. Continue to hold field days and workshops to demonstrate good management practice e.g. irrigation / water use efficiency, winter crop management / site selection etc. Ideas for such field days and workshops will be obtained from facilitators, catchment groups and industry groups (Beef & Lamb, Dairy NZ, FAR). These field days and workshops will help build capacity of farmers to implement GMP. Publicise / celebrate good management practice happening on farms. Continue to support facilitators and catchment groups.
Janet Gregory NZ Landcare Trust 23.10.15
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 36 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 14
Prepared by Robert Carson-Iles Biodiversity Officer, Environment Canterbury
Biodiversity Projects
______
Purpose The purpose of this agenda paper is to propose new Immediate Steps (IMS) projects for zone committee decision.
Attached Background project information for zone committee decisions and recommendations for funding
Project information for funding decision
Project sites
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 37 Management Committee Stanton Wetland
Funding requested Proposed Land Cultural Ecological Project details in brief (Total project* tenure Value** score cost in brackets) Stanton Wetland Threat: Pasture grass species Private - 19/39 $1,910 Plantings to Proposed activities: Planting ($5,240) enhance the Comments: The landowner has values already recently fenced of this intact 0.7 ha present in a wetland to exclude stock. The foothills wetland wetland is largely dominated by indigenous species however the species diversity is reduced. The project seeks to increase the species diversity of the wetland by restoring the vegetation community. Planting will increase habitat and food resources for bird and lizard species and will act as a linkage for birds traveling along the foot of the Albury Range. The wetland is linked to the Opihi River by a stream. Recommendations: The Landowner has fenced of the wetland at their own cost and initiative and wish to do all the work associated with the planting. Cost sought are solely for the purchase of plants. The recommendation is to support this project due to the low cost and gains in improved wetland habitat. ** Cultural assessment of the project is not completed prior to presentation to the zone committee – any comments from the cultural rep are appreciated during the meeting.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 38 Management Committee
Stanton wetland
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 39 Management Committee Springfield Wetland
Funding requested Proposed Land Cultural Ecological Project details in brief (Total project* tenure Value** score cost in brackets) Springfield Threat: Willows and other weed Private - 22/39 $26,310 Wetland species ($49,081) Weed control Proposed activities: Weed control, fencing and fencing and Planting planting to Comments: This is a 4.2 hectare enhance a springfed stream and wetland which springfed stream is linked to the Opihi River. The and wetland wetland is threatened by willow trees which are starting to dominate the vegetation cover and choke the stream. There are still areas within the wetland which still have reasonably intact native vegetation cover. The landowner has fenced off half the wetland and its tributaries and has carried out some planting. This project seeks to remove the willows and other weedy species, fence the rest of the wetland to exclude stock (horses) and carry out plantings to restore the species diversity and increase habitat and food resources for bird and lizard species. Recommendations: This project is well aligned with the OOP ZIP (see below) and will improve a site which is of a habitat type which has been severely reduced in the Canterbury region. My recommendation is to support the project. 2.2.2 Wetlands - Work with land owners to manage wetlands 2.3.1 Immediate steps funding - Priority are: wetlands 2.3.3 Protect and enhance smaller braided rivers of Opihi and their tributaries. Protection of riparian wetlands, backwaters, seeps, backshore swales and springs.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 40 Management Committee
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 41 Management Committee
Wetland at spring head
Vegetation under scattered willows
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 42 Management Committee OOP Immediate Steps Update Table 2: Immediate Steps Project Summary
Application Applicant ECan External Status Year Funding Funding 2011/2012 Old Orari Lagoon 12,472 10,012 Completed 2011/2012 Otipua Dune Restoration - Stage 1 8,645 23,808 Completed 2011/2012 Deep Stream Year 1 20,000 10,000 Completed 2011/2012 Henriksen's Bush 11,000 5,500 Completed 2011/2012 Horseshoe Lagoon - Willow Control 5,607 3,293 Completed 2011/2012 Peel Forest Wetland Yr 1 20,000 10,000 Completed 2011/2012 Pit Road Lizard Sanctuary - Stage 1 20,360 12,694 Completed 2012/2013 Deep Stream Year 2 20,000 15,000 Completed 2012/2013 Opihi Catchment Environmental 1,560 1,060 Completed Protection Group 2012/2013 Horseshoe Lagoon Fencing & 10,000 5,000 In progress Planting 2012/2013 Otipua Dune Restoration - Stage 2 5,450 9,500 Completed 2012/2013 Pareora Scenic Reserve Fencing Yr 20,000 21,000 Completed 2 2012/2013 Peel Forest Wetland Year 2 19,500 10,000 Completed 2012/2013 Albury Springs Enhancement 5,706 5,706 Completed 2012/2013 Pit Road Lizard Sanctuary - Stage 2 10,000 5,070 In progress 2012/2013 Pit Road Reserve Pine Tree 10,000 4,500 Completed Removal 2012/2013 Rangitata Stone Row Relocation 2,131 2,400 Completed 2012/2013 Upper Old Orari Lagoon 6,150 6,780 In progress 2013/2014 Upper Old Orari Lagoon 2014 4,400 2,200 In progress Planting 2013/2014 Old Orari Lagoon 2014 Planting 1,335 1,675 In progress 2013/2014 Opihi Catchment Environmental 3,863 2000 Completed Protection Group 2013 Planting 2013/2014 Orakipaoa Tributary Plantings 2,500 4000 In progress 2013/2014 Awarua Wetland Restoration 14,000 7,100 In progress 2013/2014 Coopers Creek Willow Control 5,500 3,740 In progress 2013/2014 Craigmore Covenant Fencing 22,266 11,134 In progress 2013/2014 Hanging Rock Wetland Restoration 17,704 14,610 In progress 2014/2015 Pit Road Lizard Sanctuary - Rabbit 10,140 12,060 In progress proof fencing
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 43 Management Committee 2014/2015 White Rock Tributary Fencing 10,800 5,400 Completed 2015/2016 Awarua Wetland Restoration Year 2 14,500 8,840 In progress 2015/2016 Connells Wetland enhancement 16,500 16,500 In progress 2015/2016 Upper Rangitata Predator control 20,000 176,091 In progress Project 2015/2016 Chamberlain wetlands restoration 13,445 6,723 In progress
TOTAL ALLOCATION 365,534 433,396
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 44 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 15
Prepared by Olivia Smith and Devon Christensen Planner Senior Planner
Regional Planning – Update on Plan Change 5
______
Purpose To provide background on Plan Change 5 (PC5) to the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) ahead of a presentation to be provided at the Zone Committee meeting.
Background PC5 is comprised of two parts:
Part A: includes new region-wide nutrient management policies and rules that relate to the use of land for a farming activity. The proposed rules will eventually replace the existing region-wide nutrient management rules.
Part B: applies to the Waitaki sub-region and includes provisions which have been drafted for the purpose of achieving the water quality recommendations in the Upper and Lower Waitaki ZIP addendums.
Part A of PC5 incorporates the outputs from the Matrix of Good Management Practice Project (MGM). The MGM project is a collaborative project involving regional councils, technical staff and industry representatives. The purpose of the project is to establish good management practices and good management practice loss rates for a range of farming activities.
The region-wide nutrient management provisions in Part A of PC5 will eventually replace the existing nutrient management rules in the region-wide section of the LWRP. The changes proposed have been developed to: - Overcome OVERSEER version changes. For example, PC5 achieves this by removing the fixed nitrogen leaching loss rate figures in the permitted activity rules (e.g. the 10kg/ha/yr and 20kg/ha/yr permitted activity thresholds) and instead replaces these with activity based thresholds (e.g ha of irrigation).
- Require farming activities to implement Good Management Practice. This is achieved by requiring permitted farming activities to implement Management Plans, and by requiring farming activities that require a resource consent to comply with Good Management Practice Loss Rates and implement Farm Environment Plans (FEPs).
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 45 Management Committee - Targeted management of phosphorus. This is achieved by requiring farming activities that require a resource consent and which are located in the High Risk P zone, to identify in their FEPs those actions that will be implemented to manage and minimise phosphorus loss.
- Require farming activities to register with the Farm Portal. The Portal will generate GMP numbers that account for overseer changes, different farming types and local climate and soil conditions. The Portal will also enable Environment Canterbury to undertake catchment accounting.
It is anticipated that PC5 will be notified in either late 2015 or early 2016. ECan is considering whether the rules in PC5 will have delayed legal effect until PC5 is operative. The presentation will explain the implications of PC5 for this zone.
ECan’s intent is that the key features and concepts in Part A of PC5 will provide a framework for the development of future sub-region sections of the Plan.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 46 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 17
Prepared by John Talbot Acting Chairperson
Regional Committee Update
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Last meeting 13 October 2015 at Hornby. This report gives only brief indications of a selection of topics. For more detailed information please ask questions, and/or check out agenda papers and minutes on the website: http://ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/canterburywater/committees/regional- committee/Pages/minutesandagendas.aspx
Infrastructure Coastal Orari-Opihi: there is concern that the OOP sub-regional plan (arising from National Policy Statement - Freshwater Management: “NPS FM”) will result in reduced irrigation reliability of current arrangements. A demand study is underway. Rangitata South is interested in supplying water. The Ecan infrastructure team water resource model is ready to use - to model scenarios for distribution of potentially available Rangitata Diversion Race (“RDR”) water. Tekapo: exploration of demand in area from Tekapo to Burks Pass is being undertaken independently of CWMS activities. Hunter Downs Irrigation: going on with design. Funding of Wainono augmentation via the scheme is unclear.
Biodiversity/Ecosystems Long finned eels - being seen as a potential ‘flagship species’ for CWMS. Presentations have been received from many interested parties. Three areas of action identified: advocacy to fisheries management review recording most parties view that ongoing harvest is not helpful to sustainability of species in Canterbury; preparation of a plan for improvement of quality and quality of longfin habitat in Canterbury; a communication plan to raise profile.
Jet Boating Values A study has been undertaken to determine the relative value of different rivers in Canterbury for jetboaters, and to identify the flow needs for jetboaters on rivers. There is a report (useful for planners) and a book (useful for jetboaters).
LWP Plan changes Plan Change 5 (“PC5“) to be notified late 2015 or early 2016. PC5 arises out of the Matrix of Good Management (“MGM”) project and will bring Good Management Practices (“GMPs”) into the planning framework.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 47 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 18
Prepared by Barbara Nicholas Facilitator
2016 OOP Committee Meeting Dates
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Below are suggested meeting dates for 2016, based on a return to monthly meetings due to the expected increased workload associated with the sub regional planning process -
1 February 7 March 4 April 2 May 13 June (second Monday in the month due to Queens Birthday) 4 July 1 August 5 September 3 October 7 November 5 December
Recommendation
That the proposed meeting dates be adopted.
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FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 19
Environmental Reporting Act 2015 and Environmental Reporting Framework
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In September 2015 the Environmental Reporting Act 2015 was passed into law. This Act makes responsibilities and the timetable for (national) environmental reporting explicit and sets the broad framework for the scope of the reporting.
Under the Act, the Government Statistician and the Secretary for the Environment have responsibility for environmental reporting. The Government Statistician will be responsible for developing the specific indicators and, with the Secretary for the Environment, responsible for reporting against them. The involvement of the Government Statistician ensures that reporting is conducted at arm's length from the government of the day. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment can comment as she wishes on any aspect of reporting to provide a further degree of independence.
The Act sets out a new framework for environmental reporting. The environment has been divided into five environmental domains: air, atmosphere and climate, land, fresh water and marine for the purpose of reporting. Information on biodiversity and ecosystems will feature in the land, fresh water and marine domains. The framework includes three main types of information: pressures, states and impacts.
One domain will be reported on every six months. Once every three years, a synthesis report on all five domains will be produced (i.e. three-yearly State of Environment Report). The last State of Environment report was produced in 2007.
The Government is also taking measures to improve the quality and consistency of environmental monitoring – the data which underpins reporting. A number of collaborative initiatives with regional councils address issues of consistency, representativeness and accessibility.
Ministry for the Environment and Statistics NZ produced are working on a full-scale environment report – Environment Aotearoa 2015 and the underpinning website Environmental indicators Te taiao Aotearoa – covering fresh water, marine, atmosphere and climate, air, and land, which will be released on 21 October. The fresh water and land topics and provisional statistics (indicators) to be included in this report are shown in the attached tables.
A number of collaborative initiatives are underway with regional councils to address issues of consistency, representatives and accessibility of environmental information. This includes the LAWA website (www.lawa.org.nz) providing information on current water quality state and trends for New Zealand rivers and developing National Environmental Monitoring Standards (NEMS). Environment Canterbury is involved in these initiatives.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 49 Management Committee
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 50 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
FOR THE MEETING OF 2 NOVEMBER 2015
Report for Agenda Item No 20
Prepared by Ellen McNae Senior Strategy Advisory, CWMS
Sustainable Management of Longfin Eel in Canterbury
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Purpose To update the Zone Committee on the Biodiversity and Ecosystems Working Group (BEWG) discussions around sustainable management of longfin eel in Canterbury.
Background In June 2015, the Regional Committee recommended: “That the Environment Canterbury Commissioners lead a process to develop a sustainable management approach for longfin eel/tuna in Canterbury by October 2015 and is jointly agreed upon by Environment Canterbury, Papatipu Rūnanga, MPI, commercial eel fishermen, local communities etc.”
BEWG has since hosted a series of workshops to inform the development of this approach. These workshops have included presentations from commercial eelers, CWMS ngā rūnanga from the three case-study catchments, the Department of Conservation, the Hurunui-Waiau, Selwyn-Waihora and Upper Waitaki Zone Committees, NIWA, Fish and Game, Forest and Bird, Meridian Energy, and the Hurunui District Council.
Findings to Date A range of views were expressed on the state of the longfin eel in the region, and the drivers of its decline. However, there was general agreement from the Committee, and those presenting to them, that: There is a need to engage at a national level with organisations such as MPI and the Department of Conservation. Environment Canterbury and the Zone Committees do not have the statutory power required to suspend the fishery, but could act as the lead group in elevating the issue. Consideration should be given to both short and long-term goals – short including a commercial fishing ban, and long-term being improvement in water and habitat quality and quantity. A strong and creative push on communications is needed to engage and inform the public, and other stakeholders, of the value of longfin eel, the threats they face, and what can be done to protect them. Clear regional and local management structures are required, with clear lines of accountability.
2 November 2015 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #961964 51 Management Committee It should be noted that the representatives from the commercial eel fisheries did not support a ban on commercial fishing.
Next Steps On 13 October, the Regional Committee endorsed the following proposed actions from BEWG: 1 Submit on MPI’s upcoming Fisheries Management System review. BEWG will prepare a submission that synthesizes the presentations it has heard to date, and propose an approach to the sustainable management of longfin eel based on these. 2 Engage at a governance level with Ministers from the Department of Conservation, Ministry for the Environment and Ministry for Primary Industries, including attending both the MPI Eel Working Group meeting on the 20th/21st of October and public consultations in 2016. 3 Prepare a strategy and management plan to improve the quality and quantity of longfin eel habitat in Canterbury, bringing in key stakeholders and assigning clear responsibilities. 4 Prepare a communication plan to raise the profile of the longfin eel in Canterbury, and to reduce/eliminate detrimental practices.
BEWG will now begin action on this basis.
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