Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee (W Ater Management)

ORDINARY MEETING OF THE

SELWYN-WAIHORA ZONE COMMITTEE

TO BE HELD AT THE

LINCOLN EVENTS CENTRE (Water Management)

ON TUESDAY 7 MARCH 2017

AT 1.00 PM

Assemble for 12.30pm start for Lunch

Waihora Zone Committee

- "If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water..." Loran Eisely, US Author Selwyn 1

SELWYN WAIHORA ZONE COMMITTEE – Outline of Agenda

TUESDAY 07 March 2017, Lincoln Events Centre TIMETABLE & ORDER OF BUSINESS 12.30pm Lunch at the Lincoln Events Centre

Item Time Description Page # Presenter 1.00pm Welcome to new members and introductions 1.25pm Meeting commences with karakia and formal order of business: 1 - 16  Apologies  Identification of Urgent General Business  Confirmation of minutes 07 February 2017  Matters Arising & actions from last meeting  Report to and from Regional Committee Meeting (Karaitiana Taiuru)  Update from Zone Committee members on activities and meetings attended that relate to the Committee’s outcomes for the zone 1.25pm General Public Contribution

1.30pm Biodiversity Action Plan 17 - 47 Johannes Welsch, Environment Canterbury Immediate Steps Biodiversity Fund Projects 2.00pm 48 - 62 Johannes Welsch, Environment Canterbury Response to question on water take consent 2.40pm 63 - 64 Sam Beaumont, Environment Canterbury 3.00pm Break 3.10pm Review of Swimmable Selwyn@Coes Ford Ian Whitehouse, 65 - 66 workshop and next steps Environment Canterbury 3.40pm Communication update NO PAPER Michaela Rees Environment Canterbury 4.10pm Facilitator’s Report Ian Whitehouse, 67 - 68 Environment Canterbury 4.30pm Approximate finish time 3

MINUTES OF THE 68th MEETING OF THE SELWYN-WAIHORA ZONE COMMITTEE HELD IN THE LARGE EXECUTIVE MEETING ROOM, SELWYN DISTRICT COUNCIL, ON TUESDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2017 COMMENCING AT 1:00 PM

PRESENT Allen Lim (Chair), Ron Pellow, Maree Goldring, Hayley Moynihan, Victor Mthamo, Christina Henderson (Te Hāpu o Ngāti Wheke), Les Wanhalla (Te Rūnanga o Taumutu), George Tikao (Te Rūnanga o Ōnuku), Clare Williams (Te Rūnanga o Tūāhuriri), Karaitiana Taiaru (Te Runanga o Koukourārata) and Cr Iaean Cranwell (Canterbury Regional Council)

IN ATTENDANCE Ian Whitehouse (Zone Facilitator ECan), Steve Bragg (ECan), Brett Painter (ECan), Michaela Rees (ECan), Melissa Shearer (ECan), Nicole Reid (SDC), David Murphy (Whakaora Te Waihora), John Benn (DOC), Johannes Welch (ECan), Philippa Beckman (Minutes Secretary), Cr Debra Hasson (Silverstream Enhancement Group), Cr John Sunckell (ECan), Adrienne Lomax (WET), Mike Glover (public), Lee Smith (public), Vince Bidwell (public).

The meeting was opened with welcome and karakia by Stephen Bragg and Iaean Cranwell.

APOLOGIES Apologies received from Cr Murray Lemon (Selwyn District Council), Cr Anne Galloway (Christchurch City Council), and Riki Nicholas (Te Rūnanga o Wairewa), were accepted by the meeting.

Moved: Bill Lambie/Seconded: Ian Whitehouse

‘That the Committee accept apologies for absence from Cr Murray Lemon, Cr Anne Galloway and Riki Nicholas’ CARRIED

IDENTIFICATION OF URGENT GENERAL BUSINESS Nil.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the 66th and 67th Meetings of the Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee (Water Management) held on Tuesday 1 November 2016 and 6 December 2016.

Moved: Bill Lambie /Seconded: Victor Mthamo.

‘That the minutes of the 66th and 67th meetings of the Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee (Water Management) held on Tuesday 1 November 2016 and Tuesday 6 December be confirmed as circulated.’ CARRIED 4

MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES

It was requested that future copies of the minutes have an action list added. Agreed.

REPORT TO AND FROM REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING.

Ron Pellow reported that the December Regional Committee meeting advised its members about the facilitated workshop to be held regarding Te Waihora on 21 February. Clare Williams noted that this committee needs to prioritise swimmable water as a focus for the coming year, particularly around the Selwyn Huts area.

He invited questions about his written report from the December Regional Committee meeting. There were no questions.

UPDATE FROM ZONE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ON ACTIVITIES AND MEETINGS ATTENDED THAT RELATE TO THE COMMITTEE’S OUTCOMES FOR THE ZONE

MEETINGS ATTENDED

 Ron Pellow and Allen Lim attended a Plan implementation meeting

 Bill Lambie, Christina Henderson , Maree Goldring and Allen Lim attended a Biodiversity meeting immediately prior to the Zone meeting.

 Ron Pellow attended a meeting with dairy farmers regarding a swimmable Selwyn

 Maree Goldring attended a meeting of the Rakaia Catchment Environmental Enhancement Fund group.

GENERAL PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Nil.

1. UPDATE ON AUGMENTING FLOWS IN LOWLAND STREAMS (TSA PROJECT) AND SELWYN RIVER

Brett Painter (ECan) updated the committee on progress towards augmenting flows in lowland streams (TSA project) and Selwyn River, and asked for the committee to prioritise 1,3 and 5m3/s flow options for near-river recharge. See Appendix 1 for his presentation.

The Central Plains pipeline is expected to be located near Hororata, and selecting the most suitable site for near river recharge, and conditions for the appropriate mixing of waters, is under study. It was noted that this is a long term solution not a quick fix. 5

One issue to resolve is that the deep gravel substrate results in dry reaches of the Selwyn River. It is expected that recharge will result in small amounts of water going into tributaries to Hororata with more water reappearing much further down the river. Recharge normally occurs in the winter months and this is when CPW water would be available; in other months the pipe will carry irrigation water. It was noted that it is important that farmers and others leave as much water in the system as possible, and the CPW scheme would assist with this, replacing current CPW takes for irrigation with alpine water (from Rakaia River and Lake Coleridge.

The offtake size was discussed; with consideration given to 1,3 and 5m3/s options. Factors to consider included:  Optimal size. It was agreed that flow needs to be greater than 1m3/s for furture provision, but technical limitations would impact upon pipes large enough to carry 5m3/s flows, increasing risk.  Climate change, which predicts greater winter but reduced summer availability. Brett noted that this decade’s flow levels are comparable to the low flows of the 1960s.  Cost. The cost of 1m3/s would be approximately $900,000; 3m3/s would cost approximately $1.3 million. Costs increase considerably for larger offtakes.  Timeframe. Consents need to be applied for within the next few months.

Questions and comments included:  What would it cost to get it close to where we need it? [Answer: The cost to get it closer to Coes Ford would be far in excess of the estimate under discussion]  Is the cost reasonable?  Is this the best use of $1 million?  More data is needed on mahinga kai implications not just trout.  Would a 5 cumec option allow for freshes? [Answer: If cost weren’t an issue we could experiment, but an increase to 5 cumec level would be very expensive and also risky in terms of the technology challenge]  We only get one chance at this, and 1m3/s may not be enough for the future  How will CPW affect the flow in future?  Rūnanga concerns regarding mixing of waters: There should be no direct discharges as there would be filtering through the ground.

Action: Ron Pellow will put his question regarding cost and positioning in writing. Brett will get a response from CPW and report back to the Zone Committee

Moved: Hayley Moynihan /Seconded: Ron Pellow 6

‘That the zone committee supports the 3m3/s flow option in principle, subject to further consideration of the questions raised by the committee’

CARRIED Les Wanhalla abstained as he wished to discuss the proposal with his rūnanga.

2. NEXT STEPS SWIMMABLE SELWYN@COES FORD

Ian Whitehouse (ECan) advised the meeting that a workshop on 22 February will consider what can be done to improve the state of the Selwyn River, with particular focus on Coes Ford. Members of the public and the committee would be invited.

2.1 Mike Glover (member of the public) spoke about his concern not only about the quantity but the poor quality of the river; in particular the phormidium and green slime beside the ford caused by nitrates and phosphates. He asked what was being done to reduce contamination

Allen Lim said that increased quantity would dilute the concentration of nutrients which would improve the quality.

Tami Woods (ECan) said that a quantum of nitrate limit has been set, and many properties now need GMP (Good Management Practice) provisions. She referred Mike to the Zone Committee’s ZIP Addendum about lake health. She added that reductions in N losses required for dairy in Selwyn Waihora are the most significant in the country; that mindsets are changing even though the effects are not immediate.

2.2 Les Wanhalla said that the Environment Plan/Farm Management Plan needed to be firmer.

Tami Woods responded that the regulations will be getting stricter in that the plans will require independent auditing of the Farm Environment Plan.

2.3 Debra Hasson spoke on behalf of the Silverstream Enhancement Group, which since 2000 has worked towards protection of lowland creeks and streams that flow into Coes Ford. Silverstream is in the “red zone”; in 2014 the Selwyn Waimakariri groundwater allocation zone was overallocated to 119%. Debra presented a case study of the 2016 Ashley Dene Dairy Farm conversion in a drainage district that includes Coes Ford over a semi confined aquifer, advising the committee that the Ashley Dene farm was granted a full water take and now has two bores over 160m. Its neighbours are now having to dig deeper and are experiencing lower flow.

Action: Tami Woods and Ron Pellow will follow up on the Ashley Dene consent circumstance regarding allowable outputs and in context of the ruling of no new 7

takes allowed. The Consents Team Leader (ECan) will be invited to speak to a Zone Committee meeting

Debra also raised a number of other concerns:  Regarding the ECan water website for irrigators: Are we looking at the right creek?  Toxic algae is both at Coes and Chamberlains Fords. Chamberlains is becoming the same as Coes but has not yet been reported by ECan.  Regarding augmenting the Selwyn River: Where is the water for the growth of Rolleston?  There is insufficient monitoring of takes. Debra concluded by acknowledging the effort and the time over a long period given by the volunteers for the environment, including zone committee members.

Following these contributions the committee was asked for suggestions of people or groups to invite to the 22 February workshop.

3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The following zone committee officers were elected for 2017:

Chair: Allen Lim. Moved: Ron Pellow/Seconded: Hayley Moynihan

Deputy Chair: Karaitiana Taiuru Moved: Clare Williams /Seconded: Christina Henderson

Representative on the Regional Water Management Committee: Karaitiana Taiuru Moved: Clare Williams /Seconded: Christina Henderson

‘That the Committee accept Allen Lim as Zone Committee Chair, and Karaitiana Taiuru as Deputy Chair and representative on the Regional Committee for 2017’ CARRIED

Action: Ron Pellow will assist Karaitiana with transition to the Regional Committee.

4. ZONE DELIVERY PROGRESS REPORT: FIVE YEAR DELIVERY OUTCOMES AND MILESTONES

1.1 Michaela Rees (ECan) spoke to and invited discussion on her agenda papers: Five Year Delivery Outcomes and Milestones: Zone Team Quarterly Report October – December 2016  Item 2 Good Management Practices: Kaituna Valley Sediment: The first step towards this is to engage with the Rūnanga over the next few weeks, followed 8

by community engagement. She will update the Zone Committee on progress in April. The Rūnanga representatives present suggested that a good approach to the Rūnanga may be through Mahaanui Kurataiao Limited (MKT).  Item 4 Ngāi Tahu values: More consultation is planned with Rūnanga representatives on the kinds of projects wanted. The Zone delivery group will work with Stepehn Bragg (Tangata Whenua Facilitator, ECan) on this.  Item 5 Biodiversity: A large amount of funding has recently been secured for wilding pine removal.  Item 8 Awareness: Work is underway on publicising zone activities and plans.

4.2 Michaela advised the committee that a Zone Delivery Lead position is now being recruited due to the expansion of the zone teams. In this zone, a Monitoring/compliance lead is also being recruited following a staff resignation.

4.3 Five public drop-in sessions are being held across the zone from 14-20 February, to provide assistance on getting land use consents. Publicity material for these was tabled. Zone committee members were invited to attend these.

5. ZONE COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE COMMUNITY

Ian Whitehouse (ECan) requested the committee’s approval of the committee’s Annual Report or further suggestions. Some changes and suggestions were made:  Proofreading corrections including numbering and addition of macrons (e.g. Ngāi Tahu)  Strengthen the CPW story  Provide some information on the number of hits on the website and other evidence of interest in committee activities

Action: Ron Pellow and Ian Whitehouse strengthen the information on CPW. Ian Whitehouse attend to the other suggestions.

Moved: Ron Pellow /Seconded: Karaitiana Taiuru

‘That the Committee accept the Zone Committee’s Annual Report subject to the changes specified above’’

CARRIED

6. ZONE COMMITTEE’S 2017 WORK PROGRAMME

A number of key activities for the coming year were identified, including:  A workshop on the “Solutions Package” (as described in the ZIP Addendum) including discussion on the five year delivery outcomes.  High country issues  Biodiversity, including the Plains areas. 9

Ideas and suggestions for field trips and topics were discussed. Suggestions included the Headwaters of Selwyn; Whitecliffs and upwards; Chamberlains and Coes Fords at a different time of year from the previous visit; Success stories (Dairy Farms)

A field trip/filming session is planned as part of “River Walks River Talks”. The group would like to look at the Silverstream Catchment on 13 March. Zone Committee members were asked to advise if they would be available for this.

The meeting was closed at 4:40pm with a karakia by Iaean Cranwell

DATED this day of 2017

______CHAIR

ACTIONS

Name Action Agenda item Ron Pellow, Ron: Put questions for CPW in writing 1 Brett Painter Brett: Get answers and bring to Zone Committee Tami and Ron: Find out circumstances of Ashley Dene Tami Woods, Farm Ron Pellow, Ian 2.3 Ian: Invite Team Leader Consents to a zone committee Whitehouse meeting Assist Karaitiana with transition onto the Regional Ron Pellow 3 Committee All Invited to drop-in sessions on consenting process 4.3 Ian Whitehouse, Complete work on the Zone committee’s Annual 5 Ron Pellow Report

APPENDIX TSA and Near Selwyn River Recharge Update: Brett Painter 07 February 2017. 10

ACTIONS FROM 07 FEBRUARY MEETING

Name Action Agenda item Ron: Put questions for CPW in writing Ron Pellow, 1 Brett: Get answers and bring to Zone 1 Brett Painter Committee Tami and Ron: Find out circumstances of 2 Tami Woods, Ron Ashley Dene Farm 2.3 Pellow, Ian Whitehouse Ian: Invite Team Leader Consents to a zone committee meeting Assist Karaitiana with transition onto the Ron Pellow 3 3 Regional Committee Invited to drop‐in sessions on consenting All 4.3 4 process Ian Whitehouse, Ron Complete work on the Zone committee’s 5 5 Pellow Annual Report

UPDATE ON ACTIONS FROM 07 FEBRUARY MEETING

1 Brett Painter has followed up on some of the questions raised by the zone committee. These are addressed, in red text, on the revised paper attached.

2 See agenda item 3 from Sam Beaumont, Consents Team Leader, Environment Canterbury

3 Karaitiana attended his first Regional Committee meeting in December.

4 Allen Lim and Victor Mthamo attended the drop‐in session at Lincoln on 20 February.

5 The Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee’s Annual Report has been finalised. The Report will be presented by the Chair (supported by other committee members) to the Regional Council on 16 March, to Selwyn District Council on 22 March and Christchurch City Council on 23 March. 11

AGENDA ITEM: SUBJECT MATTER: Update on augmenting flows in lowland Update on actions from February meeting streams (TSA project) and Selwyn River

REPORT BY: Brett Painter, Environment Text in red updated 20/2/17 Canterbury

Action required  Committee members note the following update on the Targeted Stream Augmentation (TSA) project.  Committee members note the following update on the Selwyn/Waikirikiri Near River Recharge Project and prioritise the 1, 3 and 5 m3/s options in terms of their ability to assist delivery of Zone Committee objectives.

Context The Selwyn Waihora Targeted Stream Augmentation and Selwyn/Waikirikiri Near River Recharge Projects respond to Selwyn-Waihora ZIP Addendum Recommendation 1.8 and Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan Policy 11.4.22.

Targeted Stream Augmentation (TSA) Project

Figure 1. TSA Project site: Broadacres/Raywell Farm tributary of the Selwyn River/Waikirikiri

Following the Boggy Creek TSA experiment the Broadacres/Raywell farm tributary of the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River was chosen as the site for the next stage of the TSA Project (Figure 1). This site was chosen due to its historical importance for native aquatic species, supported by a DOC Management Plan, and the willingness of landowners to assist with the project. The lack of reliable spring flow has led to the loss of all species in the last few years. The aim for this stage of the TSA project is to future-proof the habitat for native species by installing a groundwater bore and a solar powered pump, constructing in-stream habitat, and planting riparian margins. 12

The springs sited around the red star in Figure 1 currently flow when the Selwyn River/Waikirikiri is flowing in the reach at the top left corner of Figure 1. At this time, the groundwater supplying the river also feeds underground channels that supply the springs. Low catchment groundwater levels over the last few years have resulted in extended periods of no flow through these springs. The proposed solar powered pump will provide flow according to sunshine strength with battery backup a potential future addition. The proposed in-stream habitat enhancements involve digging into sections of the stream bed and installing a clay liner before re-filling the bed material. If the intermittent supply of water is not sufficient to keep flowing water in the tributary during future dry periods, these areas of enhanced habitat will allow for freshwater mussels and mudfish to burrow into as well as keeping water plants alive.

Groundwater bore construction was completed late 2016, with up to 37 l/s recorded in the flow test. The solar pump and panel contract was also tendered late 2016. Current activities include final design and consenting processes, with construction hopefully in early autumn.

The use of groundwater to augment other lower Selwyn River tributaries has been discussed between Environment Canterbury and Fish and Game staff, who have had further discussions with local landowners. Locations with artesian (or near artesian) supply to tributaries/drains with trout spawning potential are currently being identified.

Near River Recharge Project for the Selwyn River/Waikirikiri Conversations involving many parties on the potential for use of Central Plains Water (CPW) scheme infrastructure to augment the Selwyn River system can be traced back prior to initial CPW consenting processes in 2006. Confirmation of CPW Stage 2+ infrastructure in late 2016 has provided the necessary technical information to design and cost specific augmentation options. An extended period of low natural recharge and an active discussion about swimming values at Coes Ford have provided additional incentives to proceed.

The concept is described as “near river recharge”. This involves directing water from the off- take to where it will be filtered by bed material and/or filtering vegetation before mixing with the natural river flow (that is, no direct mixing of waters). Figure 2 shows the Selwyn River currently travelling down the centre of the flood channel where the proposed CPW pipe crosses. Initial investigations suggest that inside the true right bank near the forest would be the preferred off-take location due to its elevation, natural flood protection and filtering capacity. Further investigations are required.

The key use of the off-take would be when CPW are not at capacity delivering irrigation water, i.e. from late autumn through until early spring. Augmentation rate would be maximised when groundwater levels are low and forecast rainfall is below average. The water source would be Rakaia River water, via amendments (if required) to current SDC stockwater take consents and/or CPW irrigation take consents. A consent to authorise the discharge of augmentation water will be required and any flood protection works for the off- take will also require a consent.

A 2007 NIWA study (Figure 4) concluded that the Selwyn River loses approximately 500 l/s to groundwater in the target reach for every kilometre of river bed, though a significant portion of this water feeds the Haldon Springs which flow into the Hororata River and then 13 back into the Selwyn River system. The native and recreational fish values of the Haldon/Hororata reaches will benefit as will the values of the connected groundwater system which supports the Irwell River and lower Selwyn River systems.

Initial costings of $900k, $1.3M and $2M for 1, 3 and 5 m3/s off-takes respectively have been provide by CPW. Further detail will be available once the costings have undergone peer- review. These sizes will enhance natural system functioning rather than provide unnaturally high river flows (which will increase lower catchment flooding risks). The average daily flow at Whitecliffs since 1964 is approximately 3 m3/s with the median flow approximately 2.1 m3/s. Figure 3 shows that the relationship between median flows at Whitecliffs and Coes Ford varies significantly between seasons. The question of how much effect the Near River recharge will have on Coes Ford flows is not easy to answer, even with a computer model, due to the role of the underground channels that link the Selwyn/Hororata systems and the Selwyn/Irwell systems.

At the 7 February Selwyn-Waihora Zone Committee meeting, Brett Painter recommended the 3 m3/s option for further consideration as fit-for-purpose and value for money. The Zone Committee passed a motion of support in principle for the concept and requested further information on relevant investigations. This was provided on 10 February.

Multiple discussions regarding potential funding have occurred between representatives from CPW, Selwyn District Council, Environment Canterbury, Ministry for the Environment, and Fletcher Construction. Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith has noted the potential of augmentation from CPW infrastructure during Parliament question time (reported 16 February). Councillor Sunkell noted to Brett Painter on 17 February his view that a key next step is a meeting between Selwyn District Council and Environment Canterbury Councillors and staff. 14

Figure 2. Potential Selwyn Near River Recharge site.

Figure 3. 15

Figure 4. Selwyn River system (from Larned et al. 2007). Star shows potential recharge site. Arrow shows Haldon spring flow direction. 16

Regional committee meeting summary: Dec 2016 and Feb 2017

The regional committee met 13 December 2016 and again in 14 February 2017.

Further new members joined the committee in December 2016 – Sam Broughton (Central Canterbury district councils), Peter McIlraith (Southern Canterbury District Councils) and Sara Templeton (Christchurch City Council). There are a number of vacancies for representatives from zone committees that will be filled by election in the next month.

Following the opportunity in December for each zone representative to provide an ‘overview’ report on the achievements, key issues and opportunities in their zones the committee has decided to shift to more substantial reporting from each zone. Five zones will report each meeting, and this will be the first item on the agenda.

The committee has also reviewed the work of the current working groups, responded to the zone updates and agreed the priorities for their work programme for the coming year. There will be five working groups:  Biodiversity and ecosystem health  Braided rivers  Infrastructure  Recreation and Amenity  Communications and Education

In addition, there will be briefings at the April meeting on implementation of water quality limits, and public drinking water, and a discussion there about any future work to be led by the regional committee.

Barbara Nicholas Facilitator, Regional Committee 17

Agenda Item No: 1 Subject Matter:

Biodiversity Implementation and Action Plan

Report to : Date of meeting:

Selwyn Waihora zone committee 7th March 2017

Prepared by: Action:

Johannes Welsch For approval

Action required:

 The biodiversity sub‐committee recommends the endorsement of the attached Selwyn Waihora Biodiversity Implementation and Action Plan for the Selwyn Waihora zone

Context:

The Selwyn Waihora Biodiversity Implementation and Action Plan combines the milestones, targets and highlights the work already being done by a large number or organisations, towards biodiversity gains right across the Selwyn Waihora zone. The Plan outlines the four priorities for the zone;

(1) High country –wetland, riparian areas and weed control;

(2) Hororata river catchment restoration;

(3) High value biodiversity projects across the Selwyn Waihora zone; and

(4) Exploring biodiversity opportunities for Swimmable Selwyn@Coe’s Ford. The document outlines the focus and particular deliverables for each of the priorities, as well as risks, barriers and proposes tactics to achieve the goals.

 Work programme milestones: o 5.1 Prepare strategy and agree initial 2‐year work programme o 5.2. Restoration plans confirmed and implementation of identified priority actions (Hororata) 18

Biodiversity projects through Immediate Steps Funding 2010‐2015 in Selwyn Waihora

1. Zone Biodiversity Priority Areas

The zone work programme outlined the following priority areas for advocacy, implementation and action to improve the biodiversity values and freshwater environment in Selwyn Waihora. Immediate steps funding (IMS) is available to actively support biodiversity projects within the Zone. One of the priorities is to stay informed and support others delivering within our zone.

The following focus areas encompass the biodiversity outcomes put forward tin the 5 year outcomes and milestones document. At the same time contribute to a number of outcomes across the range with a biodiversity focus across the agricultural, community and ecological space.

These priority areas have been chosen based on the existing work programme and gaps identified in biodiversity efforts delivered by others throughout the zone. 19

Priority areas: 1. High Country – Lakes, wetlands, riparian corridors and springheads

The high country in the Selwyn Waihora zone still has some of the highest biodiversity value sites in good to pristine state available. Working with landowners to safeguard theses riparian areas, native gullies and wetlands are a key focus for the biodiversity action plan. The protection and enhancement of these will improve the freshwater biodiversity corridor into the low plains rivers in the zone.

2. Hororata Catchment Restoration

The Hororata catchment is home to numerous biodiversity values, including some of the last lowland beech forest remnants on the Canterbury plains and mudfish and eel habitats. The zone delivery team for Selwyn Waihora has identified, assessed and incorporated these treasures into a restoration plan and is now actively working with landowners to protect and enhance them.

3. High Value Biodiversity projects across the whole zone

Considering <1% of native vegetation remaining on the Canterbury plains and the scarcity of intact native remnants, both in dry and freshwater related environments in the zone, this needs to be one of the priority themes of the biodiversity action plan for the zone. The loss of habitat has also lead to a number of species being threatened, endangered or even lost. Representation of the range of lowland environments and its impact on biodiversity is significant in Selwyn Waihora zone with a future trend of further decrease due to land use, cover and management changes.

4. “Swimmable Selwyn@Coes Ford” programme

Memorable personal experiences are very important to our community and a reason why many choose to live in Selwyn Waihora. We also know that Coe’s Ford on the Selwyn River is a favourite recreational spot. Because of this, the Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee is leading a flagship programme to make Coe’s Ford swimmable again. Biodiversity and recreational aspects of this focus area are in restoring riparian freshwater corridors to improve freshwater environment and resulting recreational activities as well as reduce sediment deposition and mitigate farm run‐off. Opportunities for biodiversity related projects are currently being explored around Silverstream and the Snake creek.

These four focus areas incorporate the priorities from the zone team biodiversity and recreation work plan for Biodiversity through to December 2020. Apart from the four priority areas, other key areas within the biodiversity role are the zone delivery integration

For further detail, please refer to the Selwyn Waihora Biodiversity Implementation and Action Plan document attached. 21

Biodiversity Implementation and Action Plan

Selwyn Waihora Zone

Selwyn Waihora Zone Team

Biodiversity officer: Johannes Welsch

Zone Manager: Michaela Rees

Date: 29.01.2017

Biodiversity projects through Immediate Steps Funding 2010‐2015 in Selwyn Waihora

1 22

Executive Summary

Selwyn Waihora is one of the largest zones in the Canterbury region, literally running from the mountains (Arthurs Pass) to the sea. Anthropogenic activities in Canterbury has severely affected biodiversity and had a detrimental effect on the surface and ground water quality. The Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) was launched in 2009 with the overall goal to enable present and future generations to gain the greatest social, economic, recreational and cultural benefit from Canterbury’s water resource within an environmentally sustainable framework. The strategy contains a number of milestones and targets that are directly biodiversity and water quality related. The Selwyn Waihora Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) Addendum describes how this will be achieved through the Selwyn sub‐regional Section of Land & Water Regional Plan and other actions within biodiversity. The Biodiversity Implementation and Action Plan combines the milestones, targets and highlights the work already being done by a large number or organisations, towards biodiversity gains right across the Selwyn Waihora zone. The Plan outlines the four priorities for the zone; (1) High country –wetland, riparian areas and weed control; (2) Hororata river catchment restoration; (3) High value biodiversity projects across the Selwyn Waihora zone; and exploring biodiversity opportunities for (4) Swimmable Selwyn@Coe’s Ford. The document outlines the focus and particular deliverables for each of the priorities, as well as risks, barriers and proposes tactics to achieve the goals.

2 23

1. Introduction

1.1. Background to the Selwyn Waihora Zone and Environment

Selwyn Waihora is one of the largest zones in the Canterbury region, literally running from the mountains (Arthurs Pass) to the sea. The Selwyn Waihora zone finds itself in a landscape transition from a highly developed/modified plains environments to ‘less developed’ but still modified foothills and inland basins, to the relatively unmodified subalpine‐alpine areas. Generally, Canterbury has experienced a substantial loss of indigenous biodiversity since human settlement. This has primarily occurred through the loss and modification of habitat by deforestation, burning, drainage, cultivation and other development, and new species introductions. Continuing habitat loss and modification, and the impacts of animal and plant pests remain the principal threats to indigenous biodiversity today. For more information see Appendix A.

1.2. Canterbury Water Management Strategy and Targets

This strategy provides a collaborative framework for addressing issues related to sustainable management of our regions water resource. The overall goal of the strategy is to enable present and future generations to gain the greatest social, economic, recreational and cultural benefit from Canterbury’s water resource within an environmentally sustainable framework.

Environment Canterbury staff work closely with Zone committees and provide the scientific information required to enable them to make informed recommendations. A key component of the strategy was the establishment of targets through to 2040.

The strategy sets out a number of targets and an agreed way to measure progress, including the following areas: 1. Ecosystem health and biodiversity 2. Natural character of braided rivers 3. Kaitiakitanga 4. Drinking water 5. Recreational and amenity opportunities 6. Water‐use efficiency 7. Irrigated land area 8. Energy security and efficiency 9. Indicators of regional and national economies 10. Environmental limits

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1.2.1. Selwyn Waihora – Zone implementation programme –Biodiversity (ZIP and ZIP addendum)

The Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee set a milestone within the 5 year biodiversity delivery outcomes asking for the development of action plan for Biodiversity to support the protection and enhancement of existing remnants and habitats as part of the Zone Team Work Programme.

Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) October 2011

The zone implementation programme has been produced under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS) and is a non‐statutory document. It has been prepared by the Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee through a collaborative process and contains a collection of integrated actions and tactics to give effect to the CWMS in the Selwyn Waihora Zone. Features of this programme involving biodiversity aspects include: - A mountains to the sea aquatic biodiversity corridor - A collection of integrated actions and innovation s for Te Waihora - Identification and protection of mahinga kai sites - Actions to integrate biodiversity into farming systems - The rehabilitation, enhancement and protection of wetlands, particularly in the Upper Waimakariri basin, and those associated with the Hororata River and hill‐fed river flows

Selwyn Waihora ZIP Addendum October 2013

The Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee is recommending a package to improve cultural and environmental outcomes in the Selwyn Waihora catchment while maintaining farm viability and economic growth. The Selwyn Waihora, ZIP Addendum describes how this will be achieved through the Selwyn sub‐regional Section of Land & Water Regional Plan and other actions

The key pathways, actions and outcomes within the solutions package, involving biodiversity include the following:

Enhance indigenous biodiversity across the zone - No further loss of indigenous biodiversity habitat and ecosystems - Indigenous biodiversity corridors are crated across the plains including waterway corridors - Significant high country wetlands are protected - Wetland associated with hill fed river flows are protected and restored - Wetland on the plains are restored - The wetlands of Te Waihora are enhanced

Alpine rivers and high country values are protected - Threatened bird populations trend improve - The natural braided character of alpine rivers is preserved - High water quality and quantity in high country lakes and streams is maintained - Populations of native and sports fish flourishing - River mouths and hāpua are healthy and functional - High quality recreation opportunities are maintained

Hill‐fed waterways support aquatic life and recreation - Popular swimming places meet contract recreation standards - Flows are sufficient to provide for swimming at popular swimming places - Flows support aquatic life and fish passage

Provide effective riparian margins on at least 850 km of the lowland streams and on 10000 km of the drains in the catchment (across Canterbury)

Enhance and construction of wetlands to improves water quality, including spring‐heads wetlands

For more detail on the work delivered by the zone team and others towards the Zone Committees outcomes and milestones, see Appendix C.

1.3. Delivery of biodiversity outcomes by others in the zone:

There are numerous volunteer groups, non‐governmental organisations, agencies and partnership arrangements that work right across the Selwyn District from the Plains all the way up in the High country on improving and safeguarding biodiversity alongside Environment Canterbury. The following list is a snapshot of, but by no means complete list, activities delivering towards improving the environment and biodiversity in the Selwyn Waihora Zone.

 Regional biodiversity team in Environment Canterbury o Braided river Flagship project – upper Rakaia catchment o Wildling pine – high‐country o Te Waihora – willow and weed control o Fish passages – Coach stream o Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy funding o Immediate steps funding across all zones  Whakaora Te Waihora o Lake research, freshwater, community, o Ngai Tahu cultural values

o Mahinga kai o Biodiversity projects around Te Waihora o Weed and willow control,  Selwyn District Council (SDC) o Significant natural areas assessment o Natural Environment Fund o Yarrs Lagoon  Te Waihora Agencies Group o Umbrella group for the Living Lake symposia and state of the lake reporting, with agencies contributing to the content. o Supporting the creation of a new position at the Waterways Centre to implement the monitoring strategy o Lake Margin Working group ‐ a sub group of the Agencies Group with a focus on practical actions including solutions to the issue of vehicle damage to sensitive wetland habitats o Developed (and will review) the monitoring protocol for the annual bird survey  Selwyn Waihora Active Restoration Forum (SWARF) o Cross agency and NGO information sharing and collaboration o Coordination of restoration and general environment or biodiversity efforts  LivingWater L2 catchment o Catchment area around the L2/Ararira o DoC and Fonterra  Department of Conservation o Willow and pest control around Te Waihora o Managing public land and conservation estate in foot hills and high country  EnviroSchools o Kids Discovery Plantout in collaboration with Te Ara Kakariki o Collaboration with schools and education sessions  Waimakariri Environment and Recreation Trust (WERT) o Wasp project Castle Hill o Lake Lyndon Fence  Waimakariri Ecological and Landscape Restoration Alliance o Wildling pine control across the upper Waimakariri basin  Fish & Game o The Snake creek o Harts creek o Powel’s drain o Salmon spawning grounds o Research on sediment, water quality and farm run‐off in High Country  Waihora Ellesmere Trust o Drain management advice

o Planning for the 2017 Living Lake Symposium and the 2017 State of the Lake report (includes sections on wildlife, fish, vegetation) o Organising (with DOC, OSNZ, CCC and others) the 2017 Te Waihora Bird Survey for Feb 11, 2017 o Community planting days ‐ Green Footprint Project every September, plus supporting TAK events, Kids Discovery Plantouts etc. o Sustainable Drain Management ‐ providing information/support for landholders to improve drain management o Supporting the implementation of the Te Waihora Integrated Monitoring Strategy o Field trips/talks for a range of university, school and community groups, plus advising various researchers about contacts, locations etc.  Te Ara Kākāriki o Community engagement o Relationships with landowners across the zone o Canterbury Plantout and Kids Discovery Plantout  Local catchment groups for example: o Silverstream o The snake creek land owner group o Coe’s and Chamberlains Fords Reserve Management Committee o Coalgate/Glentunnel Reserve Management Committee o This list is not a complete and only indicative of community involvement  Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust o Covenanting of high quality terrestrial biodiversity projects  Queen Elizabeth Trust II o High quality biodiversity projects o Ecologically significant projects and covenants in high‐country  Industries o Fonterra – clean stream accord o Synlait – lead with pride scheme o DairyNZ – Riparian planner and mapping for waterway fences nation wide

1.4. Underlying Principles for Biodiversity in the Selwyn Waihora Team There is a lot of work already being done across the Selwyn Waihora zone, and knowing these is key to focus and support the right efforts. This action plan has already highlighted other organisations and work which is being delivered by the public, private and non‐ governmental organisations that supports, compliments and extends the biodiversity and freshwater work across the SW Zone. The underlying principles for delivering the zone specific biodiversity action plan are:

The general key focus for the zone is:  Protect and maintain of what remains of biodiversity values including threatened Environments such as: - areas with less than 20% indigenous cover remains - areas with low levels of protection coupled with increased threats to remaining indigenous habitats and ecosystems - Naturally rare and distinctive habitats and ecosystems (i.e. mudfish habitat, dry land) - Habitats and ecosystems that support rare and threatened species (i.e. dry land sites  Enhanced indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem health in priority areas or ecosystems; including wetlands, springheads, drylands, braided rivers and Te Waihora

2. Zone Biodiversity Priority Areas

The zone work program (Appendix C) outlined the following priority areas for advocacy, implementation and action to improve the biodiversity values and freshwater environment in Selwyn Waihora. Immediate steps funding (IMS) is available to actively support biodiversity projects within the Zone (see Appendix B for past funding summary). One of the priorities is to stay informed and support others delivering within our zone.

These priority areas have been chosen based on the existing work programme, gaps in biodiversity efforts delivered by others.

Priority areas: 1. High Country – Lakes, wetlands, riparian corridors and springheads

2. Hororata Catchment Restoration

3. High Value Biodiversity projects across the whole zone

4. “Swimmable Selwyn@Coes Ford” programme

Memorable personal experiences are very important to our community and a reason why many choose to live in Selwyn Waihora. We also know that Coe’s Ford on the Selwyn River is a favourite recreational spot. Because of this, the Selwyn Waihora water zone committee is leading a flagship programme to make Coe’s Ford swimmable again. Biodiversity and recreational aspects of this focus area are in restoring riparian freshwater corridors to improve freshwater environment and resulting recreational activities as well as reduce sediment deposition and mitigate farm run‐off. Opportunities for biodiversity related projects will be explored.

2.1. Zone Delivery Integration Apart from the four priority areas within the zone, other key areas within the biodiversity role are the zone delivery integration and support outside the organisation

. Relationship maintenance with partners and others who support and deliver towards biodiversity gains in the zone . Communication plan – continuing good news stories . Relationship building: Selwyn Waihora Zone Team members continue to build relationships with key stakeholders, NGOs, landowners throughout the zone

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. Support other priorities and issues that arise within the zone as directed by Environment Canterbury leadership or regional Biodiversity team. . Biodiversity on farms and in good management practices (GMP); support the education and awareness programme for farm environmental plans (FEP) and in good management practices within the zone . Respond to customer service hotline inquiries; all biodiversity and farm ecology related events involving plants, shelterbelts, soil ecology, water; these are responded to in a supportive way to guide landowners to better biodiversity and environmental friendly actions.

3. Risks and Barriers

The factors in the biodiversity space across the intensively farm environment in the Selwyn Waihora zone and how might they impact progress within the focus areas across the zone.

. The new integrated Zone team implementation approach may bring currently unforeseen challenges and require a change in tactic or a rethink but also new opportunities to weave biodiversity into everyday farmer conversations within FEP and GMP topics . Training / education / awareness – some landowners may be more financially affluent than others . Management within farms, including communication with staff . Social pressures ‐ Attitude and education of some members within the community / land owners and towards Environment Canterbury . Some land owners priorities are in other areas . Environment Canterbury/ Immediate Steps Fund resourcing. Depending on the project type , as an example we are currently not funding “creation” projects around native plantings, which may be important to create and link green dots to create a “safe” corridor . Capacity ‐ Environment Canterbury Biodiversity staff hours vs time capacity for advocacy work . Complexity of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning . Policies and regulations– political will to enforce environmental rules . Land tenure . Lag time between action and fruition (20‐40 years later) . Currently seeing effect from farming and N‐leaching around 20 years ago in springheads in the lower‐catchment . Industry interest and driver for change . Lack of land care groups

4. What is already in place As the previous listing has highlighted, there is wide support throughout the Selwyn Waihora zone from partners and how these are contributing to biodiversity issues and improvements . Immediate steps funding (Environment Canterbury) . Canterbury Biodiversity funding (Environment Canterbury) . Natural enhancement Fund (Selwyn District Council) . Te Ara kākāriki – community planting and restoration projects, Plantout days . Waihora Ellesmere Trust – Living lake symposium and drain management, YHA plantings . CAREX – research on riparian and drain management and restoration . Advocacy programme for the uptake of Good Management Practice within the zone . Implementation programme for the Selwyn Te Waihora Plan – farming limits . Industry sustainability programmes, for example Synlait’s Lead with Pride . Environment Canterbury and Industry joint work programmes and relationship managers . Farm Environment Plan development and auditing by sectors, including for Central Plains Water (Central Plains Water) . Stock in Water Response Protocol . Promotion of best practice via environmental awards . Water project team; objections and delivery for water abstraction focus areas . Biodiversity training . Zone team relationships with wider community

5. Tactics and Action Plan . Continue with the existing biodiversity projects in place as applicable . Develop priority GIS layer for the Selwyn Waihora zone that details biodiversity priority work programmes . Raise the profile and benefits of what biodiversity is and what the potentials there are on farms, in good management practice and farm environmental plans. . A number of actions have been included in the Action Plan outlined on below . Several other actions have been identified by the working group that formed the content of this document and are currently being scoped for resourcing and timelines. The Action Plan is a working document that will be added to as new actions arise

6. Measures and Reporting . Immediate steps and Canterbury Biodiversity Fund reporting

. Zone manager quarterly reporting to zone committee to include biodiversity project and focus areas with detail on progress against targets and priority areas . Have sectors / key partners within the zone present to their progress/outcomes zone committee

7. Biodiversity actions and deliverables Below are the Selwyn Waihora actions based on the previously listed biodiversity priority areas and considering all other agencies and groups that are delivering towards biodiversity outcomes and improvements over the next 5 years:

Proposed approach and actions Who Action Outcome Lead When Notes/Task/How/Expectations (Target groups)? High Country – Lakes, wetlands, riparian corridors and springheads Lake Lyndon area restoration 5 WERT WERT, WELRA, DOC, 2017‐2020  The Rakaia Catchment Enhancement Fund plan – Flagship project SDC, ECAN  Immediate steps  Working with consultant for WERT on restoration plan  Going to regular WERT meetings

1 x river, riparian corridor and 5.3 Johannes SW zone, community Annually  Fencing, weed/willow/pine control, wetland project site annually Welsch groups in high enhancement planting country, high country farms 1 x spawning site and 5.3 Johannes Fish & Game Annually  Liaise with F&G and station owners to select freshwater habitat site Welsch suitable sites Work and support with NGO’s 8.3 Johannes WERT, WELRA, Lake Ongoing  Support, share information, guidance, to deliver on our behalf Welsch Coleridge Trust, feedback, issues University of Canterbury, etc Hororata Catchment Restoration Restoration plans for Hororata 5.2 Johannes SW zone Over the next  Focus on Hororata with 2 contracted and Waimakariri Welsch 5 years restoration and action projects to deliver on the ground biodiversity gains TAK to engage  Stage 2 of restoration plan should provide community immediate action sites to establish presence CPW to have presence and showcase efforts and action  Once action sites identified community engagement necessary

 Community planting days etc. Completion of Restoration plan 5.2, Johannes Te Ara Kakariki 2016  Vegetation biodiversity values identified and stage 1 Welsch quantified across the catchment Hororata Restoration Plan – 5.2 Johannes Te Ara Kakariki 2017  Action plan for biodiversity sites in the order Stage 2 Welsch of 8‐10 sites with freshwater and biodiversity values  Once sites identified community engagement necessary  Community planting days  Monitoring and Review of biodiversity values change and on ground actions GIS mapping of biodiversity hot 5.2 Johannes Lincoln Uni Summer Nov‐March  Mapping all known biodiversity (planting and spots in Selwyn Welsch scholar 2017 remnant) sites from NGO and official agencies  Supporting student with Biodiversity site information  Guidance around mapping priorities  Summary report and maps  Recommendations for data collection  Reporting to the Zone committee  Results will inform biodiversity funding focus are around stepping stone concept Weed assessment and control 5.6 Johannes Working with Early 2017  Site visit, assessment, management plan, cost plan for focus area in Hororata Welsch biodiversity and and timeframe biosecurity team, external contractor Mudfish and eel habitat 5.3 Johannes ongoing  UC research protection and enhancement Welsch  CPW biodiversity data,  Anita spencer DOC data  Information sharing

 Recruiting landowners for IMS and CBS funding to protect and enhance sites Up to 3 x 5 Johannes Land owners, NGO Annually  Work with land owners towards application protection/restoration/creation Welsch  Support application writing for grant and sites per year internal data on biodiversity values  Provide help with restoration plan, species list and plant sources  Check and support project and owner  Site visit and audit projects Allowing for creation/planting 5.9 Johannes Landowners NGO Ongoing in  Flagship sites in Hororata may need to start projects to link significant focus areas with planting to generate interest and biodiversity sites presence i.e. Hororata river bridge Get funding or in‐kind support 8.3 Johannes NGO, , EnviroSchools, Ongoing  Creating effective stepping stones from organisations Welsch WTW  Canterbury plantout – TAK Alison  Kids Discovery Programme Bower  YHA –green foot print programme (WET)  Community group plantings Community engagement and Michaela Hororata, Glentunnel, Mid 2017  Zone Manager to meet with Regional education sessions/open Rees; Greendale Implementation and Regional Support to day/Plant out day Alison communities scope possible community engagement and Bower education sessions for focus areas around Hororata  Get speakers in for social change ‐ e.g. talking about where biodiversity loss is going on Awareness raising through 8.1 Angus  Put Add into the Hororata newspaper early media, newsletter, local paper McLeod 2017 for biodiversity projects interest  Poster at the local cafe/pub  Community day out there  Lions/Rotary club  School newsletter

 Planting days (Canterbury plantout/KDP)  Professional network news letter  Selwyn times High Value biodiversity projects across the Zone How and 5 Johannes SDC, ECan, QEII, BPCT, Ongoing  Seeking out significant sites and working with What: Welsch CAREX, TAK, DOC, landowners - Wetland, springheads WET, private  Supporting other public and private - Dryland protection landowners, etc. organisations if site is identified - Īnanga spawning sites  Significant Natural Areas process by SDC - Mudfish, tuna habitat  Awareness raising through 8.1 Angus  Feed good news stories to communications media, newsletter, local paper McLeod  Swimmable Selwyn@Coes Ford programme  Silverstream fencing Zone Carex and F&G  Currently at around 90% fenced committee  Working with landowners towards 100% farm properties  Exploring biodiversity opportunities around Coe’s ford and along Silverstream Snake Creek Fish and  Support F&G Game  Potential for spring heads  Riparian margin enhancement  Enhance trout spawning site  Silt and sediment trap to reduce impact on main part of creek In‐kind support and funding 8.3  Seek funding and in‐kind support from from other teams and Science team in ECAN, and organisations organisations outside the SW including Fonterra, Synlait, Living Water, zone team Fish&Game, Beef&Lamb, SDC, DOC, WET, TAK

Drain management WET, SDC  Around Silverstream and Snake creek which feed into Coe’s Ford  Exploring options to support this from a biodiversity point of view Other items in work programme Relationship management with 5.7 Andy Operative Irrigation ongoing  Good relationships between Environment Central Plains Water (CPW) Barbati Schemes – Central Canterbury and CPW personnel will see Plains Water Ltd accelerated progress towards GMP or better Johannes CPW‐EEF on all CPW farms. Welsch  Aligning funding and restoration work in Hororata for flagship projects Prepare strategy and work 5.1 Johannes SW zone Jan 2017  Draft it, discuss within ECan, biodiversity program Welsch subcommittee and action it  Tabled at the Feb ZC meeting to endorse and derive action items to inform work programme Restoration plans for Hororata 5.2 Johannes SW zone Over the next  Focus on Hororata with 2 contracted and Waimakariri Welsch 5 years restoration and action projects to deliver on the ground biodiversity gains TAK to engage  Stage 2 of restoration plan should provide community immediate action sites to establish presence CPW to have presence and showcase efforts and action  Once action sites identified community engagement necessary  Community planting days etc. Deliver a minimum of two 5.3 Johannes Land owners Annually  Focus on willing farmers in focus areas: wetlands and springhead Welsch  Snake, Hororata, High country projects Collaborate with Braided River 5.4 Frances Rakaia river ongoing  Receiving regular updates around progress Flagship Schmechel and potential support needed

Aligned work programme 5.5 Te Waihora Te Waihora and Ongoing  Currently working on establishing relationship within the SW zone and Te Agency surrounding area with TRoNT Waihora Group  6 monthly to annual updates on priorities and future biodiversity project potentials Reduce the extend of spread of 5.6 Jean Jack High country farmers  Big funding round in 2016 wilding trees in upper  Continued monitoring for the following few Waimakariri catchment years Collaborate with CPW on 5.7 Johannes Hororata – Flag ship Start March  biodiversity opportunities Welsch project 2017 for 3 years Biodiversity protection and 5.8 Andy Currently internal Tbc  Identifying opportunities where biodiversity is enhancement opportunities Barbati working group already part of GMP and FEP plans identified through the FEP Tami  Once completed, more direct actions process Woods expected to be put into action  Develop large‐scale and multi‐ 5.9 Zone Coes’s Ford – Over the next  Already large scale restoration effort at Coes year programme to support committee Swimmable Selwyn 3 years ford active management and Hororata catchment In 3 years’  Project currently being researched and enhancement of effective time once developed, future potential riparian margins project well  Lead outside SW team established  Could be run with SW biodiversity officer and others? Start work on improved Regional Coes’s Ford – Over the next  Already large scale restoration effort at Coe’s management of riparian biodiversity Swimmable Selwyn 3 years ford margins in priority streams, team Hororata catchment In 3 years’  Project currently being researched and rivers and drains time once developed, future potential project well established

Suitability for contact 7.1 Science  Potential support of riparian freshwater recreation improves at Coe’s team? project to enhance stream environment ford Support one salmon/trout 7.3 Fish & Fish and Game Annually  Working with F&G to identify project and project per year in the High Game – support delivery country support from Johannes Welsch SW zone team continues to 8.3 SW team, DairyNZ, Fonterra, Ongoing  Workshops, consenting sessions, FEP and develop strong relationships Sylvia Synlait, Beef&Lamb, consent workshops, GMP guest speakers, with sector, industry and McAslan HortNZ, PigNZ,  Success: uptake of workshops and messaging community groups – around consents, FEP and the Portal demonstrating and increase in connections by Jan 2017 Outcomes 4 have become an 4 SW team  Integrated zoned deliver pilot provided great integral part of the integrated insights into how, where and what. zone delivery process both  Systems are now being developed to deliver desktop and everyday farming to our community interactions; i.e. Enhance mahinga kai, cultural outcomes, longfin eel/tuna, farming responsibilities, drain management, stock in waterways Communication and awareness 8.1 Angus  Feeding good news stories to communications strategy – good news stories McLeod; team from Biodiversity point of view Michaela  IMS funded projects to ZC and Ian Whitehouse Rees  CBS funded projects within the Zone

Checking and Auditing IMS Johannes CRM files Ongoing  Checking up on progress, any issues that need projects in the Zone Welsch addressing, help landowners may need  Auditing completed sites, documenting with photos, ask for final report, clarify final invoices Recruit new project proposals Johannes Ongoing  Meet landowners, inspect site, get expert visit Welsch ‐ or advice for support SW team  Draft proposals, get landowners ok to present to ZC Local/zone relationship Zone team Quarterly  Each team member has key stakeholders building within their portfolio for regular connection Alison  Quarterly zone team community engagement Bower sessions at SWAT  Encourage community mentoring  Continue to build on relationships with farming and NGO sectors and how they support biodiversity goals  Groups i.e., WET, TAK, WERT,WELRA, CAREX, BPCT,

Community engagement and Michaela Hororata, Glentunnel, Mid 2017  Zone Manager to meet with Regional education sessions/open Rees; Greendale Implementation and Regional Support to day/Plant out day Alison communities scope possible community engagement and Bower education sessions for focus areas around Hororata  Get speakers in for social change ‐ e.g. talking about where biodiversity loss is going on SDC relationship/agreed Michaela SW zone Ongoing Clear channels of communication with SDC approach for biodiversity Rees, biodiversity coordinator around focus areas to projects and areas

Johannes reduce double ups and targeted biodiversity Welsch investment cross councils and other agencies Land use consents in High SW team SW zone ongoing SDC consent applications for clearance have country; Environment Canterbury as notified party *note not all actions listed are new, some are part of the existing Environment Canterbury monitoring and compliance programme

8. Key Messages for communications What are the simple, clear biodiversity messages i.e.:

Financial impact support through IMS and CBS

Managing ecological impact Social license for and generating farming n‐ Doing potential the right thing environmental Key Messages benefits Biodiversity on farms WHY?

Proofing future Less runn off, market and sediment, more consumer bird habitat, demands

Efficient irrigation Protect and Manage enhance nutrients remnants within limits

Carbon Soil sequestratoin management on farm Key Messages Biodiverisity gains HOW?

Native Riparian shelterbelts planting

Manage stock Effluent access to management waterways Manage farm hot spots

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Appendix A

Selwyn – Waihora Water Management Zone “Biodiversity ‐ State of the Environment”

Background

In terms of its land use history and biodiversity current state, Selwyn‐Waihora is similar to its neighbouring zones ‐ Waimakariri and Ashburton. That is, a landscape transition across the Zone from highly developed/modified plains environments to ‘less developed’ but still modified foothills and inland basins, to the relatively unmodified subalpine‐alpine areas.

As for the rest of Canterbury, there has been substantial loss of indigenous biodiversity from Selwyn‐ Waihora Zone since human settlement. This has primarily occurred through the loss and modification of habitat by deforestation, burning, drainage, cultivation and other development, and new species introductions. Continuing habitat loss and modification, and the impacts of animal and plant pests remain the principal threats to indigenous biodiversity today.

Significant biodiversity values of Selwyn‐Waihora Water Management Zone

Selwyn‐Waihora zone is still endowed with high‐quality examples of nearly the full range of water‐ related biodiversity resources identified for action under the CWMS. Nationally‐ and regionally‐ significant habitats and biodiversity assets that fall within the ambit of CWMS include:

Nationally significant 1. Te Waihora. 2. Beds of Waimakariri and Rakaia Rivers. 3. Wetlands and tributary spring‐fed tributary streams of upper Rakaia Valley e.g. Titan Stream/Hydra Waters with associated wetland and red tussock grassland. 4. Coleridge lakes area – lakes, wetlands, streams. 5. Upper Waimakariri basin wetlands, lakes and streams. 6. Rakaia Gorge native forest and scrubland. 7. Podocarp forest remnants adjoining Waimakariri River opposite Woodstock. 8. Podocarp forest remnants along Banks Peninsula tributaries of Te Waihora e.g. Prices Valley. 9. Wainiwaniwa Valley stream and wetlands (habitat for largest remaining population of Canterbury mudfish), and other foothills and plains sites (e.g. Malvern Hills, Hororata) recognised in DOC’s mudfish recovery plan. 10. Dry plains native vegetation remnants (e.g. Rakaia Island, Bankside Reserve) 11. Sections of the Selwyn River, recognised as waters of national importance for biodiversity.

Regionally significant 12. Muriwai and Rakaia River mouth (coastal lagoon and hapua). 13. Low plains spring‐fed streams important for koura, longfin eels, lamprey and invertebrates e.g. Tentburn, Harts Creek. 14. Low plains wetlands e.g. Tentburn, Te Waipunapuna. 15. Upper plains and foothills springs, streams and wetlands. 16. Mid‐plains streams 17. Lower Selwyn River 18. Wetlands, native herb‐field, grassland, scrubland and forest vegetation on margins and floodplains of Waimakariri and Rakaia Rivers.

Principal threats to remaining biodiversity values 1. Direct effects ‐ land use intensification associated with agricultural development.

This is a particular issue for river margins‐floodplains, foothills and inland basin areas. Terrestrial, wetland and riparian habitats and their constituent indigenous species are all being cleared and converted to pasture and crops. 2. Indirect effects ‐ changes to hydrology and water quality from land use intensification associated with agricultural and urban development.

3. Introduced weeds and pests

For example: wilding conifer spread; Russell lupins in upper Waimakariri River bed; grey willows invasion of freshwater wetland habitats at Te Waihora, Muriwai; browsing mammals; mammalian predators.

Te Waihora state of the environment – focus

Diverse land use around the lake, Land use With restoration plantings showing positive annual survival and growth trends, stock exclusion, FEP grade A and B Tropic Lake Index – mid lake limit, Water quality Fair water quality index – Fair or better Invertebrates: Fair or better Recreation grade : suitable for recreation Annual net gain of key habitats and maintenance of important habitats i.e. Vegetation saltmarsh Maintain and increase populations of threatened or at risk species Annual reduction of weed spread; East side of lake willow free Macrophyte beds re‐established and increasing Birds: threatened species and positive enhancement of populations Wildlife Lizards Terrestrial invertebrates Aquatic invertebrates Upward trending populations, diversity and abundance Fish Economically and culturally viable populations for harvest/mahinga kai species maintained Pest species are controlled to effective levels Fish barriers are installed to remove and negative effects mitigated The 11 objectives from Mahaanui iwi Management Plan 2013 are achieved Cultural health

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Appendix B

Summary of Selwyn Waihora Zone Immediate steps Projects 2010‐2016

Finances: 499,921.17 allocated to 34 projects

Ecological score (out of 39) (Figure1) 0‐9 7% 10‐19 38% 20‐29 21% 30‐39 34%

Main Ecosystem Types (Figure 2)

Wetlands 34% Lowland streams 19% Intermountain streams 6% Hill Country Catchments 19% High Country Lakes 13% Dryland Ecosystems 3% Coastal and Land vegetation 3% Braided River 3%

Figure 1: Ecological Score Figure 2: Ecosystem Type

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Appendix C Work delivered by the zone team and others towards Zone committee outcomes and milestones

Outcomes Milestones Who is delivering 5.1 Prepare strategy and agree initial 2 year work SW team biodiversity programme officer 5.2 Restoration plans for biodiversity corridors SW team biodiversity (Hororata and Waimakariri) confirmed, identify and officer implement priority actions by December 2017 5.3 Deliver a minimum of 2 wetlands/springhead SW team biodiversity projects per year officer 5.4 Collaborate with the Braided rivers Regional Regional Biodiversity Flagship on projects regarding the upper Rakaia Team river 5.5 Align work programme in place for agencies Michaela Rees working the Te Waihora surrounding 5.6 Reduce the extend of spread of wilding trees in Jean Jack – MPI upper Waimakariri catchment wildling pine programme 5.7 Collaborate with CPW on biodiversity opportunities Andy Barbati FEP – through development of shareholder FEPs and and SW Zone team Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF) aligning biodiversity spend EEF 5.8 Biodiversity protection and enhancement Andy Barbati opportunities identified through the FEP process Tami Woods 5.9 Develop a large scale and multi‐year programme to Dairy NZ fence support active management and enhancement of mapping, CAREX effective riparian margins group 5.10 Start work on improved management of riparian margins in priority stream, rivers and drains 7.1 Suitability for contact recreation improves at Coe’s Zone committee flag ford ship proposal till 2018; F&G, SW biodiversity officer, Science team, SDC 7.3 Support one salmon/trout project per year in the SW biodiversity officer High country 8.3 SW zone team continues to develop strong SW team (Land relationships with sector, industry and community Management advisor) groups – demonstrating and increase in connections biodiversity officer – by Jan 2017 liaising with LivingWater, NGOs

4 Outcomes 4 have become an integral part of the Part of every single integrated zone delivery process both desktop and application, and everyday farming interactions; i.e. Enhance interaction of SW mahinga kai, cultural outcomes, longfin eel/tuna, team members farming responsibilities, drain management, stock including biodiversity in waterways officer, IMS projects, farm visits 8.1 Communication and awareness strategy – good Contributing news stories biodiversity project stories both IMS and CBS

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Agenda Item No: 2 Subject Matter:

Immediate Steps Projects

Report by: Johannes Welsch Date of meeting: 7th March 2017

Action required: - The biodiversity sub‐committee recommends the following Immediate Steps (IMS) Funding biodiversity projects for approval by the Zone committee: o Waikirikiri Stream Enhancement – Stage 2 o Cave Stream Fencing o Lake Lyndon long‐term management plan o Pig Saddle Rd Wetland o Broadacres Stream – O’dell o Broadacres Stream – Smith o Silverstream Covenant o Cordy’s Wetland Fencing – Flagship in Hororata Catchment Applications for funding: Selwyn Waihora zone committee has $100,000 to allocate annually through its Immediate Steps (IMS) funding for biodiversity projects. The committee has allocated the previous 5 years of funding to numerous projects right across the zone.

The biodiversity officer would like the Zone committee to consider funding the following biodiversity project applications for Immediate Steps funding, summarised in the table below:

Project Ecological score (out of 39) Funding requested

Waikirikiri Stream Enhancement – Stage 2 23 $31,396 (over 2 years)

Cave stream fencing 31 $44,236 (over 3 years)

Lake Lyndon long‐term management plan NA $10,000

Pig Saddle Rd Wetland 29 $ 8,000

Broadacres Stream – O’Dell 24 $18,949

Broadacres Stream – Smith 24 $ 3,140

Silverstream Covenant 31 $30,000 (over 2 years)

Cordy’s Wetland 28 $20,000 (over 2 years)

Total (2016/17) Ø27/39 $99,923.72 49

Project summaries:

Waikirikiri Stream Enhancement – Stage 2 This project is a native riparian planting, fencing and willow removal project, in the upper Waikirikiri catchment in the Selwyn Waihora Zone. The project requests $31,396.00 for the purchase of 2000 native eco‐sourced plants, combi‐guards, assistance with willow removal and a proportion of the fencing costs. The landowner will prepare the site, remove the willows, do the planting and maintain the plants post‐planting until they are self‐sufficient. The total project cost is $58,721.00. The riparian buffer width is approximately 3 – 5 meters either side of the stream and scored 23/39 in the ecological assessment. This is a key project that addresses water quality in a very sensitive catchment for the Selwyn Waihora Zone, Selwyn River and Te Waihora ultimately. Considering the communities growing awareness and need for action on the ground, improving and enhancing the upper catchment of the Selwyn River can be seen as critically for future freshwater improvements.

Funding Requested

From ECAN From Other Sources Estimated Total (Applicant)

$31,396.00 $27,325.00 $58,721.00

 Ecological score : 23/39  Work programme milestones and zone outcomes: o Outcome 5: Enhanced indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem health in priority areas or ecosystems; high country, wetlands, springheads, braided rivers o ZIP 5.3 Biodiversity corridors o The landowners are working on creating a biodiversity corridor along the length of the Waikirikiri as it passes through High Peak Station DPG This is a key project that addresses water quality in a very sensitive catchment. o ZIP 4.13 Hill fed rivers ‐ headwaters and wetlands. o This project associated with the headwaters of the Waikirikiri River and provides a corridor link with wetland (see previous applications/projects). DPG This braided river too o ZIP 5.1 Mahinga kai o Eel (Anguilla deiffenbachii) are present in ford stream feeding into this o ZIP 4.6 Braided rivers  Priority Areas: o This is in the High country priority area o Excellent habitat for longfin eel (ranked ‘At Risk ‐ Declining’) 50

Project location: 51

Cave Stream Fencing: The project is a multi‐year gully fencing project, in the upper Waimakariri catchment in the Selwyn Waihora Zone. The project requests $44,236.00 for fencing costs over three years and will be delivered in three stages through for the installation of 6,093m including the full protection of a 35ha wetland (Stage 2) and scored 31/39 in the ecological assessment. Just below Stage 3 are multiple rare and threatened species i.e. Hebe cupressoides. The current location is freshwater habitat for decreasing Canterbury galaxias (Galaxias vulgaris; RARE); Longfin eel (Anguilla deiffenbachii, common); Upland bully (Gobiomorphus breviceps; decreasing): and shows good potential for mudfish to be present in this area too. This project is located right in the head waters of the Waimakariri river, showcasing undisturbed stream types in farmed high‐country land are increasingly under threat and not too common anymore with regional and national significant landscape features. This project addresses water quality in a very sensitive catchment for the Selwyn Waihora Zone.

Funding Requested

From ECAN From Other Sources Estimated Total (Applicant)

$44,236.00 $22,787.00 $67,023.00 o Ecological score: 31/39 o Work programme milestones and outcomes: o ZIP 5.12 Target IMS funding: Upper Waimakariri focusing on protection of significant wetlands and remnant native biodiversity values and impact on spawning sites o ZIP 5.3 Biodiversity corridors The landowners are working on safeguarding a biodiversity corridor along the upper reach of the Cave stream on their property before it goes through the Cave stream reserve. This could be seen as a key project that addresses water quality in a very sensitive catchment. o ZIP 4.13 Hill fed rivers ‐ headwaters and wetlands. This project associated with the headwaters of the Waimakariri River and provides a corridor link with wetland o ZIP 5.1 Mahinga kai Eel (Anguilla deiffenbachii) are present just below the project area so maintaining the water quality feeding into their habitat is important o ZIP 4.2 High Country Spawning areas Protects downstream areas from any decrease in water quality and sedimentation o Priority Areas: o High country o Biodiversity corridor o Salmon spawning 52

Project location: 53

Lake Lyndon kick‐start funding for long‐term management plan This proposal is a kick‐start grant requests $10,000 from the Zone committee / Environment Canterbury for baseline study and is part of a larger grant application to the Rakaia Enhancement Fund for $120,000 over 3‐5 years. In this baseline study, the Waimakariri Environment and Recreation Trust (WERT) and their contractor will:  Undertake a literature review identify what is already known about the Lake Lyndon area for the vegetation through existing ecological records.  Pull together existing information from the Department of Conservation and other agencies on rare and endangered species in the Lake Lyndon area.  Develop methods to quantify the impact of recreational activities on the vegetation.  Undertake a detailed inventory of the vegetation ecosystems to provide a baseline framework of the ecology of the Lake Lyndon watershed. The detailed vegetation inventory will include: o A comprehensive inventory of the plant species and vegetation communities in the Lake Lyndon area. o As assessment of the impact of recreational activities on vegetation communities o A comprehensive inventory of weed species.

Funding Requested

From ECAN Applied for From Other Sources Estimated Total (Applicant)

$10,000 $120,000 $130,000.00

 Work programme milestones: o Outcome 5: Enhance indigenous biodiversity and healthy ecosystem in high country priority area through a long‐term restoration and management plan  Priority Areas: o Significant high country catchment o Cultural outcomes are considered o Collaboration between recreation and biodiversity project Project location: 54

Pig Saddle Rd Wetland: The aim is to fully fence and do some enhancement planting between wetland edges and fence line. The wetland is in very good condition and identified by Selwyn District Council as a Significant Natural Area (SNA). The fenced of area covers over 1.2 ha and is at the very top/headwater/catchment of the Waianiwaniwa which feeds into the Selwyn River on the Plains. The project requests $8,000 and scored 29/39 points in the ecological assessment. Wetlands are generally scarce with less than <1% on the plains and foothills. Of interest is: Spaniared (Aciphylla sublabaellata) among carex and shoenus. Unusual to see this Spaniard in a wetland situation because the plains or hill grass are its typical habitat. In addition, it is now very rare on the plains and uncommon in the foothills ("naturally uncommon"). While there are no records of rare or threatened species, the site provides a water sponge for downstream (>2 km) habitat and freshwater records of: Neochanna burrowsius (Canterbury mudfish) Threatened, Upland Bully (Gobiomorphus breviceps) common, Canterbury galaxias (Galaxias vulgaris) common. Considering the publics increased focus on freshwater issues in the Waikirikiri, safeguarding the headwaters of the Waianiwaniwa will help to maintain current efforts and hopefully support improvements in the long‐term, considering the Te Waihora catchment.

Funding Requested

From ECAN From Other Sources Estimated Total (Applicant)

$8,000.00 $4,000.00 $12,000.00  Ecological score: 29/39  Work programme milestones, outcomes and ZIP: o ZIP 4.13 Hill fed rivers ‐ headwaters and wetlands. This project protects wetland associated with the headwaters of the Selwyn/Waikirikiri River. o ZIP 5.3 Biodiversity corridors The landowners are working on creating a biodiversity corridor along the length of the Waikirikiri/Selwyn as it passes through High Peak Station o ZIP 5.6 Wetland identification and protection Although not mapped as a regional wetland (probably an issue of scale), the sedge land area is an important example of hill and spring fed wetland in good condition.  Priority Areas: o Deliver wetland projects o Protect and enhance indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem health in priority ecosystems: wetland o Selwyn River catchment 55

Project location: 56

Broadacres – O’dell: This is the biodiversity and fish habitat part of the Targeted Stream Augmentation (TSA) near Coe's Ford; Fencing the stream, creating habitat for the mudfish through digging deeper holes, lining them, planting the creek and installing the pump and solar panels (the latter is not part of this project and delivered by Brett Painter). The project requests $17,949 for fencing, planting, digging with an ecological assessment score of 24/39 points. Habitat restoration for the nationally critical Canterbury Mudfish and potentially other species such as the 'at‐risk‐declining' freshwater mussel (Echyridella menziesii) and freshwater crayfish (Paranephros zealandicus) which were previously present and may self‐reintroduce. This site would act as another habitat site near the Selwyn River and feeding into Coe's Ford to encourage native fish and bird species to migrate along this water course and hopefully have positive effect on water quantity in the Selwyn and reduce the effects on Te Waihora in the long‐term. The solar powered pump with up to 37 litres/second of water being pumped back into the stream to guarantee enough water for mudfish and is a stretch of the stream which does not dry out typically and historically is known to support Canterbury mudfish. The stream is natural in its form (incl. meanders, variable bed substrate, undercut banks, tree roots in stream etc.) and has flax, sedges and carex along its banks although most of the riparian margin is now dominated by exotic species. While the project is a creation and enhancement project from the outside, it’s trying to re‐establish the former mudfish, freshwater crayfish and mussel habitat (mahinga kai) that used to be there. This project through Targeted Stream Augmentation has broad support by the rūnanga in the zone.

Funding Requested

From ECAN From Other Sources Estimated Total (Applicant)

$18,949.00 $8,230.00 $27,178.00

Broadacres – Smith: This is the biodiversity and fish habitat part of the Targeted Stream Augmentation (TSA) near Coe's Ford; linking up with the Broadacres – O’dell project including two spring heads. This project includes the creation of habitat for the mudfish through digging deeper holes, lining them, planting the creek The project requests $3,140 for digging, lining, planting, and maintenance and scored 24/39 points in the ecological assessment. This is a habitat creation and restoration project for the nationally critical Canterbury Mudfish and potentially other species such as the 'at‐risk‐declining' freshwater mussel (Echyridella menziesii) and freshwater crayfish (Paranephros zealandicus) which were previously present and may self‐reintroduce. This site would act as another habitat near the Selwyn Rive and feeding into Coe's Ford to encourage native fish and bird species to migrate along this water course and hopefully have positive effect on water quantity in the Selwyn and reduce the effects on Te Waihora in the long‐term. The stream is natural in its form (incl. meanders, variable bed substrate, undercut banks, tree roots in stream etc.) and has flax, sedges and carex along its banks although most of the riparian margin is now dominated by exotic species. While the project is a creation and enhancement project from the outside, it’s trying to re‐establish the former mudfish, freshwater crayfish and mussel habitat (mahinga kai) that used to be there through a Targeted Stream Augmentation with broad support by the rūnanga in the zone.

Funding Requested

From ECAN From Other Sources Estimated Total (Applicant)

$3,140.00 $3,950.00 $7,090.00

 Ecological score: 24/39  Work programme milestones, outcomes and ZIP: o ZIP 3.4 Lowland waterways Identify and protect permanent sources of lowland stream and spring heads upstream from Coe's ford o ZIP 3.7 Lowland waterways Support the maintenance of the natural flow regime and character in smaller tributaries into Coe's ford and Te Waihora o ZIP 5.1 Mahinga Kai Improve ecological health of sites important for mahinga kai species 5.2 Mahinga kai Increase abundance and availability of food species o Milestone 3: Work programme: Targeted stream augmentation investigating opportunities for improving flows in lowland streams o Milestone 4: Work programme Enhance mahinga kai opportunities and habitat  Priority Areas: o Coe’s Ford – Selwyn River – Te Waihora Mahinga kai 58

Broadacres Stream – TSA – project location: Project location for O’dell and Smith: 59

Silverstream Covenant: The project objectives is to support the fencing and survey of a Banks Peninsula foothills bush area on private land with a large continues area of mature native trees and secondary native bush forest. In addition, the bush covers Greylees stream which flows into Te Waihora, and therefore maintains water quality throughout the bush and provides vital terrestrial habitat around the lake. This project requests $30,000, split over two financial years for survey and fencing work to support Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust (BPCT) and landowner efforts, which scores 31/39 points in the ecological assessment. Initiated by the land owner, there are impressive original podocarps with apparently one of the biggest tōtara left on BP within this gully. Protected Natural Area (PNA) survey site by Wilson and DOC Bioweb site with threatened plants: 2 Mistletoe species (Ileostylus micranthus and Korthalsella salicornioic; at risk). The regeneration is impressive and it’s clear the native bush is outcompeting the gorse on the edges. Excellent protection could be gained by keeping cattle out altogether. While this project is primarily a fencing oriented project outside the current focus areas of the Zone committee, it has very high biodiversity values and the potential for public access.

Funding Requested

From ECAN From Other Sources Estimated Total (Applicant)

$30,000.00 $23,491.00 $53,491.00

 Ecological score: 31/39  Work programme milestones, outcomes and ZIP: o 5.3 Biodiversity corridors o 5.4 Plains Biodiversity o 5.13. Biodiversity protection support efforts around Te Waihora  Priority Areas: o Outcome 5: Protect indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem health o Banks Peninsula and lowland stream stream following into Te Waihora Project location: 60

Cordys Wetland (Hororata – Flagship site): The aim is to fully fence the wetland and do some enhancement planting between wetland edges and fence line. The wetland is currently dominated by willows but a number of natives growing in the understory and around the edges. The fenced of area is within the Hororata catchment and connected to the Hororata river which feeds into the Selwyn River on the Plains. For a start, the project requests $20,000 over 2 years to get started and scored 28/39 points in the ecological assessment. The aim of the wetland site is to slowly transform it from willow infested to native wetland as a flagship site in the area. Wetlands are generally scarce with less than <1% on the plains and foothills. While there are no records of rare or threatened species, the site provides a water sponge for well‐established mudfish sites Neochanna burrowsius (Canterbury mudfish) which is ‘Threatened’. Considering the publics increased focus on freshwater issues in the Hororata and Waikirikiri catchment, safeguarding such vital wetlands will help to maintain current efforts and hopefully support improvements in biodiversity protection and future gains. In addition, the wetland is fed by Cordy's stream, a previous successful riparian project with mudfish habitat, funded through IMS. This project location is in a very public and visible pace next to the heart of the Hororata community, the owners seem to be the spokes people for a number of people in the community. The site is part of a mid‐term plan and strategy for the wider Hororata catchment, engaging with EnviroSchools, Department of Conservation (DOC), Selwyn District Council, Central Plains Water, Environment Canterbury and other Non‐Governmental Organisations (i.e. Te Ara Kakariki).

Funding Requested

From ECAN From Other Sources Estimated Total (Applicant)

$20,000.00 $10,000.00 $30,000.00

 Ecological score: 28/39  Work programme milestones, outcomes and ZIP: o ZIP 5.7 Wetland enhancement work with landowners to enhance and rehabilitate these wetlands This project protects wetland associated with the headwaters of the Selwyn/Waikirikiri river. o ZIP 5.3 Biodiversity corridors The landowners are working on extending the native biodiversity corridor along the length of the Hororata river. o ZIP 5.6 Wetland identification and protection although not mapped as a regional wetland (probably an issue of scale), the area is an important example of spring fed wetland on the plains in good condition. adjacent to the hill fed Hororata river o Zip 5.12 Hororata River Catchment protecting and connecting springs, wetlands with remnant biodiversity values 61

o Zip 3.7 Lowland waterways. support the maintenance of the natural flow regime and character in smaller tributaries o Zip 3.2 Low‐land waterways Deliver a restoration programme for prioritised waterways that include: fencing and planting, and co‐ordinating between agencies  Priority Areas Work programme: o 5.2. Restoration plan implementation for Hororata catchment o 5.3. Protect and enhance wetlands Project location:

Financial Planning over the next 3 years for Immediate Steps funding:

Considering the multi‐year support in the High country through the above proposed projects, the focus for the next 2 financial years will be around the Hororata catchment, Coe’s Ford/Waikirirkiri and Kaituna river restoration in connection to Te Waihora. With increased scrutiny of the public, biodiversity effort and attention will be given to these areas to identify projects and work on freshwater habitat, community engagement and education sites with biodiversity values and public access to showcase our successes.

Current draft budget for the following year’s conditional to approval of above‐listed projects

Calculated Costs Calculated Costs Calculated Costs Project Name 16/17 17/178 18/19

Waikirirkiri Stream Enhancement ‐ Stage 2 $ 19,000.00 $ 12,396.00

Cave Stream Fencing $ 15,834.72 $ 9,946.20 $ 18,520.26

Lake Lyndon – kick start $ 10,000.00

Silverstream Covenant $ 15,000.00 $ 15,000.00

O'Dell $ 18,949.00

Smith $ 3,140.00

Cordy’s Wetland Fencing – Hororata Flagship $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00

Pig Saddle Rd Wetland $ 8,000.00

Annual total allocation $ 99,923.72 $ 47,342.20 $ 23,520.26 63

AGENDA ITEM NO: 3 SUBJECT MATTER: Response to question on water take consent

REPORT BY: Sam Beaumont, Environment DATE OF MEETING: 07 March 2017 Canterbury

Action required

 Note the response to Councillor Debra Hasson’s concerns at the February zone meeting on the granting of a water-take consent for the Lincoln University Ashley Dene property. The consent was not a new consent.

 Take the opportunity to ask questions about recent consents and/or consenting matters in the zone.

Background At the February meeting Councillor Debra Hasson raised concerns about the consenting of water takes for Lincoln University Ashley Dene property.

The cumulative effects of taking water are managed by restricting the volume of water that can be taken on an annual basis (annual volume). You will be aware that the Selwyn- Waimakariri Combined Allocation Zone is currently over-allocated (approximately 232 million m3 with a limit of 193 million m3). As such it is a prohibited activity to apply for new groundwater consents in this zone.

Councillor Hasson questioned how the Ashley Dene water take consent could be granted when new groundwater consents were prohibited.

Sam Beaumont met with Councillor Hasson to discuss this consent and conveyed, as outlined below, that this was not a new consent and that Environment Canterbury had not authorised any additional volume of water via the change of conditions application.

Explanation Not all consents to take water in this zone have annual volumes specified in the consent conditions. When these older consents come through the consenting process again (via a renewal, change of conditions or transfer application) then we need to determine an appropriate annual volume and specify it as a consent condition. The new annual volume is always based on what the consent was originally granted for.

In this case Lincoln University held one of these older irrigation consents which did not have an annual volume. They applied to add a new bore to this existing consent, for the purposes of taking water at 6 l/s for stock and domestic supply. It was determined that the appropriate annual volume for the existing consent, based on the irrigation area of 40 ha, was 268,150 m3.

So while the new consent allows an increase to the rate of water that can be taken, the volume of water that is taken from the new bore must come out of this annual volume. In other words this change does not allow any more water to be taken from the ground than that which could have been taken under the original irrigation consent. 64

The other main things that are considered with applications to take groundwater are well interference effects and stream depletion effects. This is how we consider the potential for adverse effects from the increased rate of take. These were assessed in the application and were not considered significant in this case.

It is also worth mentioning that Lincoln University hold another resource consent which enables the taking of water from two deep bores. A series of site to site transfer were made over the years to bring this water to this site. These transfers were made prior to Plan Change 1 to the Land and Water Regional Plan being made operative and as such were not subject to the surrender provisions that are now in force for these types of transfers.

AGENDA ITEM NO: 4 SUBJECT MATTER: Review Swimmable Selwyn@Coes Ford workshop and next steps

REPORT BY: Ian Whitehouse, Environment DATE OF MEETING: 07 March 2017 Canterbury

Action required 1. Zone Committee members report back on the workshop on 22 February. 2. Zone Committee members note the presentation on near‐river recharge of Selwyn River on Wednesday 15 March to Selwyn District Council and attend this workshop, if possible, to support the Chair.

1 Swimmable Selwyn@Coes Ford Workshop The zone committee hosted a workshop of about 80 people on 22 February 2017. Participants identified and discussed actions, activities and projects to help achieve “Swimmable Selwyn@Coes Ford”.

The discussion at the workshop was around the following topics/tables: 1. Restricting water takes 2. Augmenting river flows and replacing groundwater takes with alpine water 3. Reducing nitrogen losses 4. Restoring trout spawning 5. Actions in Silverstream catchment 6. Visitor experience at Coes Ford 7. Other.

Zone Committee members who attended the workshop will provide their thoughts on the workshop.

The record of the meeting is still being compiled.

My observations are: 1. Workshop participants were from a wide range of interests and had a wide range of views and values; 2. A lot of time was spent on getting people “up to speed” on how the groundwater system works and other technical aspects and on the rules and limits in the Selwyn Te Waihora Plan Change; 3. The tenor of the workshop, particularly the feedback from the small group discussions, was positive and constructive; 4. Charlie Mitchell, The Press, and Kathleen Gallagher, filmmaker for the “River Walks River Talks” documentary were at the workshop; 5. In addition to the activities, actions and projects already underway or being talked about there was a strong push by some participants for Environment Canterbury to review groundwater takes consents to reduce the amount of water being taken. 66

2 Next steps a) At the workshop, Allen proposed that the committee host another workshop in about six months. This was supported by the workshop participants.

b) Selwyn District Council has asked key members of the Zone Committee together with key staff members of Environment Canterbury to speak to a Council workshop on 15 March from 10.00am through to 12pm on the Water Augmentation subject (near‐river recharge of Selwyn River/Waikirikiri) that was discussed during the Zone Committee workshop on 22 February. Specifically the Selwyn Council wants to understand the proposed option, the benefits this will provide for the District and how we may be involved in the promotion of this option.

Allen Lim will attend this workshop with Brett Painter (Environment Canterbury) providing the technical presentation. It would be very good if other zone committee members could also participate in this workshop with Selwyn District councillors on Wednesday 15 March.

AGENDA ITEM NO: 6 SUBJECT MATTER: Zone Facilitator’s Report

REPORT BY: Ian Whitehouse, Environment DATE OF MEETING: 07 March 2017 Canterbury

Action required 1. Note the schedule for presentation of the committee’s Annual Report to councils. Support from Zone Committee members, if available, would be appreciated at these council presentations to: o Regional Council Thursday 16 March (morning) o Selwyn District Council Wednesday 22 March o Christchurch City Council Thursday 23 March (morning); 2. Note that Plan Change 4 (“Omnibus”) to the Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) will be made operative on 11 March 2017. 3. Note the (free) Land and Water Symposium at Lincoln University on 11 – 12 April.

1 Presentation of Zone Committee’s Annual Report to Councils The Chair will present the Zone Committee’s Annual Report for 2016 to: o Canterbury Regional Council Thursday 16 March (morning); o Selwyn District Council Wednesday 22 March; o Christchurch City Council Thursday 23 March (morning).

These presentations are an excellent opportunity to discuss issues with the Councils. It would be very good if other zone committee members could attend these presentations to support Allen Lim.

2 Plan Change 4 to Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP) Plan Change 4 to the Land & Water Regional Plan, the “Omnibus” plan change, will become operative on 11 March 2017. Of particular interest to committee members are provisions relating to vegetation clearance and stock in braided rivers (Waimakariri and Rakaia Rivers) and to inanga spawning habitat.

Rules regarding removal of vegetation from braided river beds have been strengthened.

The plan change also puts in place new provisions to protect areas of potential inanga spawning habitat. The effect of this is to prohibit farmed cattle, deer and pigs from more lowland waterbodies than is currently the case. The Omnibus Plan Change amends the rules on exclusion of non-intensively farmed cattle from high country lakes. The change makes the rules regarding non-intensively farmed cattle standing in some lakes more practical. Applying stock-exclusion rules is more straightforward on the Canterbury Plains than in the high country. In the high country, the challenges of excluding cattle from standing in water on these vast properties are considerable and the impact on water quality may well be minor.

3 Land and Water Symposium, Lincoln University, 11-12 April 2017

A two-day symposium on the “Our Land and Water” National Science Challenge will be held at Lincoln University on 11 – 12 April. The symposium will focus on the research being done in this National Science Challenge and how it can provide solutions. The symposium is free. More information and registration details are at: http://ourlandandwater.nz/