ORARI-OPIHI- WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

on

Monday 11 November 2013

Meeting commences at 1pm

Mackenzie District Council Fairlie

ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Water Zone Management Committee will be held on Monday 11 November 2013 starting at 1pm in the Mackenzie District Council Chamber.

Committee Members: Dermott O’Sullivan (Chairman), David Henshaw, Tony Howey, Tom Lambie, Richard Lyon, John O’Neill, Aloma Anglem, Mokai Reihana, Ad Sintenie, John Talbot, Mark Webb, Evan Williams

LOCAL AUTHORITIES (MEMBERS’ INTERESTS) ACT 1968 Committee members are reminded that if you have a pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda, then you must declare this interest and refrain from discussing or voting on this item, and are advised to withdraw from the meeting table.

ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

11 NOVEMBER 2013

Meeting

1 1pm Apologies – Tom Lambie

2 Page 1 Confirmation of minutes 7 October 2013 Reflections on field trips  Upper Orari visit 3 1.15pm  Regional infrastructure working group visit to the zone

Biodiversity Quarterly Update and Immediate Page 5 4 1.45pm Steps Decisions

5 2pm Page 12 Briefing on Phormidium Research

6 2.30pm Page 13 Briefing on Work of BRaid 7 3pm BREAK South Canterbury Deep Groundwater 3.15pm Page 16 8 Investigation Updates 9 3.45pm Page 20 Consents Update 10 4pm Page 23 Land Management Advisor Update 11 4.15pm Landcare Trust Application for Work in the Zone 12 4.30pm Page 24 Update of OOP Infrastructure Initiatives 13 4.45pm Facilitator’s Update 14 5pm Page 28 Regional Committee Report CLOSE

ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FOR THE MEETING OF 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Report for Agenda Item No 2

Prepared by Joanne Brownie Secretary

Confirmation of Minutes – Committee Meeting 7 October 2013

______

Minutes of the October 2013 Committee meeting.

Recommendation

That the minutes of the Committee meeting held on 7 October 2013, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

11 November 2013 1 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #848717 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF THE ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE MEETING ROOM, GERALDINE SERVICE CENTRE, 78 TALBOT STREET, GERALDINE ON MONDAY 7 OCTOBER 2013 AT 9AM

PRESENT Dermott O’Sullivan (Chairman), Aloma Anglem, David Henshaw, Tony Howey, Tom Lambie, Richard Lyon (from 9.40am), John O’Neill, Ad Sintenie, John Talbot and Evan Williams

APOLOGIES Richard Lyon (for lateness) Mark Webb

IN ATTENDANCE Barbara Nicholas (OOP facilitator), Hannah Leppard (ECan), Ian Brown (ECan), Peter Ramsden

1 WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER Aloma Anglem was welcomed onto the Committee as the second Arowhenua Runanga representative.

2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

Proposed John Talbot Seconded Tony Howey

“That the minutes of the OOP Committee meeting held on 26 August 2013, be confirmed as a true and correct record.”

MOTION CARRIED

Matters Arising Clause 9 Wai Water Publication Options for launching the Wai Water publication were further discussed including a visit to the class whose artwork features in the document, inviting parents and grandparents, and possibly working with the children on a water based activity to emphasise to the children the importance of water to our community.

It was suggested that the publication needs to be circulated to local networks such as catchment groups, farm meetings and service groups (Rotary, Lions etc) with an accompanying speaker where possible. It would be useful to have a summary to go with the document, given its size. It was suggested that a series of stories could be supplied to the community newspapers together with photos.

Plans are also continuing for the exhibition on water issues in the district, at the SC museum next year.

Clause 8 Review of Water Permits for Pareora Catchment No update is available on this issue. The facilitator will follow this up.

3 LETTER TO LAND INFORMATION NZ The Committee noted a copy of a letter from the OOP Zone Committee to Land Information NZ. No response has been received to date.

11 November 2013 2 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #848717 Management Committee

4 AUDITOR-GENERAL’S DECLARATION ON CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The Committee considered a report by the Programme Manager for the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, together with a letter from the office of the Auditor-General updating the committee on the Auditor-General’s declaration on conflicts of interest, extending the decision to allow all members of the Committee to discuss and vote on matters relating to the development and implementation programmes of the CWMS. Tom Lambie reminded the committee that this is permitted as the zone committee is a recommendatory committee rather than a decision making body.

5 REGIONAL PEST MANAGEMENT STRATEGY REVIEW The Committee considered a report by ECan Strategy Advisor April Lander informing the Committee of the review of the Regional Pest Management Strategy, which is starting from a ‘clean sheet’ position and will involve discussion with various sectors of the community and including the Zone Committee. The final plan will be produced in 2015. The Committee requested that ECan officers involved with the review be invited to talk to the OOP Committee about the strategy review. It was suggested that there should be a biodiversity focus in the strategy.

6 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GROUP QUARTERLY UPDATE The Committee considered the quarterly report from the Land Management Advisor on the Resource Management Group for the period July to September 2013.

Ad Sintenie provided a further update on the Waihi Catchment, advising that there is a lot of interest amongst farmers but they are unsure as to what to do and how to do it. Increased awareness and education is required. Hannah advised that this is already planned – now that the initial contact has taken place, advisors will promote a solution based focus and will be advising on what action landowners can take. Tom Lambie suggested that a presentation that was given to the Lower Waitaki group from the Cawthron Institute, on what can be done for small streams and rivers, be presented at the next OOP Committee meeting.

It was further suggested that the Committee look at the biodiversity strategy review. Audited Self Management Plans do not include biodiversity and this is a concern.

Richard Lyon joined the meeting.

The Principal Land Management Advisor will update the OOP Chairman on his recent discussions with Fonterra.

Hannah Leppard reported that 1000 plants were planted at the old Orari lagoon, by four officers with a small band of volunteers. The Committee expressed some concern at the reliance on volunteers for this type of work.

7 RISK MAPS OF NITRATE IN CANTERBURY GROUNDWATER The Committee considered a memo from Environment Canterbury on a report on risk maps of nitrate in Canterbury groundwater which has been made available for people drinking water from private wells.

11 November 2013 3 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #848717 Management Committee

8 INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE The Committee considered an infrastructure update from Brett Painter and Dennis Jamieson, which was tabled at the meeting. In regard to the option of additional water from the west, John O’Neill advised that the Regional Committee has discussed this option. He queried whether cultural values of this option had been given a high enough priority.

It was suggested that the Regional Infrastructure Committee be invited to talk to the OOP Committee on the infrastructure options.

9 REGIONAL COMMITTEE UPDATE John O’Neill tabled his report on the regional committee meeting held on 10 September 2013 which discussed recreation values, biodiversity, Land Use and Water Quality, Kaitiakitanga and infrastructure. Peter Ramsden spoke about the success of the water management at Manapouri. In that situation targets were reached then exceeded, which is an example of what can be achieved even in a world heritage area when there is a willingness to make it work to protect the resource and make it sustainable.

10 LAND CARE TRUST PROPOSAL Discussion took place on progressing the LandCare Trust application to the Sustainable Framing Fund to work in the Opihi catchment. Applications open mid November. The Committee suggested meeting with Phil Keen over the next two weeks to discuss the opportunity in more detail. Reference should be made in the application to ‘new water’ rather than water from the , as nominating this source is premature. Biodiversity and horticulture should also be included.

11 NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be held on Monday 11 November at 9am commencing with a field trip to the Upper Orari, followed by a Committee meeting.

The meeting concluded at 10.15am.

______Chairman

11 November 2013 4 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #848717 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FOR THE MEETING OF 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Report for Agenda Item No 4

Prepared by Emma Coleman (Biodiversity Officer, Environment Canterbury)

Biodiversity Quarterly Update ______

Background The purpose of the Immediate Steps (IS) programme is to protect and restore freshwater biodiversity and water-use affected terrestrial biodiversity in Canterbury. The Orari-Opihi-Pareora ZIP recommended that IS funding be targeted to priority actions as this will make the most progress towards CWMS biodiversity goals. These priorities include lowland streams and lagoons where initiatives contribute to water quality, activities that enhance biodiversity habitat, mahinga kai and sports fisheries, wetlands and remnant habitats and their unique flora and fauna.

The zone committee has $100,000/year for five years. Currently the total amount committed to projects or spent is $214,946, leaving $285,054 of IMS funds yet to allocate, given a $500,000 (5 year) funding programme. See the Immediate Steps update for a project funding summary. Note that funding can be rolled over to subsequent years and does not need to be spent evenly across priority areas. The process for the Immediate Steps programme may be found at the end of this document.

The zone committee agreed to set up a sub-committee to oversee the first three stages of the Immediate Steps programme process including ‘engagement and project scoping’, ‘project collation’ and ‘assessment and prioritization’ (ranking). Members of the sub-committee include John Talbot, Ad Sintinie, Mark Webb and Mokai Reihana. Others include Biodiversity Officer Emma Coleman and Ecan ecologists.

Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide a biodiversity quarterly update for the period July to October, 2013 and to present 4 new projects for zone committee decision.

Recommendations These projects are recommended for zone committee endorsement and meet ZIP Immediate Steps Funding Criteria.  Awarua Wetland Restoration  Upper Old Orari Lagoon 2014 Planting  Old Orari Lagoon 2014 Planting  Coopers Creek Willow Control

Attached  Project Schedule and Immediate Steps Update  Project Information for decisions

11 November 2013 5 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee Project Schedule Update Item Action Due Date ZIP Status: Recommendati on M.3 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health 3.1 Immediate Steps Programme project scoping, Ongoing 2.1.2, 2.1.5, Fencing at Old Orari Lagoon is now complete and of a high approval, implementation and auditing including at 2.1.7, 2.1.12, standard. least two projects aimed at restoring significant 2.2.1, 2.2.2, Planting Days have been a success to date. OCEP have put wetlands 2.2.3, 2.3.1, their planting day off until late spring and Horseshoe 2.3.3, 2.3.8, lagoon is holding a planting day with farm staff, Ecan and 2.3.10, 2.4.1, DOC within the next two weeks. 2.4.2, 2.5.1 Rangitata Stone Row has been planted and the project is now complete. Pit Road Reserve will soon have a long-term written management plan. Activities to undertake include further planting, weed control and additional stone mound construction. Otipua back dunes have now been completely planted with species suited to that habitat. Stock proof fencing at Pareora Scenic Reserve has now been completed. 3.2 Work with Environment Canterbury staff and the OOP Ongoing 2.2.2, 2.3.1 Wetland inventories are in progress in the zone, as part of Biodiversity working group to identify wetland *Report on RPS requirements to identify significant wetlands (Ecan protection and/or restoration initiatives progress to monitoring team) date June 2013 During project scoping, wetlands identified within the Environment Canterbury GIS (mapping) software are ground-truthed and assessed for values (Ecan biodiversity officer). 3.3 Approach existing vibrant catchment groups about Ongoing 1.2.1, 2.2.1, Currently working with the Coopers Creek and Waihi support available for technical advice and funding 2.3.1 Catchment groups on project opportunities. 3.4 Support the Zone Committee in implementing the Ongoing 2.1.2, 2.1.3 Implementing fencing and planting projects within the Old Lower Orari Flagship programme through landowner Orari Lagoon complex. engagement - as part of project scoping

11 November 2013 6 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee Project Schedule Update Item Action Due Date ZIP Status: Recommendati on 3.5 Engage and educate landowners about opportunities Ongoing 1.1.1, 1.1.4 A number of fact sheets have been developed to educate for biodiversity protection and enhancement and how landowners on best practise biodiversity management these can be integrated into agricultural landscapes - which are distributed where relevant (Ecan as part of project scoping communications and various sections). 3.6 Support the Regional flagship braided river project Ongoing 2.1.1

11 November 2013 7 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee Immediate Steps Update

IMS Funding 5 Year Total Funds Allocated Funds Spent IMS Funding to Spend (2010/11 – 2015/16) $500,000 $214,946 $285,054

Application Applicant Ecan External Status Year Funding Funding 2012/2013 Albury Springs Enhancement 5,706 5,706 Completed.

2010/2011 Deep Stream Year 1 20,000 10,000 Completed.

2010/2011 Deep Stream Year 2 20,000 15,000 In progress.

2010/2011 Henriksen's Bush 11,000 5,500 Completed.

2010/2011 Horseshoe Lagoon - Willow Control 5,607 3,293 In progress.

2012/2013 Horseshoe Lagoon Fencing & Planting 10,000 5,000 In progress.

2010/2011 Old Orari Lagoon 12,472 10,012 In progress.

2012/2013 Opihi Catchment Environmental 1,560 1,060 Complete. Protection Group 2013/2014 Opihi Catchment Environmental 3863 2000 In progress. Protection Group 2013 Planting 2013/2014 Orakipaoa Tributary Plantings 2500 4000 In progress.

2010/2011 Otipua Dune Restoration - Stage 1 8,645 23,808 Complete.

2012/2013 Otipua Dune Restoration - Stage 2 5,450 9,500 In progress.

2012/2013 Pareora Scenic Reserve Fencing Year 20,000 21,000 In progress. 2 2010/2011 Peel Forest Wetland Year 1 20,000 10,000 Complete.

2012/2013 Peel Forest Wetland Year 2 19,500 10,000 In progress.

2010/2011 Pit Road Lizard Sanctuary - Stage 1 20,360 12,694 Complete.

2012/2013 Pit Road Lizard Sanctuary - Stage 2 10,000 5,070 In progress.

2012/2013 Pit Road Reserve Pine Tree Removal 10,000 4,500 Complete.

2012/2013 Rangitata Stone Row Relocation 2,131 2,400 In progress.

2012/2013 Upper Old Orari Lagoon 6,150 6,780 In progress.

TOTAL ALLOCATION 214,946 161,324

11 November 2013 8 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee Project Information for funding consideration: Funding requested Land Cultural Ecological Proposed project* Project details in brief (Total cost tenure Value** score in brackets) Threat: Willow and other invasive weeds Awarua Wetland and lost riparian function Restoration Proposed activities: Weed control and Restore 2.8 ha restoration planting. wetland to Comments from assessments: Private High 31/39 harakeke/pukio Good representative example of spring-fed $ 16,400 swampland and creek and associated wetland habitats in ($24,500) kahikatea swamp context of heavily-modified Low Plains forest and promote Ecological District. Supports some remnant traditional use native wetland/riparian vegetation through weaving and augmented by plantings. rongoa.

Threat: Historic stock access and lost Upper Old Orari riparian function Lagoon 2014 Proposed activities: Restoration planting. Planting Labour as in-kind (Continuation from this 23/39 Supports and year). encourages the local Comments from assessments: $4,400 Private TBA landowners to Old Orari lagoon system connected to Orari ($6,600) restore the sites River - pockets of remnant native ecological values vegetation present along the lagoon system - full fish passage - important in migratory life cycles of birds and fish. Dune and riverine links.

11 November 2013 9 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee Threat: Historic stock access and lost Old Orari Lagoon riparian function 2014 Planting Proposed activities: Restoration planting. Private TBA 21/39 Supports and Labour as in-kind (Continuation from this $1335 encourages the local year). ($3010) landowners to Comments from assessments: restore the sites Old Orari lagoon system - pockets of ecological values remnant native vegetation present along the lagoon system - Dune links. Coopers Creek Threat: Willow spread, stock access and Willow Control – lost riparian function Silverton Road Proposed activities: Contractor and Private TBA 19/39 Protection project landowner assisted weed control, fencing. along a 350 m Comments from assessments: section of the Although riparian highly modified, instream $5,500 northernmost spring habitat (channel form/shape, flow, bed, ($9,240) head of Coopers nutrient input, sediment input) largely Creek. Includes natural. willow control and fencing within a 1.3 ha project area. *Further details of projects may be requested from Environment Canterbury Biodiversity Officer Emma Coleman ** Cultural assessment of the project may be presented at meeting.

11 November 2013 10 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee

Immediate Steps Programme Process:

11 November 2013 11 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FOR THE MEETING OF 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Report for Agenda Item No 5

Prepared by Dave Kelly, Senior Surface Water Quality Scientist

Briefing on Current Understanding of Phormidium

______

Purpose of Presentation This presentation will brief the committee on the current scientific understanding of cyanobacteria, of which Phormidium is one example.

Background Water quality and environmental health of several waterways in the OOP zone is currently affected by the presence of Phormidium, one type of cyanobacteria.

At this meeting, Dave Kelly will provide a summary of our current scientific understanding of the factors driving cyanobacterial growth.

11 November 2013 12 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FOR THE MEETING OF 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Report for Agenda Item No 6

Prepared by Nick Ledgard

Briefing on Work of BRaid

______

Purpose of Report This report provides background information on the work of BRaid, in anticipation of a presentation at the meeting.

BRaid is an Incorporated Society set up in 2006 to protect and enhance braided river ecosystems within Canterbury, particularly native riverbed bird populations.

Mission BRaid’s mission is to protect, enhance and restore braided river ecosystems whilst recognising essential river control works and sympathetic commercial and recreational uses. BRaid’s initial focus is on indigenous bird species which breed on the riverbed.

Background Braided rivers are rare globally, but not so in , where Canterbury contains 59% of the country’s braided river area. Their dynamic, ever-changing character has led to the development of a unique ecosystem. On the plains, away from the coast, only the braided rivers still have indigenous components largely as they were thousands of years ago. The most obvious component of these native ecosystems is the birds. They have declining populations due to threats from weed invasion, predation and human disturbance. Over recent years there are added considerations involving the commercial extraction of shingle and the use of water for irrigation and electricity generation.

BRaid’s major aims are to:  Protect, enhance and promote awareness of braided river ecosystems  Promote co-operation between stakeholders  Encourage the involvement of community groups and facilitate their activities  Facilitate the collection and storage of information

BRaid Activities BRaid is an incorporated society that meets bi-monthly with 50+ members from Regional Council, Forest & Bird, Ashburton Community Conservation Trust,

11 November 2013 13 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee Ashley/Rakahuri Rivercare Group (ARRG), Ornithological Society NZ, Waimakariri River Users Group (WRUG).

Two core initial goals for BRaid have been to appoint a co-ordinator to organise and manage its activities, and to run annual training courses on the management of indigenous birds on braided rivers.

Coordinator Key responsibilities are as follows:  Developing a communication plan containing outreach goals, such as targets for media releases, school visits, newsletters and a website.  Developing early education programmes on braided river ecosystems for 8-12 year old children.  Liaising with statutory and non-statutory (e.g. CWMS) authorities involved in braided river management, and assisting BRaid with submissions related to braided river management.  Assisting the formation and support of community groups and/or individuals which undertake to assist with the protection and breeding of indigenous braided river birds, and compiling a database and map recording locations of groups and activities.  Attending, reporting back to, and assisting with meetings of BRaid, plus co- ordinating annual training course.  Assisting the implementation of operations such as bird surveys, predator trapping, on-site signage and bird monitoring.

Co-ordinator funding: Some funding has been approved, and further applications are being considered.

Training course This 3-day event (“Conservation management course - Native birds in braided rivers”) has been run at Glentui near Oxford in September of 2011, 2012 and 2014 with 18-20 attendees at each from GWRC, ECAN, DOC, F&B, Marlborough DC etc. The course is delivered by professional ornithologist John Dowding. As stated in the promotional flier, “The course is primarily aimed at members of community groups and individuals involved in (or wishing to undertake) protection of birds in braided rivers. It is suitable for staff of regional and district councils, DOC, and other agencies involved in management of birds in this habitat type.” 2013 participant, Jane Myhill of Christchurch wrote the following on her feedback form. “I felt privileged to have the chance to take part in the workshop. I arrived at Glentui with little more than a love of the braided river landscapes, and a vague wish to be able to "do something" to help preserve them. I left with a comprehensive workbook bulging with information, a network of new like-minded friends and a genuine sense of awe - both at the scale of the threats faced by the birds, and at the tirelessness and focus of those who work to counter those threats.”

BRaid members have organised two Upper Waimakariri river bird surveys and have taken part in surveys on Ashburton, Orari, Ashley and Ashburton Lakes, working in close association with DOC and ECan.

BRaid collaborated with DOC’s Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for Braided River Threatened Species Recovery in organising the “Braided River Workshop: River-bird related management & research update”, which was held on May 7 2010.

11 November 2013 14 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee We have submitted to CWMS Zone and Regional Committees relative to braided river management, and communicated with ECan river engineers to assist gravel extractors in identifying bird nesting areas.

We have assisted with numerous presentations to Canterbury public groups such as service clubs, Zone Committees and primary schools.

We support and encourage establishment of river care groups. Members are actively involved in the Ashley/Rakahuri, Ashburton/Hakatere, Waimakariri and Orari River care groups and have presented to and helped with the formation of a Waiau River care group.

ECan provides support of BRaid with active involvement of their biodiversity advisor in BRaid activities and provision of meeting space.

The following is an excerpt from a news article on the ECan website 5 May 2013: "Environment Canterbury is continuing its support of BRaid Incorporated (Braided River Aid), an umbrella organisation set up in 2006 to protect braided river ecosystems in general and birds in particular. BRaid believes that education of and information to community groups, territorial authorities and other agencies active in braided river management are vital to the protection and recognition of braided river ecosystems. It ran a highly successful course in September 2012 and is planning another in September this year. For course information contact [email protected]"

11 November 2013 15 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FOR THE MEETING OF 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Report for Agenda Item No 8

Prepared by Hisham Zarour (Team Leader Hydrogeology)

South Canterbury Deep Groundwater Investigation

______

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the scope of a proposed investigation into deep groundwater in South Canterbury and to obtain the Zone Committee’s feedback on the proposal.

Background Groundwater is an important environmental and socio-economic resource in South Canterbury. It is sourced through shallow wells drilled in thin valley-fill and floodplain deposits and from deep wells that tap older strata known as the Kowai Formation (locally known as the Cannington Gravels).

River valley and floodplain sediments in South Canterbury consist of alluvial deposits of assorted grain sizes. They are thin inland, achieving maximum thickness of about 20 m near the coast. Their thinness and small areal extent provide limited storage space for groundwater. Groundwater in these deposits is known to be strongly connected to surface water – if periods of low river flow are prolonged, the groundwater resource similarly drains away. The groundwater resource in these sediments is recharged by river flow and land-surface recharge (rain and irrigation).

In the Orari-Opihi-Pareora zone, the Kowai Formation is most productive in the Lower Pareora (downstream of the lower gorge). The formation is also tapped for groundwater around , Levels Plain, Geraldine and the Upper Pareora (upstream of the lower gorge) (Figure 1). Limited groundwater age determination data suggest that water in the Kowai Formation is hundreds to tens of thousands years old, which infers slow groundwater movement and probably restricted recharge. Aquifers with limited recharge are much more vulnerable to over-abstraction.

From the trend shown in Figure 2, I notice that groundwater use in South Canterbury may have more than tripled over the last fifteen years. I expect demand on groundwater in this area to continue to increase in the future. Kowai Formation has significantly contributed to meeting the growing water demand in South Canterbury and yet its hydrogeology is not adequately understood. The recharge, discharge and flow mechanisms are not well known, as are the relationships between this system and shallower groundwater and surface water.

As hydrogeologist Nicola Wilson explained to the Zone Committee in her memo dated 21/01/2013, Environment Canterbury manages cumulative effects of groundwater abstraction across the majority of the Canterbury Region through setting allocation limits for individual zones.

11 November 2013 16 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee

Figure 1. Simplified geological maps for the proposed project area. Main geological structures (faults) and geographic features are also shown on the map.

11 November 2013 17 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee

Figure 2. Trends in groundwater allocation from South Canterbury aquifers (as adapted by 2009, Burbery and Vincent (2009) from Aitchison-Earl et al. (2006)).

In South Canterbury, we would like to understand more the interrelationships between surface water, shallow and deep groundwater and we would like to be able to quantify this in the future. This knowledge will help answering strategic and operational water allocation and nutrient load setting questions.

Previous and on-going work Environment Canterbury has commissioned a number of investigations to enhance our understanding of groundwater in South Canterbury. In 2006, Aitchison-Earl and others undertook a review of the deep aquifers between Timaru and the Waitaki River. In 2009, Burbery and Vincent studied the hydrochemistry of the Tertiary aquifers in the area (which include the Cannington Gravels). In 2012, GNS established a geological model that defines three geological features of particular interest for groundwater in South Canterbury. Currently, Wilson and Graham are analysing the results of a large- scale piezometric survey (groundwater level survey) of the Cannington Aquifer that we undertook in South Canterbury; and Aitchison-Earl is preparing technical reports for the South Canterbury Coastal Streams (SCCS) sub-regional plan process. In addition, we have on-going groundwater level and quality monitoring programmes and shortly we will be undertaking a hydrochemical investigation in the Wainono Lagoon area.

Proposed investigation We believe that we will be able to develop a conceptual model of the Kowai Formation groundwater system from synthesising the data we have already collected and other

11 November 2013 18 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee sources. We believe that our recent piezometric survey generated sufficient groundwater level data but we still need to collect additional groundwater quality and age determination data to supplement existing datasets. This need has been identified in previous studies, which made similar recommendations.

In the proposed investigation, we intend to select sampling sites along flow paths in the aquifer to enable tracing the hydrochemical and isotope composition evolution of the groundwater from recharge to discharge areas. Identification of flow paths has become possible because of the piezometric survey that we completed this year. We will collect and analyse groundwater quality and age determination data to enhance our understanding of the deep groundwater system and design future quantitative investigations that can assist in answering allocation questions. We plan to cover the area between the Waitaki and Orari rivers in this investigation, so the intended study area straddles the Orari-Opihi-Pareora and Lower Waitaki CWMS zones.

Specific objectives The specific objectives of the intended project are to: 1. develop a conceptual model for the deep groundwater system in South Canterbury, including identification of recharge and discharge mechanisms and areas, flow dynamics, and factors controlling groundwater quality 2. assess the connectedness between the deep groundwater with surface water and shallow groundwater 3. assess the vulnerability of the aquifer to pollution, especially in relation to potential contamination from nutrients (mainly nitrogen and phosphorus).

Special considerations Recommendation 2.3.2 in the Orari-Opihi-Pareora ZIP is aimed at optimising the delivery of CWMS targets through flow and allocation plans. We believe that the current allocation system represents the best option but we want to develop our knowledge of the deep groundwater system further to allow better-informed decision- making in the future.

The planned project will not attempt to quantify allocatable volumes, but it will pave the way to achieving that in the future.

Conclusion There is a need to improve our understanding of the deep groundwater system in South Canterbury. I have prepared this paper to inform the Zone Committee of our proposed investigation and to seek their feedback.

Recommendation 1. That the Zone Committee receives this paper 2. That the Zone Committee provides feedback on the scope of the proposed investigation.

11 November 2013 19 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FOR THE MEETING OF 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Report for Agenda Item No 9

Prepared by Samuel Nevin Consents Planner – Environment Canterbury

Consents Update

______

Purpose of Report Detail consent activity of interest in the region.

Recent consents news of interest in the region: 1. Dams: We are still receiving a large number of dam applications (water storage ponds). In general, these applications tend to be concentrated in the Rangitata area as the RSIL scheme progresses. The main issues we tend to face with these applications are: o The effects of a potential dam breach on surrounding infrastructure owners (roads; power utilities; rail; and dwellings). o The effects of dam structures on the flow of flood waters. In particular, how flood waters may be deflected onto surrounding properties and infrastructure. The cumulative effect of a large number of dams in the Rangitata plains is potentially difficult to deal with.

2. Pareora Water: o New B Block water: The last of the B block surface water has been allocated. This will be taken into storage. The consent holder will also take their existing A block and groundwater into storage too. o Flow sharing B block water: A B block water permit above the allocation limit has been granted. This can only be exercised provided the consent holder finds someone already holding a B block water right to flow share with. This take will also be into storage. o Amalgamation of water permits: A couple applications to amalgamate water permits have been received and processed. This is to allow greater efficiency in the use of water across wider property areas. One of these also includes a storage component. o General comments: Overseer reports have been provided to show that there is no change in land use for most of the above applications (generally no further intensification). For farms where further intensification may eventually occur, change in land use consents will need to be applied for – it should be noted that water quality in the catchment is considered sensitive already. Another general trend is the advent of storage ponds in the catchment – as evident from the consents above.

11 November 2013 20 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee 3. Changes in land use: o General: ECan is receiving a large number of Overseer files to support consent applications for a change in land use1, or to support consent applications which seek to illustrate that a particular change in farming operation is not considered a ‘change’ under the regional planning framework. This is common right throughout Canterbury. As highlighted at previous meetings, ‘change’ in land use consents in orange and red nutrient zones are proving difficult to process and difficult for consent applicants to obtain. This is because these zones typically comprise of water bodies which are already not meeting the water quality outcomes of the plan, and/or the water bodies are very sensitive to any increase nutrient losses. Few land use change consents have been granted in the OOPS area since the pLWRP was notified (<10).

o Opihi: Much of the catchment is an orange zone. We have had a small number of change in land use applications granted in this catchment. They have been granted on the basis that whilst they are considered a change under the pLWRP, the increase in nitrogen loss will be less than 10%.

o Pareora: Much of this catchment is orange. One consent for a small increase in N loss has been granted. The property is relatively low intensity (but is irrigated). The consent holder is required to undertake surface water quality monitoring upstream and downstream of their property (and undertake certain actions if this monitoring indicates certain trigger levels have been exceeded). There are no other changes in land use consents in process in this area, however, a couple of properties have provided evidence through Overseer that they are not a change in land use.

o Rangitata: Much of the catchment is a red zone. As outlined at previous meetings, some change in land use consents have been granted in this area on the basis that the water take and use is already consented through the shareholding in RSIL that these particular properties have. The granting of these consents is at the discretion of ECan – i.e. we are not obliged to grant them. The need for individual shareholders to get these consents would be removed if RSIL held their own use of water consent (as the ZC is well aware).

o Orari and elsewhere: No applications to date.

4. Pareora catchment review: I understand that considerable discussion has been provided on this elsewhere in zone committee agendas.

5. All of Canterbury: Providing the pLWRP does not change, all effluent storage ponds, dairy sheds and stock holding areas (for all farm types) will need a consent (if they are currently unconsented). The implications of this are obvious – many properties will be required to apply for these consents. The ZC should note this rule is subject to change before the pLWRP becomes operative.

6. Orari/Ohapi conjunctive use zone: One consent in process in this area to amalgamate two shallow groundwater consents – the resulting consent will get a minimum flow as it is in the conjunctive use zone. The implications of this

1 A ‘change’ in land use is defined in the pLWRP as ‘any increase in nitrogen lost from a property from the use of new or additional water’; or ‘any other change which results in a more than 10% increase in the loss of Nitrogen from a given property. Nitrogen loss from a property is modelled using OVERSEER.

11 November 2013 21 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee conjunctive use zone are that all takes shallower than 30 m will get a minimum flow – potential change in reliability. I understand that this may also impact the water users group that is currently set up in the Ohapi area.

Recommendation

That the Committee notes the recent consent activity in the region.

11 November 2013 22 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FOR THE MEETING OF 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Report for Agenda Item No 10

Prepared by Hannah Leppard (Land Management Advisor, Environment Canterbury)

Land Management Advisor Update

______

Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide an update on catchment group and Zone initiatives for October.

Waihi Catchment A work plan is currently being developed that covers areas such as Water Quality (Barkers Creek), Biodiversity and Community Engagement.

The first Waihi Steering Group Meeting is to be held on the 26 November. The purpose of this meeting is to confirm terms of reference, vision, purpose and work plan for the Group.

Kakahu Catchment – Paul Reese IrrigationNZ On the 7 of October an initial Zone Committee field trip was held with members of the public invited. The next step is to hold a meeting of those who signed up for the Catchment Group and to further engage other landowners in the Catchment.

Co-ordination of Catchment Groups With the number of facilitators and catchment groups under the Zone Committee umbrella increasing it is important that a consistent approach is kept. To ensure that this is done a co-ordination plan is being developed.

Blakely Pacific Site Visits Timaru based Land Management Advisors and Biodiversity Officers spent the morning with staff from Blakely Pacific. The day was an opportunity to learn about the environmental values and practices of the company and the challenges being faced.

Blakely Pacific also extended an invitation to the Zone Committee to visit their forestry blocks during harvesting. Blakely Pacific are keen to be a part of catchment group development in relevant plantation areas.

Planting Day On the 5 October 1000 Plants were planted at the Old Orari Lagoon. The planting day was arranged by Emma Coleman (Biodiversity). Further planting days are to follow.

11 November 2013 23 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FOR THE MEETING OF 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Report for Agenda Item No 12

Prepared by Dennis Jamieson, Brett Painter (ECAN)

Update of OOP Infrastructure initiatives to address ZIP R3.2.1

______

Purpose The purpose of this report is to provide an update on infrastructure initiatives potentially relevant to the OOP Zone. Many of these initiatives are also relevant to neighbouring zone committees and also the Regional Committee.

Background The OOP Zone committee has previously considered a number of ideas for future water management in the OOP Zone and the assessment of some of these ideas against the Canterbury Water Management Strategy. Committee views with respect to new water and new water infrastructure are reflected in the following excerpts from the OOP ZIP.

Orari-Opihi-Pareora ZIP vision ‘Water is precious and limited. It must be managed in ways that recognise and balance its importance for cultural, economic and recreational use, aesthetic and landscape values and biodiversity values – and delivers both individual and community good. We affirm and recognise tangata whenua and the value they place on mahinga kai, and the priority of available high quality sources of drinking water in rivers, waterways and aquifers. We also recognise the intrinsic value of aquatic ecosystems and river health (quality and flow), and the need to both prevent further decline and then restore wetlands and waterways. We know that to achieve all the targets of the CWMS within our zone it is necessary to find a way to bring more water into the zone.’

Orari-Opihi-Pareora ZIP R3.2.1 ‘Investigate opportunities for new water in zone from the Rangitata or Waitaki catchments for environmental and economic purposes.’

Orari-Opihi-Pareora ZIP R3.2.4 New infrastructure supports delivery of the principles and targets of the CWMS If financially viable and the mixing of water issue is addressed with Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, then any new storage or distribution infrastructure that makes additional water available in the zone must support a flow and share regime that: • enhances reliability and security of supply for human and stock drinking water, industry and agriculture • contributes to meeting water quality standards • sustains river flow and ecosystem dynamics, including appropriate flow variations • protects reliability for current abstractors • supports river/catchment specific values (eg fish passage, mahinga kai, trout, salmon, whitebait etc)

11 November 2013 24 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee • protects, restores and enhances sites of ecological and cultural significance • no net loss of wetlands • requires efficient rural use of water.

1. Potential Water Supply a. From the south The final distribution area for the Hunter Downs Irrigation (HDI) scheme has not been determined yet, but could potentially extend beyond the . A key next step in HDI scheme development is the issuing of a prospectus early in 2014. Once potential demand areas have been registered, a clearer picture of the northern extent of the scheme will begin to emerge. This picture will be further clarified over the next few years as the business case and design aspects are progressed.

b. From the west The current Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Regional Plan does not allow for additional water to be diverted into the OOP Zone. The “Waitaki- South Canterbury Options: CWMS Preliminary Strategic Assessment” (2010) identified potential challenges in meeting Ecosystem Health, Natural Character, Kaitiakitanga, Recreation, and Energy Security targets of the CWMS. A number of previous initiatives considered technical options for moving water from the upper Waitaki Zone to the OOP Zone.

A current initiative is seeking to clarify the economic costs and benefits of two scenarios for allocating Waitaki catchment water to the OOP Zone. This initiative is being led by ECan, but using a terms of reference developed after working with a sub group made up of representatives from the Regional Infrastructure Working Group of the CWMS, Water Ltd, Meridian, and Genesis. While consensus was not achieved by this sub group, initiation of work on the simplest credible economics approach is considered essential to get initial information on this concept to interested parties. This study is expected to begin in the next few weeks and last approximately four months. The study has access to many previous relevant studies and aims to combine and complement this work by considering potential consenting challenges such as the mixing of glacial - fed Waitaki catchment waters with the rain-fed waters of the upper Opihi River.

c. From the north The Conservation Order constrains the allocation of river water, with most allocatable water consented for irrigation and hydro- generation through the Rangitata Diversion Race. The “Waitaki-South Canterbury Options: CWMS Preliminary Strategic Assessment” (2010) recommended that currently consented Rangitata River water be considered for South Canterbury distribution in light of the identified challenges with water from the Waitaki catchment.

At their December 2012 meeting, the OOP Zone Committee was presented with an offer from Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd and TrustPower Ltd to consider alternative uses for some of their consented water. A portion of 3 annual volumes totalling 600 million cubic metres was offered for discussion:  Approximately 200 million m3 p.a. winter generation water currently running through TrustPower’s High Bank power station.

11 November 2013 25 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee  Approximately 200 million m3 p.a. irrigation season generation (“shoulder”) water currently running through TrustPower’s High Bank power station or supplied to Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation.  Approximately 200 million m3 p.a. irrigation season water potentially becoming available through efficiency gains in the Ashburton Zone.

Water could be distributed south of the Rangitata River for:  Environmental enhancement;  Replacement of current takes (ground and surface water);  Additional irrigated area and improved reliability and flexibility for existing areas (including integration with Rangitata South Irrigation Ltd, Opuha Water Ltd and the Hunter Downs Irrigation Scheme).

A portion of the shoulder / efficiency gain water would be utilised within the Ashburton Zone for environmental and economic benefits. In order to progress this potential supply, RDRML and TrustPower needed to progress infrastructure options for distributing Lake Coleridge water south of the Rakaia River, storing Rangitata River water near the RDR intake, and upgrading the top section of the Mayfield Hinds canal to take additional capacity and provide hydro-generation opportunities. All options are currently being progressed, though timelines for such significant development are in years rather than months.

The first key question for the OOP Zone is to progress understanding regarding where and how much demand for Rangitata River water may be required. This question is being addressed through connected demand initiatives.

2. Potential Water Demand a. OOP Zone computer modelling of water quality The OOP Zone contains a complex combination of ground and surface water catchments. Some parts of the zone have a reasonable level of monitoring information and have functioning computer models, while other parts of the zone are not well understood and not modelled. Determining potential future demand and resulting effects on CWMS targets can only be confidently addressed through computer modelling. A detailed ECan computer model is not scheduled for development at this time as the sub- regional planning process is not due to start until approximately 2017.

As an interim measure, the Irrigation Acceleration Fund and ECan are funding a project (“Project Rata”) to begin the development of sufficient computer modelling resources to enable potential demand questions to be progressed in parallel with potential water demand initiatives. The current stage of this project runs from June 2013-June 2014 and includes Cultural Opportunity Mapping and Response (COMAR) studies and the development of a computer model that can run water quality studies for a variety of potential future demand scenarios. While the structure of the computer model is being created, a variety of relevant information has been gathered. The relevant outputs from the COMAR studies will be added to the modelling as they become available.

i. Potentially irrigable area A number of previous studies have considered potentially irrigable area in the OOP Zone and have consistently produced a figure of approximately 40,000 ha of new irrigation.

11 November 2013 26 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee

ii. Potential future scenarios Workshops with the OOP Zone Committee in February and June 2013 developed key model reporting requirements and three sets of model scenarios, known as “Status Quo”, “Environmental Optimisation” and “Sustainable Development”. The modelling team have created the model structure for the OOP Zone groundwater systems, key rivers and their reporting points. They have set up the Status Quo land use scenario and are currently progressing the land use set up for the other scenarios. Nutrient profiles for the status quo scenarios are also currently being developed. It is anticipated that a working model for the status quo will be ready to ‘ground-truth’ with the OOP Zone Committee early in 2014.

iii. Other potential demand Any further information on potential additional demand was requested by the modelling team from attendees at OOP zone committee meetings and elsewhere. This led to discussion with ECan staff on the potential effects on groundwater supply reliability of increasing lowland stream minimum flows, discussion with Timaru DC staff on potential future demand for drinking and industrial water, and various discussions with current irrigation schemes (Opuha and Rangitata South) on future plans.

b. OOP Zone computer modelling of water distribution Once the potential water quality effects of future water management scenarios for the OOP Zone are better understood, potential water supply, distribution and re-distribution options need to be considered. This will require a further stage of computer model development and assessments. Due to the long development time frames for such model development, it is expected that contracts for this work will be started in the first quarter of 2014. By this time further clarity on the potential to supply water from the south, west and north should be known and can be incorporated into the model as relevant. The timeframe for this stage of modelling would be six months to a year. Questions such as economic viability of options would be considered during this phase.

Recommendation

That the Zone Committee consider the above updates and provide ECan staff with requests for further information and/or feedback on further work, OOP Zone Committee involvement etc.

11 November 2013 27 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

FOR THE MEETING OF 11 NOVEMBER 2013

Report for Agenda Item No 14

Prepared by John O’Neill Regional Committee Representative

Regional Committee Report

______

LUWQ Report to Zone 22/10/2013 LINCOLN:  Kaitiakatanga – everything connected - more chance to identify locally than regionally Need for clarification of cultural definitions.  MGM (Matrix of Good Management) project – farm survey – farm nutrient modelling.  Regional Policy agreement: MOU now to be used with primary industry leaders. L &W plan final adoption by Xmas – should clarify practical issues re land use and effects.  Mitigation toolbox – to have web site - to be rationalized and sectionalised and include upgrades of overseer and LUT when finalised.  Science of monitoring and accurate loading numbers so important – national environment - need to approach government re independent project funding.  Need to meet with Zones – evaluate issues.

Has been no Regional meeting since our last meeting.

John O’Neill (Rep)

11 November 2013 28 Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone #844079 Management Committee