Ruamähanga Whaitua Committee

Contact us: 0800 496734 | [email protected] | www.gw.govt.nz/ruamahanga-whaitua-committee FISHING, FARMING AND THE FUTURE TALK TO US The Ruamähanga Whaitua Committee has a vision for the OF OUR WATERWAYS Ruamähanga River catchment - a where water From its source in the Tararua he grew up and returned to townspeople and landowners over glistens. Ranges the Ruamahanga after university and working in time. Balancing the needs of our We all want a resilient and connected community that is responsible River winds its way down the adventure tourism. Being part of native species and human use is for the water flowing through our catchment. You can help shape the the whaitua committee has helped Wairarapa valley, through bush, challenging. The Ruamähanga future of land and water management. him appreciate that everyone Whaitua Committee is working to farmland and towns until it The Ruamähanga Whaitua Committee is asking for community downstream is affected by actions understand how the catchment feedback on a number of key questions: meets the sea at Onoke Spit. upstream— all the way to Lake community wants land and water It is joined by other rivers and Onoke and the sea. resources managed into the future. • What is the fairest way of restricting water use during the streams on its journey. Mike is a keen angler and They will bring this information summer? The is kayaker and particularly interested together into a guiding document • What do we need to do to make our rivers swimmable and enjoyed by swimmers, walkers and in the recreational opportunities for the Ruamähanga River how long should it take to get there? fishermen, supports town drinking our waterways offer. “These days, catchment. • How should we manage rivers to improve natural character and waste water needs, is used by hardly anyone goes fishing and very while safe guarding community assets, income and farmers and valued for its spiritual few swim in the ,” he households? significance. says. “The issues for the Tauweru But the river carries pollutants and include flood control, giant aphids, Join the conversation online or talk to committee members at sediment eroded from some of the crack willows, stock access and a meeting near you. In July and August meetings will be held 130kms of river banks – affecting soil erosion resulting in increased in Whangaehu, Gladstone, Featherston, Carterton, , river habitat along its length. sediment and phosphorus in the Martinborough and Greytown. Water quality decreases as the river river. It will be challenging to find reaches the lower valley and the solutions, but we want to hear from Discuss land and water management with the committee: Wairarapa Moana wetlands. members of our local communities Tuesday 26 July Whangaehu Hall 6-8PM At the northern end of the who have ideas for improving Thursday 28 July Gladstone Sports Complex 6-8PM catchment Mike Birch farms on waterways in their catchments.” a hill country property beside The Wairarapa landscape has Want to know more? the Tauweru River, a place been modified significantly by Go to: http://haveyoursay.gw.govt.nz/ruamahanga-whaitua