EdEdittede by KEKENNN ETTH F.D.D. HUH GHG EYY anand KEKENNNETETH J.J.W.W TAYA LOOR

TE WAIHORA/LAKE ELLESMERE Sf

Edited by KENNETH F.D. HUGHEY and KENNETH J.W. TAYLOR Lincoln University Environment Canterbury

HAPTERH EXCERPT

ECOLOGY Copyright © Lincoln University, 2008 All rights reserved. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of the copyright holder. All images supplied by the Department of Conservation remain under Crown Copyright. All other images remain the copyright of the credited photographer, and may not be reproduced without their prior written permission.

ISBN 978-0-473-14962-8

Published in New Zealand by EOS Ecology P.O. Box 4262 Christchurch 8140

Design and layout by EOS Ecology, Christchurch

Printed by Croft Print, Christchurch

Reference information We suggest this publication be referenced as: Hughey, K.F.D. and Taylor K.J.W. (eds). 2009. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere: State of the Lake and Future Management. EOS Ecology, Christchurch. 150pp.

Obtaining further copies Further copies of this document may be obtained from: Waihora Ellesmere Trust PO Box 116, Lincoln, New Zealand Phone:+64 (03) 353 9712 Email: [email protected]

SHELLELLLEYY McMURTRIT E WE FIRSTT NEED TO THANK THE SPONSORS/SUPPORTERS OF THHE 202 07 LIVVING LAKE SYMPOSIUM:

■ Environment Canterbury ■ National Parks and Conservation Fund ■ Department of Conservation ■ NIWA ■ Christchurch City Council ■ Selwyn District Council ■ Fish and Game North Canterbury ■ Waihora Ellesmere Trust ■ Biodiversity Advice Fund ■ Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu ■ Independent Fisheries ■ Taumutu Runanga ■ Lincoln University ■ Southern Woods Nursery ■ Lottery Grants Board ■ Anonymous donors

The Canterbury Community Trust sponsorship helped greatly with publication of this book and we greatly appreciate that support. Wee also thhannk EnE vironment Canterbury, thhe Departmeentn of Coonservav tion, Fiish and Game North Canterbury, Selwyn District Council and Christchurch Citty Council for contributing additional resources to this publication. INTRODUCTION KENNETH F.D. HUGHEY AND KENNETH J.W. TAYLOR ...... 7

GROUNDWATER AND THE ‘LIVING LAKE’ HOWARD R. WILLIAMS ...... 9 2.1 Introduction ...... 10 2.2 Past climate of the catchment ...... 11 2.3 Geology of the catchment ...... 11 2.4 Groundwater hydrology of the catchment ...... 11 2.5 Water budget ...... 13 2.6 Groundwater levels and trends ...... 13 2.7 Groundwater surface water interaction ...... 15 2.8 State of the water resource ...... 17 2.9 Groundwater management ...... 18 2.10 References ...... 18

WATER QUALITY IN THE ELLESMERE CATCHMENT SHIRLEY HAYWARD AND JONET C. WARD .21 3.1 Introduction ...... 22 3.2 Nutrients ...... 23 3.3 Phytoplankton biomass ...... 23 3.4 Clarity ...... 24 3.5 Salinity ...... 25 3.5 Conclusions ...... 30 3.6 References ...... 31

VEGETATION OF THE LAKESHORE PHILIP B. GROVE AND MIRELLA POMPEI ...... 33 4.1 Introduction and methods ...... 34 4.2 Current state of vegetation ...... 36 4.3 What has caused the state and recent trends ...... 37 4.4 Recent trends ...... 38 4.5 Actions required tomaintain, improve or restore the resource ...... 38 4.6 Acknowledgements ...... 39 4.7 References ...... 39

NATIVE FISH AND FISHERIES DON J. JELLYMAN AND CLEM G. SMITH ...... 41 5.1 Introduction ...... 42 5.2 Data sources ...... 43 5.3 Commercial eel fishery ...... 43 5.4 Commercial flatfish fishery ...... 45 5.5 Commercial yelloweye mullet fishery ...... 46 5.6 Customary fisheries ...... 46 5.7 Discussion ...... 46 5.8 Acknowledgments ...... 48 5.9 References ...... 48

BROWN TROUT FISHERY ROSS MILLICHAMP ...... 49 6.1 Introduction ...... 50 6.2 History of the golden years ...... 50 6.3 The decline of the Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere brown trout fishery .....51 6.4 Suggested management actions ...... 55 6.5 Conclusions ...... 56 6.6 References ...... 56

BIRDLIFE OF THE LAKE KENNETH F.D. HUGHEY AND COLIN F. J. O’DONNELL ...... 57 7.1 Introduction and aims ...... 58 7.2 The context of, and knowledge base for, wildlife ...... 58 7.4 Wildlife values, key habitats and proposed desired wildlife outcomes .60 7.3 Approach to defining outcomes and indicators of change ...... 60 7.5 Indicators to measure the changing state of wildlife against the proposed desired outcomes ...... 62 7.6 The current state of wildlife of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere ...... 63 7.7 The relationship of indicator change to lake level and other human-related drivers of change ...... 67

cMURU TRIT E 7.8 Identification of management interventions ...... 68 7.9 Discussion and conclusions ...... 69 7.10 Acknowledgements ...... 69 7.11 References ...... 69 7.12 Appendices ...... 70

CULTURAL HEALTH OF THE LAKE CRAIG PAULING AND JASON ARNOLD ...... 77 8.1 Te Korero Whakataki Introduction ...... 78 8.2 Tahuhu Korero Background ...... 78 8.3 Nga Kauneke Methods ...... 78 8.4 Te Waihora Cultural Health Study Ngai Tahu NIWA Process ...... 79 8.5 Nga Hua Results...... 80 8.6 Te Whakamutunga Conclusions and Recommendations ...... 82 8.7 Kohika Korero References ...... 82 8.8 Appendices ...... 82

RECREATION VALUES KAY L. BOOTH ...... 85 9.1 Introduction ...... 86 9.2 Current state of recreational use ...... 87 9.3 Factors influencing lake-related recreation ...... 93 9.4 Potential recreation opportunities ...... 96 9.5 Recreation vision, outcomes and indicators ...... 98 9.6 Recommendations ...... 98 9.7 Acknowledgements ...... 98 9.8 References ...... 98 9.9 Appendices ...... 99

ECONOMIC VALUES GEOFF V. BUTCHER ...... 101 10.1 Introduction ...... 102 10.2 Background ...... 102 10.3 Management regime ...... 102 10.4 Economic values ...... 104 10.5 Commercial fisheries ...... 104 10.6 Agriculture ...... 105 10.7 Recreational values ...... 108 10.8 Tangata Whenua values ...... 108 10.9 Other values affected by lake management regimes ...... 109 10.10 Conclusions ...... 110 10.11 References ...... 110

CURRENT STATE AND FUTURE MANAGEMENT KENNETH F.D. HUGHEY, KENNETH J. W. TAYLOR AND JONET C. WARD ...... 111 11.1 Introduction ...... 112 11.2 A systems approach to thinking about the complexity of relationships associated with the lake ...... 113 11.3 The overall state of the lake ...... 116 11.4 Drivers of change to indicators/values ...... 121 11.5 Desired futures for Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere and proposed management actions ...... 121 11.6 Conclusions and recommendations ...... 126 11.7 Acknowledgements ...... 127 11.8 References ...... 127 11.9 Appendices ...... 128

APPENDICES CLIVE HOWARD-WILLIAMS, SCOTT LARNED AND HUGH THORPE ...... 133 12.1 Appendix A ...... 134 12.2 Appendix B ...... 145 TE WAIHORA / LAKE ELLESMERE: State of the Lake and Future Management SHUTTETT RSTOCK

KENNETH F.D. HUGHEY Lincoln University KENNETH J.W. TAYLOR Environment Canterbury TE WAIHORA / LAKE ELLESMERE: State of the Lake and Future Management

Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere1 is a large Th e Living Lake Symposium had several sium saw merit in reconvening the event coastal lake, intermittently open to the sea. key objectives: around two years aft er the initial sympo- It is highly regarded for its conservation and ■ To determine the overall state of the sium, to report on progress with manage- related values, some of which are of inter- lake, by fi rst defi ning the key value sets, ment, indicator monitoring, scientifi c un- national signifi cance. Its function as a sink and indicators that could be reported derstanding and other matters. We support for nutrients from its large predominantly against; that suggestion. agriculturally based catchment, currently In terms of report format it is important ■ To suggest future management actions undergoing accelerated intensifi cation, that readers note the following: that would address key issues aff ecting is also recognised, at least implicitly. It is the defi ned values; ■ All authors were provided with ‘briefs the resulting confl ict from these value sets of work’ and were requested to contex- ■ To provide a forum within which lay which is mainly responsible for the ongoing tualise their work with that contained individuals, scientists and managers debate about the future of the lake, a debate within the Taylor (1996) report on the could openly debate issues; and long fuelled by rhetoric and informed by a lake—this was more easily achievable body of science which highlights the lake’s ■ To provide a launching pad for inte- for some than others. Given some lack complexity as a biophysical system, but has grated and focused future management of consistency between symposium many gaps. It is a debate that now has sub- of the lake and its environs. presentations and fi nal papers it is our stantial statutory implications, arising from intention that a revised set of agreed Th e programme incorporated three key- factors which include: indicators will be considered and in- note speakers: Dr Larry Hildebrand from ■ the requirements of conservation, and cluded in any follow-up symposium Environment Canada, Dr Hamish Rennie indigenous needs and entitlements and associated reports—some consid- from Lincoln University, and Dr Bryan Jen- which are growing in prominence and erable work will be required in some kins from Environment Canterbury—their statutory (including property rights areas to achieve this objective; addresses made a major contribution to the based) legitimacy; symposium although none are included in ■ Only the wildlife and integration papers ■ public interest in legal processes associ- this report, because it is focused primarily included in this report have been for- ated with further major intensifi cation on the science and the management options mally peer reviewed; and of agriculture planned for the catch- associated with the lake. ■ All other papers have been standardised ment; Th e format of this report is designed to and style edited-some changes have ■ a recent Environment Court decision be readily updateable. Ten of the princi- been suggested by the report editors in which serious questions about the pal presentations in the main sessions of and made by the paper authors. overall biological health of the lake day two of the symposium are included Finally, an attempt has been made to pres- were raised; and in this report—two Power Point presenta- tions (both regarding water quantity and ent the papers in a logical sequence of 11 ■ the consequences arising from the need related issues) are provided as appendices chapters: chapter 1 sets the scene; chapters for Environment Canterbury to obtain to improve completeness. Over time, how- 2-7 cover the biophysical science dimen- resource consents for the lake operat- ever, topic areas not available as full papers sions (groundwater, water quality, native ing regime. for this report, e.g., surface water quantity, vegetation, native fi sheries, trout, wildlife); In addition, in recent times the Waiho- will be written up and included in detail. chapters 8-10 deal with the human dimen- ra Ellesmere Trust (WET), a community Similarly, the papers herein will themselves sions (Ngāi Tahu, recreation, economics); based group advocating for improved man- be updated as new and signifi cant data be- and chapter 11 deals with integration of the agement of the lake, has been established. come available. Each subject area will be fi ndings from the previous chapters and It is within these diverse contexts that this reconsidered within the same structure and setting the scene for future management. State of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere report context as has been provided here. One pa- has been prepared—it results from the 2007 per, ‘Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere: An inte- Waihora/Ellesmere Living Lake Sympo- grated view of the current state and possible sium, held from 31 October-3 November futures’, was presented on the fi nal formal 2007 at Lincoln University, Canterbury. Th e day of the symposium and it is included as symposium was initiated and organised by the concluding chapter of this report. the WET (see www.wet.org.nz). Finally, the Waihora Ellesmere Trust and many of the others attending the sympo-

1 Note that the Geographic Place Names Board has defined the name as Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora). It is not our intention to debate the nomenclature, but rather to put the focus where we consider it should lie, within the lake’s initial historical and cultural context for indigenous Maori.

8 SHS ELLLLLLEYY McMURRTRITRR E

KAY L. BOOTH Lindis Consulting

his report presents findings from a study of recreation values, opportunities and issues associated with Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and its margins. The study collated existing information and con- Ttacted knowledgeable individuals. An assessment of the current recreational use of the lake and its margins identified a wide range of water- and land-based activities. The lake is nationally significant for waterfowl hunting, and regionally significant for fishing and cycling on the rail trail. It is rated as a nation- ally significant water body for recreation. Activities are reliant on a healthy natural ecosystem, especially fish and wildlife habitat. Land-based recreation infrastructure is run-down and needs refurbishment. There are various ‘drivers’ of recreational use of the lake and its management. They include the lake’s environmental state, the lake level, public access, awareness and information, recreation facilities, the Little River rail trail, the existence of alternative recreation sites, the recreation ‘catchment’ for users, recreational trends and effects, and an inadequate database for decision-making. A recreation vision is proposed: A healthy recreation resource that is well used and valued. To achieve this vision, the resource needs to be enhanced so it better caters for existing uses and users, and entices people to visit so they may ‘connect’ with the lake. TE WAIHORA / LAKE ELLESMERE: State of the Lake and Future Management

9.1 Introduction ■ To discuss issues for lake recreation, Existing information about including the infl uence of lake manage- Lake-related recreation ment on recreational activities Purpose and objectives Th ere is a lack of empirical data about the ■ To identify long-term goals for lake-relat- recreational use of the lake and its margins. Th is report presents fi ndings from a study ed recreation, and indicators that would Th e only quantitative data identifi ed during of recreation values, opportunities and is- refl ect progress toward those goals. this study were angler statistics from the sues associated with Te Waihora/Lake Elles- national anglers survey (Unwin and Brown, mere (‘the lake’) and its margins. Th e study Study approach 1998; Unwin and Image, 2003) and counts was undertaken in preparation for the Liv- Th e study collated existing information of registered mai mais (Fish & Game New ing Lake Symposium (November 2007), the about recreation associated with the lake Zealand records). As a result, Lake-related purpose of which was to bring together the and its margins. Key sources were the decision-making has an inadequate infor- current state of knowledge on the lake and ‘Inventory of Recreation Values for Rivers mation base for recreation. its catchment; identify gaps, key indicators and Lakes of Canterbury, New Zealand’ Previous work has focused upon describ- and key management issues; and to form (Sutherland-Downing and Elley, 2004), ing recreational opportunities, use and the basis of a collaborative management ap- the Joint Management Plan for the lake issues. Th is report updates this work for proach for improving the ecological health (TRONT and DOC, 2005), draft reserve 2007 (with particular reference to changes of the lake and its catchment. management plans for Lakeside Domain since a 1996 study by Blackford and Law) Th e study had six objectives: and Coes Ford (Lucas Associates, 2007a, but also examines the underlying causes of ■ To describe current recreational use of 2007b) and fi shing evidence by Millichamp recreational change. It examines the style the lake and its margins (2005). Primary data were not collected, of, and context for, lake-related recreational ■ To compare current use with the as- beyond informal participant observation activity, identifi es factors that infl uence sessment of recreational use provided during fi eld visits, because of the winter/ lake-related use, presents ideas for future by Blackford and Law in 1996 spring study period. Owing to a dearth of recreation opportunities, and specifi es existing research material, individuals iden- recreation outcomes and indicators for ■ To highlight potential opportunities for tifi ed as knowledgeable about the Lake were future management. recreation contacted for information. Appendix A lists ■ To identify resource characteristics upon these individuals, who are referred to as which lake-related recreation relies, in- ‘key informants’ in this report. cluding infrastructure requirements

Photo The Lake is nationally signifi cant for waterfowl hunting. Photography Shelley McMurtrie.

86 Recreation valuvalues

Definitions sion and outcomes are presented in Section ■ National signifi cance for waterfowl Lake-related recreation pertains to all rec- 5, matched with indicators which will iden- hunting; regional signifi cance for fi sh- reational opportunities associated with the tify progress towards their achievement. ing and cycling on the rail trail; local waters of the lake and land margins sur- Section 9.6 contains recommendations for signifi cance for other activities. Rated rounding the lake. Th is encompasses all future management and research actions. as a nationally signifi cant water body types of leisure pursuits, both commercial for recreation (MfE, 2004) and non-commercial activities. Th e report 9.2 Current state of ■ Lake attractions are the availability does not encompass customary activity or of a specifi c resource (e.g. waterfowl; cultural harvest. recreational use rail trail) and/or convenience (close to Th e study area is delimited by the road- Th is section presents a description of home) side boundaries that circumscribe the the current (2007) recreational use of Te ■ Participation increases since 1996: lake: Lower Lake Road, Lake Road, Pan- Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and its margins. Cycling on the rail trail and volunteer- netts Road, Davidsons Road, Ridge Road, Th e discussion is structured by activity ism. Decrease: Trout fi shing. Participa- Seabridge Road, State Highway 75 (SH75) type. It compares current information with tion in other activities appears stable or and Bayleys Road (Figure 1). the 1996 statement of lake-related recre- declining. Most of the recreation issues ation, provided by Blackford and Law, and documented in 1996 by Blackford and Report outline identifi es issues associated with activities, Law continue to be relevant in 2007, Th is report fi rst describes the nature of ex- where relevant. Key information from this despite some change in the mix of ac- isting lake-related recreation (Section 9.2), section is summarised fi rst. tivities undertaken including comparison with information ■ Activities are reliant on a healthy from the mid-1990s (Blackford and Law, Key points natural ecosystem, especially fi sh and 1996). Factors infl uencing lake-related rec- ■ A wide range of water- and land-based wildlife habitat reation and characteristics of the resource activities, including fi shing, waterfowl ■ Land-based recreation infrastructure is important for recreation are discussed in hunting, bird-watching, water sports run-down and needs refurbishment. Section 9.3, together with issues related to (waterskiing, kayaking, etc), picnick- lake management. Section 9.4 discusses fi ve ing, camping, cycling, trail biking, vol- opportunities that would enhance recre- unteerism (conservation and recreation ational values of the lake. A recreation vi- projects) and scenic driving

Photo The Lake has the potential to be an internationally signifi cant bird-watching site. Photography Shelley McMurtrie.

87 TE WAIHORA / LAKE ELLESMERE: State of the Lake and Future Management

Wildlife-dependent recreation ■ Lower reaches of the Selwyn ■ Th ere has been a dramatic decline in ■ LII adjacent to Yarrs Flat trout angling Fishing ■ Overall, access for fi shing is good. Th e lake and lower reaches of its tributaries ■ Harts Creek mouth Whitebaiting occurs on both sides of the are regionally signifi cant1 for trout fi shing ■ Halswell River and canal mouth lake outlet aft er the lake is opened and on and whitebaiting, and locally signifi cant for ■ Irwell River lower reaches of lake tributaries. Th e activ- other styles of fi shing (including coarse fi sh, ■ Lake opening area ity attracts people from around Canterbury fl ounder and eels). Angling has declined ■ Kaituna River lower reaches and and the season is dictated by the lake open- dramatically since the mid-1990s (Table 1). mouth ing (when whitebait can enter the lake). It No data are available for whitebaiting, but appears that very little recreational eeling anecdotal evidence suggests the Lake and ■ Various lake areas for eel, fl ounder, and fl oundering takes place (Table 2 ap- lower tributaries are intensely fi shed when mullet and whitebait. pears to over-state these types of fi shing), the lake is open to the sea. Recreational fi sh- Th e data from Table 1 and the summary however, the opportunity to do so is impor- ing for other species appears mainly to be presented in Table 2 suggest that: tant to local residents. pursued by local residents. No guided fi sh- ■ Both the lake and its tributaries are im- Th e 1996 report (by Blackford and Law) ing was identifi ed, although it may occur in portant for fi shing noted access issues for fi shing, and the Joint small numbers. ■ Key types of fi shing are trout angling Management Plan for the Lake (TRONT Areas fi shed recreationally include (TRONT and whitebaiting and DOC, 1995) notes that unformed legal and DOC, 2005): roads are sometimes diffi cult to identify or navigate. Access for fi shing has improved TABLE 1. Angler days spent in Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere and its tributaries in the 1994/95 and since the Fish & Game New Zealand sig- 2001/02 seasons (Unwin and Brown, 1998; Unwin and Image, 2003 cited in Millichamp, 2005). nage programme was implemented in the Angler Days 1994/95 Angler days 2001/02 River % change mid-1990s (access is discussed in Section season season 9.3: Access). Th e 1996 report also noted LII 2,132 681 -68% that poor water quality and timing of the Selwyn 6,702 2,177 -68% lake opening were signifi cant factors aff ect- Irwell 433 35 -92% ing the quality of fi shing. Both these points Harts Creek 1,008 483 -52% remain valid in 2007, as well as the docu- Halswell 1,760 221 -87% mented decrease in trout numbers (Ross, Hororata 160 0 -100% Lake Ellesmere 424 152 -67% 2004 cited in Millichamp, 2005). Total 12,619 3,749 -70%

TABLE 2. Recreation fishing summary (Sutherland-Downing and Elley, 2004).

Waterway Species Accessibility Recreation Frequency 2 Recreation Intensity2

Limited along bank/bed; Very common: eels; High: trout; Medium: white- High: trout; Medium: white- Lower Selwyn good from road; good from Common: coarse fish, trout baiting, eeling, other fishing baiting, eeling, other fishing boat Medium: trout, white- Very common: eels; Limited on bank, good for Medium: trout, white- LII baiting; Low: eeling, other Common: coarse fish, trout road and boat baiting, eeling, other fishing fishing Very common: eel; Common: Good from bank, road and Medium: eeling; Low: trout, Medium: eeling; Low: trout, Halswell coarse fish, trout boat white-baiting, other fishing white-baiting, other fishing Good access from bank, Irwell Common: trout Low: trout, eeling Low: trout, eeling road and boat Limited bank access, good High: trout; Medium: eeling; Medium: trout, eeling; Low: Harts Creek Very common: eels, trout road and boat access Low: white-baiting white-baiting Very common: whitebait, High: white-baiting; High: white-baiting; flounder, eels, mullet; Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) Good for all three classes Medium: trout, eeling, other Medium: trout, eeling, other Common: coarse fish; fishing fishing Uncommon: trout

1 There is no accepted method to assess recreation significance. This assessment covers facets of use (estimated user numbers, user ‘catchment’) and the resource (availability of substitute sites, uniqueness and quality of resource characteristics). Because it has relied on secondary data, the assessment is indicative only. 2 Recreation frequency is defined as how often a river or lake is used for recreation, while recreation intensity relates to the number of people who use the water body

88 Recreation valuvalues

Waterfowl hunting Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, data indicate a Th e 1996 report noted issues for hunting Th e lake and its margins are nationally im- static hunting situation in Canterbury (pers. that were associated with waterfowl habitat portant for waterfowl hunting. Th e lake has comm. Steve Terry, Fish & Game New Zea- loss and degradation, as well as access is- been called “New Zealand’s most popular land, 2007). sues. Since 1996, Fish & Game New Zea- recreational duck-shooting area”3 and “one Th e lake supports in excess of 30,000 wa- land access signposting has assisted with of the premier gamebird hunting areas in terfowl (TRONT and DOC, 2005). Species access provision, although some specifi c New Zealand” (Fish & Game New Zealand, hunted include mallard ducks (the most sites remain contentious. Fluctuating lake 1998:11). More specifi cally, Fish & Game popular and abundant bird; May and June), levels aff ect mai mai access. New Zealand state that their North Can- Canada goose (May to November and Feb- Bird watching terbury region off ers the best Canada goose ruary to April), black swan and shoveler Th e lake is potentially an internationally hunting in the country (Te Waihora/Lake duck (July to November). A small amount important bird-watching site owing to the Ellesmere hosts the largest Canada goose of guiding occurs. abundance, diversity and rarity of species population in Canterbury)4. Hunting occurs all around the lake. Key present, however, the amount of current use Hunting appears to have remained rea- hunting areas are (TRONT and DOC, appears to be small. No data exist to con- sonably stable over the past 10 years. Th e 2005): Adjoining Lower Selwyn Huts, fi rm numbers of bird-watchers. Th is non- 1996 report considered the lake to be the Greenpark Sands, Yarrs Flat, Irwell River, extractive wildlife activity is undertaken as single most important waterfowl hunting Boggy Creek, Lakeside Reserve, adjoining both organised and independent trips, usu- area in the region, both in terms of hunter Harts Creek Wildlife Refuge, Kaitorete Spit ally the latter. Some commercial trips take eff ort (hunting days/hunter) and total sea- shoreline, Kaituna Lagoon. Th ere are 398 place, but their frequency appears to be sonal harvest per hunter. Th is remains true registered usable mai mais (202 on Ngāi very low. Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere bird- in 2007. Although the National Gamebird Tahu land, 74 on DOC-administered land, watchers include international ‘birders’. Th e Harvest Survey does not separately specify 122 on private land) (Fish & Game New Canterbury branch of the Ornithological Zealand records).

LAKE ELLESMERE / TE WAIHORA

Joint Management Plan area boundary

FIGURE 1. Map of study area (source of base map: TRONT and DOC, 2005). Base Map sourced from ECan.

3 http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/ActivitiesSummary.aspx?id=35303, accessed 15 Oct 2007 4 http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/Site/Regions/NorthCanterbury/hunting.aspx, accessed 15 Oct 2007

89 TE WAIHORA / LAKE ELLESMERE: State of the Lake and Future Management

Society undertakes four trips to the Lake the Ornithological Society website links to Lakeside Domain, where its clubrooms are each year, including bird-counting trips, at- trips to the lake off ered by the Canterbury located. It has had a stable membership of tracting about 12-20 people on each trip. branch7, the Little River Rail Trail website around 30-35 families for 20-30 years. Th e Popular locations for bird-watching are: notes the presence of prolifi c birdlife as a club has kayaks and small yachts (opti- feature of the Rail Trail8 and Harts Creek mists) available for use, but does not off er ■ Kaituna Lagoon: popular because of bird hide is noted on the DOC website9. formal lessons. Th e club was formerly used easy access but not ideal for bird spot- Recreational confl ict between birders and by schools but this use has declined because ting other recreationists appears to be relatively a high lake level could not be guaranteed. ■ Sunset Point (Ataahua) near corner minor. Th e 1996 report noted some per- Th e New Zealand Jet Boat Association of lagoon: accessible from SH75, this ceived confl ict with waterfowl hunters but used to hold events on the lake (‘many site is popular with international bird- diff erent seasons were thought to ‘solve’ this years ago’) but no longer does so. A small watchers problem. Habitat and bird disturbance by amount of local power boat use occurs. Th e ■ Greenpark Sands (Embankment Road/ motorised vehicles/boats was noted (1996). Windsurf New Zealand website provides Jarvis Road): good viewing for wading Th e vehicle issue is likely to be largely re- access information for Lakeside Domain birds but not good if the lake is too high solved by implementation of the Joint Man- and information about the best wind con- or low agement Plan (TRONT and DOC, 2005). ditions for sailing at that location. It notes ■ Yarrs Flat: public access is not sign- Th e key issue is threats to the birds (the that “Lake Ellesmere is a popular sailing posted recreation attraction) through habitat mod- spot for people who live on the southern ifi cation, an issue noted in 1996. Blackford edge of the city or small townships south of ■ Harts Creek: publicly-accessible bird- and Law also noted disturbance by land- Christchurch”10. In the past, both windsurf- watching hide; the boardwalk is a yachts on sand-fl ats (north-eastern margins ing and kitesurfi ng events have been held popular spotting location of Lake), however this has been resolved at the lake. Key informants noted that the ■ Fisherman’s Point/Taumutu: for views since these vehicles can no longer access the Avon/Heathcote Estuary is more conve- of birds at the tip of Kaitorete Spit area (see later). Th e Rail Trail has opened nient for Christchurch residents and they ■ Western end of Kaitorete Spit: access is up access and, to date, cyclists do not appear usually hold events there. diffi cult towards the end, as the road is to be a problem for bird-watcers.Th e Orni- Th e area surrounding the Domain is not formed. Some access problems in thological Society is working to improve ac- zoned for watercraft activity. Th e Environ- the lambing season. cess instructions for ‘birders’. ment Canterbury navigation safety bro- Th e preferred time for bird-watching is November to February, but the activity Water sports also occurs in March/April and September/ Th e area surrounding Lakeside Domain October (TRONT and DOC, 2005). Th ese is the focal point for water sports, includ- times mostly relate to the presence of mi- ing sailing, water skiing, power boating, jet gratory birds. skiing (personal water craft ), windsurfi ng, It was suggested by one bird-watcher kitesurfi ng and kayaking. Kayaking also oc- that the internet has made bird-watching curs at several other locations, including the information more available, and this has lower reaches of the LII and Selwyn rivers. increased the popularity of the lake for this Th e Joint Management Plan (TRONT and activity. No data exist to verify this trend. DOC, 2005) suggests that these activities Despite its potential high value for bird- now occur at lower use levels than in past watching, the lake receives relatively little years. Information from key informants coverage on relevant websites (e.g. Royal contacted for this study supports this view. Forest and Bird Protection Society ‘Where Reasons for the decline appear to be an in- to see birds in New Zealand’ pages do not crease in alternative water bodies (e.g. Roto mention the lake5; few tourism companies Kohatu for jetskiing) and downward par- that off er New Zealand birding tours men- ticipation trends (e.g. windsurfi ng). tion the lake on their website6). However, Th e Ellesmere Aquatic Club is based at

5 http://www.forestandbird.org.nz/enjoy_nature/birds/information.asp, accessed 15 Oct 2007 6 e.g., http://www.naturequest.co.nz, http://www.kiwi-wildlife.co.nz, accessed 20 Oct 2007 7 http://osnz.org.nz, accessed 15 Oct 2007 8 http://www.littleriverrailtrail.org.nz/rail-trail/wildlife, accessed 15 Oct 2007 9 http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/ActivitiesSummary.aspx?id=35303, accessed 15 Oct 2007 10 http://www.windsurf.co.nz/windsurf_locations_canterbury.asp, accessed 15 Oct 2007

90 Recreation valuvalues chure for the Lake includes a map of boat Land-based recreation ward, DOC, 2007). While open to cyclists, use lanes and access for the Lakeside Do- walkers and runners, it is most used by cy- main area. Multiple signage at the Domain Motorised vehicles clists and has quickly become a signifi cant is confusing and the water activity rules Th e 1996 report discussed land-yachting regional recreation destination/activity. diffi cult to interpret. Th e Lakeside Domain (now called blokarts), trail-biking and Th e website for the rail trail notes sig- Draft Management Plan (Lucas Associates, other vehicular activities. Since 1996, land- nifi cant natural, cultural and historical sites 2007a) identifi es some recreation con- yachting/blokarting has ceased in the study of interest along the Motukarara-Birdlings fl ict between water users (e.g. fi shing area. Th e Joint Management Plan (TRONT Flat section of the trail11. One part of the (nets) versus windsurfers). Boating is and DOC, 2005) identifi es areas where ve- trail ‘bridges’ the lake, with water on both prohibited within Harts Creek Wildlife hicular activity is permitted; these areas ex- sides. A car park was built and landscaped Refuge (TRONT and DOC, 2005). clude blokarting. Blokarts cannot use Ngāi at Ataahua Reserve (Kaituna Quarry) by the Tahu land, and access to Gray’s Farm (in the Th e 1996 report noted multiple issues Hornby Rotary Club in 2007. A toilet has NE), which blokarters previously used, is for water sports. Th ose that appear to been recently constructed at the quarry. prohibited across public conservation land. remain valid in 2007 are: However, technological advances have seen Picnicking and related activities ■ Lake levels - need to be high for boat the size of blokarts decrease and alternative Land-based ‘passive’ activities which oc- use sites suitable for blokarts correspondingly cur around the lake include picnicking, ■ Low lake level creates access issues at increase. photography and generally enjoying wide- Selwyn river mouth Trail biking and 4-wheel driving is a open spaces (TRONT and DOC, 2005). Th e two primary land-based activity nodes ■ Lakeside Domain has some issues problem at Coes Ford and is discussed in are Lakeside Domain and Coes Ford. Other of craft confl ict - noise levels and the Draft Coes Ford Management Plan (Lu- areas used for this type of activity are listed choppy wake of motorised craft cas Associates, 2007b). Th e Draft Plan notes increased vehicular activity in recent years, in the Joint Management Plan (TRONT and ■ Water quality a concern with 4-wheel driving activity at the edges of DOC, 2005) and include: Harts Creek walk- ■ Lake not visually appealing for con- and in the riverbed. Some areas of the re- way (provides access to part of western shore tact recreation serve are used by motorcycles, particularly and bird hide), Selwyn delta, Kaituna Lagoon ■ Swimming in lake and rivers becom- trail bikes. Confl ict exists between recre- (access from SH75), Fishermans Point, Kai- ing less popular because of visual ational vehicle drivers and most other us- torete Spit, and Greenpark Sands (especially quality of water. ers. Th is includes nuisance factors of noise from the end of Embankment Road). and public safety, as well as environmental Th e Selwyn District Council manages damage. Th e Draft Plan notes that speed re- Coes Ford Recreation Reserve and Lakeside strictions are oft en not observed. Domain Recreation Reserve. Th e Council Similarly, the Lakeside Domain Draft acknowledges that “each of these picnic and Management Plan (Lucas Associates, paddling areas is in need of a makeover to 2007a) identifi es that motorised bikes and improve safety, scenery and recreational opportunities”12 and, for this reason, the Ross Millichamp. trail bikes are used in the reserve. Th ere is some confl ict between users, invoking Council has commissioned reserve man- safety issues. Fences have been cut down to agement plans (Lucas Associates, 2007a,

Photography facilitate driving and the Draft Plan notes a 2007b). lack of signage to deter speeding. Anecdotal evidence indicates that Coes Ford, once a popular summer camping Cycling: Little River Rail Trail and picnic spot for Cantabrians, has expe- Th e Little River Rail Trail dramatically in- rienced a substantial decline in this type of creased cycling as a lake-related activity usage. Th e Draft Plan suggests that family when it opened in 2006. Th e rail trail sec- camping has decreased in the reserve and tion from Motukarara to Birdlings Flat runs semi-permanent campers have taken up alongside the eastern end of Te Waihora/ residence. It recommends repositioning the Lake Ellesmere and was the fi rst section of reserve as a family camping area. Camp- the rail trail to open. Th e trail has become ers use Lakeside Domain during the sum- very popular, with an estimated 15,000 vis- mer, especially during the summer school its in its fi rst year (pers. comm. Dave Mil- Trout fi since the mid-1990s. shing has declined dramatically fi Trout 11 http://www.littleriverrailtrail.org.nz/rail-trail/section5, accessed 15 Oct 2007 12

Photo ‘Parks, reserves & open spaces’, http://www.selwyn.govt.nz, accessed 20 October 2007

91 TE WAIHORA / LAKE ELLESMERE: State of the Lake and Future Management

TABLE 3. Frequency and intensity of land-based passive activities (Sutherland-Downing and Elley, 2004).

Activity Recreation Frequency / Intensity Location

Sightseeing Medium / medium Lake Low / low Lake Walking Lower Selwyn, Irwell River, Medium / medium Harts Creek, Halswell River Medium / - LII Lake, Lower Selwyn, Irwell River, Medium /medium Picnicking/barbecuing Harts Creek, Halswell River Medium / - LII Medium / medium Lake, Irwell River Low / high Lower Selwyn, Halswell River Camping Low / low Harts Creek Low / - LII High / high Lower Selwyn, L11, Irwell River Swimming Low / low Harts Creek, Halswell River High / high Lower Selwyn, L11, Irwell River Paddling/wading Low / low Harts Creek, Halswell River

holidays (Lucas Associates, 2007a). Mobile fi eld trips. Th e Waihora Ellesmere Trust runs restoration) or recreation infrastructure homes park in the reserve throughout the lake fi eld trips, as do other organisations (such as the Little River Rail Trail). Not year. An eco-tourism business operated for mentioned as an activity in the 1996 recre- Water quality at Coes Ford is an issue for approximately 5 years in the mid-1990s ation study, the global growth in volunteer- swimming. Th e Selwyn River at the ford has and took around 3,000-4,000 people to the ism over the past ten years is evident in the consistently received a ‘poor’ water quality lake during this time period. Trips mainly study area. Th ere are various community grade since 2003 (Lucas Associates, 2007b), attracted local Christchurch people, many of groups involved in ecological restoration as measured by Environment Canterbury whom were repeat clients. Trips visited local projects around the lake, such as Green using a 5-point scale from very good to very attractions, including Harts Creek bird hide, Footprint Project15 planting days and the 13 poor, with fair as the mid-point. ‘Poor’ sta- the eel farm, Lakeside Domain, Coes Ford Harts Creek Streamcare Group project to tus indicates the river is “Generally not suit- and Selwyn Huts. Tours ceased when the sole clean up and facilitate recreational use at able for swimming ... Swimming should be operator chose to discontinue them. Harts Creek. In addition, lakeside recre- 14 avoided...” and signage should be posted Th e inventory of recreation values for ation facilities have been constructed by to alert users. Th is has been done in the Canterbury rivers and lakes (Sutherland- community groups, such as the Ellesmere past - however, despite a ‘poor’ grade at the Downing and Elley, 2004) summarises Lions Club (Harts Creek bird hide and time of this study (October 2007), no signs information about land-based passive ac- walkway) and the Hornby Rotary Club were evident. Lakeside Domain maintained tivities, and relevant information has been (Kaituna Quarry car park). a ‘fair’ water quality grade over the 2005/06 compiled as Table 3. Th e New Zealand Ecological Restoration summer (Lucas Associates, 2007a), and at Low patronage is likely to be related to Network lists the following restoration sites the time of this study (October 2007). Th is the perceived poor water quality, lack of aes- on their website16: indicates that the water is “Generally sat- thetic attractiveness and lack of knowledge ■ Harts Creek: Community involvement: isfactory for swimming, though there are about the area (see Section 9.3). Th ese issues private, Fish & Game New Zealand many potential sources of faecal material. compare with the major concern identifi ed Caution should be taken during periods of in the 1996 report, which was access. ■ Kaitorete Spit: Community involve- high rainfall, and swimming avoided if wa- ment: Taumutu Rūnanga, DOC, Land- Volunteerism ter is discoloured”.14 care Research, Habitat Restoration Th is activity relates to individuals spending Educational activities take place at Ngati Services their leisure time undertaking voluntary Moki Marae (Taumutu) and around the lake ■ Halswell River and Selwyn River: Listed ‘work’ on projects associated with nature/ generally, especially school and university but pages not available. historic conservation (such as ecological

13 http://www.ecan.govt.nz/Our+Environment/Water/SwimmingWaterQuality/Sites/Central-Canterbury-Plains.htm, accessed 20 Oct 2007 14 http://www.ecan.govt.nz/Our+Environment/Water/SwimmingWaterQuality/FAQ/swimming-water-gradings.htm, accessed 20 Oct 2007 15 The Green Footprint Project is a collaboration between the Youth Hostel Association, Selwyn District Council, the Waihora Ellesmere Trust and Landcare Research 16 http://www.bush.org.nz/site/canterbury.html#100000109, accessed 15 Oct 2007

92 Recreation valuvalues

Photo The Little River Rail Trail provides a connection with the Lake. Photography Shelley McMurtrie.

Scenic driving ‘destination’ (see Section 9.3: Awareness is, it is dependent upon the natural envi- Th is activity is associated with ‘Sunday driv- and infomation). ronment. If the quality of the natural re- ers’ who are sightseeing. Most recreationists source declines, so too does the quality of on car-outings near the Lake drive along 9.3 Factors influencing the recreational experience. Th is is the most SH75 and view the lake ‘by default’ - they important factor infl uencing lake-related are not intending to visit the lake. SH75 lake-related recreation. users represent the group with the greatest recreation A dominant theme from discussions with potential to enhance their ‘lake connection’. key informants was the poor water quality Th is section discusses factors that infl uence Th e idea of a lakeside visitor centre is dis- of the lake and tributaries. Th is is verifi ed or ‘drive’ recreational use of the lake. Th ese cussed in Section 9.4: Lake visitors centre. by Environment Canterbury’s water quality include: monitor for swimming sites, which includes National significance assessments ■ Resource characteristics which are im- Lakeside and the Selwyn River (Upper Huts Th e Ministry for the Environment’s (2004) portant features of the recreation setting and Coes Ford), as discussed earlier. report on freshwater bodies of national im- (Sections 9.3: Enviromental state-Little Two points are notable: portance for recreation lists Te Waihora/ River Rail Trail). Th ese factors can be ■ Existing recreational use is occurring Lake Ellesmere as one of the 105 nation- infl uenced by lake managers and are irrespective of the current environ- ally important water bodies. Th e lake was discussed fi rst. mental state. However, the only trends included owing to its Water Conservation ■ Parameters which infl uence lake- data available for any recreational ac- Order and status as a ‘wetland of national related recreation but are ‘external’ to tivity (angling) indicates decreasing use importance’, not because of usage (although the lake (Sections 9.3: Alternative rec- levels. Activities which have increased whitebaiters and hunters, including duck reation sites-Recreational trends). Lake do not involve water contact (i.e. cy- shooters, were under-represented in the managers cannot directly infl uence cling, volunteerism) use surveys and so lake recreation will be these factors ■ An improvement in environmental under-estimated). Th e lake is not listed as ■ Other factors (Sections 9.3: Recreation- quality will enhance the quality of the a water body of national importance for al eff ects and Lack of data). tourism (Ministry of Tourism, 2004)17. Th is recreational experience but it cannot conclusion is based on the absence of exist- Environmental state be assumed this will result in increased ing tourist activity in/around the lake. Te Th e recreation pursued around Te Waiho- recreational use (i.e. the quantity or Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is not a tourism ra/Lake Ellesmere is resource-based, that number of users). Th e riparian margins are an important

17 Canterbury waterbodies identified as nationally important for tourism: Avon, Waimakariri, Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers. Importance attributes are the tourism activities that they support (punting, jet boating, fishing, rafting, etc). Freshwater bodies that were important solely for their scenic value were excluded.

93 TE WAIHORA / LAKE ELLESMERE: State of the Lake and Future Management

1

Ashley River

OXFORD RANGIORA

WOWOODEND Cust River SPRINGFIELD WAIMAKARIRI GORGE Cam River KAIAPOI Kaiapoi River SHEFFIELD Waimakariri River

BELFAST Otukaikino River Styx River Map Region HOMEBUSH DARFIELD 77 8 Avon 73 CHRISTCHURCH CITY TEMPLETON

Heathcote River 1 ROLLESTON LYTTELTON HALSWELL BURNHAM LINCOLN

Selwyn River DUNSANDEL TAITAPU

LII River Kaituna River Irwell River

MOTUKARARA Halswell River LEESTON 1 Lake Forsyth RAKAIA LAKE ELLESMERE Harts Creek Okana River (Little River)

SOUTHBRIDGE AKAROA

Rakaia River

FIGURE 2. Fish & Game ‘Close to Christchurch’ access map.

requirements. For example, whitebaiters are recreational interests. concerned about maintenance of the fi sh- People need reliable access points to the ery, while bird-watchers prefer more fre- lake and a fl uctuating lake level can inter- quent lake openings with less fl uctuation. rupt this reliability, as areas get boggy and A higher lake is not ideal for bird watchers unpassable. Similarly, where boardwalks as the Greenpark Sands are under water, al- and bridges become ‘wet’ with high lake though Kaitorete Spit remains accessible for levels, this can be a problem. the activity. Access Th is study has found that: Access provision to the Lake is adequate, ■ Lake level dictates the ability to pursue although some site-specifi c issues exist certain recreational activities, or suit- (usually concerning landholders’ rights able places for the activity and needs). Th e Joint Management Plan

■ A constant Lake level appears to be de- (TRONT and DOC, 2005) maps legal pub- FIGURE 3. Access sign at Harts Creek. sirable for most recreation purposes lic access areas/routes and identifi es ten key ■ Users’ uncertainty about the level of the foot lake access points and seven key boat facet of the recreational setting. A holistic Lake is an issue, although Environment access points. Th e plan has policies to pro- approach to management of the lake envi- Canterbury off ers a user-pays Lake vide, enhance and maintain these access ronment (the recreation setting) is required level telephone information service (a points, as well as provide public informa- for recreational purposes. co-ordinated web-based information tion about them. Lake level portal is proposed in Section 9.4: Edu- Since the 1996 study, Fish & Game New cation and interpretation) Zealand has improved lake access provi- Key informants expressed concern about sion with their nation-wide programme the timing of the lake opening and the ex- ■ It is desirable that the needs of recre- of access negotiation and signage. Th e or- tent of lake fl uctuation. Th ere appears to be ationists are taken into account with ganisation provides an access map ‘Close no ‘ideal’ lake level for recreation, owing to respect to Lake level management. Th is to Christchurch’ which gives instructions the diversity of activities and their diff ering would require input from the range of on access and a map showing access points

94 Recreation valuvalues around the lake (Figure 2). Designated ac- sion is appropriate for the current mix of Alternative recreation sites cess points correspond with on-site signage activities. Indeed, some key informants Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is a unique rec- (Figure 3), although some has yet to be put expressed an interest in keeping the lake reation resource for some activities, while in. Th ese accessways signal public access infrastructure basic they didn’t want ‘fl ash’ other lake-related activities can be satisfi ed and provide access for all recreationists (not facilities. However, these are existing users, elsewhere. Water sports have declined at the just fi shers and hunters). Informal access for whom existing conditions suit. An ex- lake, in part owing to the provision of alter- exists where locals and those ‘in the know’ ception to this recommendation is the pro- native sites. Activities for which the lake of- have arrangements with private landhold- posed lake visitor centre (see Section 9.4: fers a unique or special resource, with few ers to cross their land, or know public ac- Lake visitor centre). substitute sites, are the wildlife-related ac- cessways that are not signposted. Sites around the Lake are not connected. tivities (discussed in Section 9.2: Wildlife- Little road signage exists, with the excep- Some walking/cycling tracks between rec- dependent recreation) and cycling on the tion of road signs for Lakeside Domain and reation nodes (e.g. Lakeside Domain and rail trail.Potential opportunities discussed Coes Ford, the two primary land-based rec- Harts Creek) would be benefi cial. See Sec- in Section 9.4 build upon these special re- reation sites. Th is contrasts with other rec- tion 9.4: Kayaking, for discussion of the source characteristics for bird-watching reation areas, for example popular beaches, proposed Lake cycle trail. and cycling. Similarly, the opportunity for where road signage indicates roads which culture-based activities is discussed later, Little River Rail Trail provide beach access. If recreationists can- as yet, an untapped ‘resource’ (although in- not fi nd the lake or river access point, they Th e development of the rail trail has been a cluded within some educational fi eld trips). will not be able to undertake their recre- success story for the lake because it provides ational activity. a ‘connection’ with the lake for the public. Recreational ‘catchment’ Th is positive outcome has occurred by de- At a local and regional level, Te Waihora/ Awareness and information fault, in that the rail trail is centred upon the Lake Ellesmere is in close proximity to a An overarching factor infl uencing lake rec- rail route, not the lake. However, it illustrates growing population base or recreational reation is awareness of the recreation re- the potential for greater ‘connection’ of the catchment. Population fi gures suggest source. Th e lake has a low profi le on visitor public through recreational activities. Th is growing numbers of potential recreationists related web sites and in guidebooks (see, for idea is pursued in Section 9.4 via a range of in the immediate area. Table 4 shows the example, Bain et al., 2006). Most of the gen- potential opportunities. census night ‘usually resident population’ eral information and specifi c access infor- mation provided appears to assume some prior knowledge of the lake. A key infor- mant who used to run guided tours noted that few Christchurch people had been to the lake before coming on the tour. A corollary is that the lake is not a rec- ognised visitor destination. It lacks identifi - able places for the public to go and things to do, with a few exceptions (e.g. Coes Ford for picnicking). Th is compares with recre- ation sites such as Bottle Lake Forest Park or Sumner, which are known ‘destinations’ with known recreation opportunities. Sug- gestions for over-coming this ‘problem’ are presented in Section 9.4.

Recreation facilities Recreation facilities around the lake take the form of basic infrastructure, including signage, toilets, picnic tables, camping ar- eas, boat ramps and jetties. Some facilities are in a poor state of repair and require re- placement or maintenance (see Figure 4). In sum, a ‘tidy up’ is required. Th e ‘simple’ nature of the facility provi- FIGURE 4. Entry sign at Coes Ford. Photo Harts Creek is a popular bird-watching site. Photography Kay Booth.

95 TE WAIHORA / LAKE ELLESMERE: State of the Lake and Future Management

TABLE 4. Population statistics for Christchurch City and Selwyn District (Statistics New Zealand, considered as part of the development of 2007). lakeside recreation in the future. 1996 2001 2006 Lack of data Territorial Authority While the dearth of research data does not Christchurch City 316,608 324,060 348,435 infl uence recreation per se, it does aff ect Selwyn District 24,783 27,312 33,666 sound decision-making about recreation on Ward and near the lake. Diffi culties encountered Ellesmere18 6948 8304 11379 during this study include: Springs19 5040 5478 5925 Selwyn Central20 7302 7509 9780 ■ Variations in research parameters Banks Peninsula21 7581 7833 8166 (across studies) make it diffi cult to un- derstand/measure use trends

for Selwyn District and Christchurch City At the national level, 79% of New Zea- ■ Diff erent study areas makes compari- since 1996 (Statistics New Zealand, 2007). landers identify themselves as recreational son diffi cult Christchurch City recorded a 10% popula- users of fresh water (BRC, 2004 cited in ■ Because there are many recreational tion increase between 2001 and 2006, while MfE, 2004). Similarly, New Zealand lakes groups involved, it is diffi cult to com- Selwyn District showed a 23% increase. Th e and rivers feature prominently as tourism prehensively cover all aspects of recre- national fi gure is an 8% increase. Wards of attractions (Ministry of Tourism, 2004). In ation. Christchurch City and Selwyn District that other words, there is strong interest in activ- Inadequate or ineffi cient recreational are close to the lake are also shown in Table ities associated with fresh water from both planning is a risk, in that many decisions 4. All wards show population increases, es- New Zealanders and international visitors. are being made with an inadequate in- pecially Ellesmere. A current study will provide more infor- formation base, as studies (including this Population projections indicate that the mation about the needs and values of New one) have relied on key informants, rather Christchurch City and Selwyn District Zealand river users (Galloway, in prep); its than empirical data. Establishing a mean- populations will increase by a projected funding by several national agencies indi- ingful research monitoring programme is 14%22 and 57%, respectively, between 2001 cates the importance of river recreation in challenging, given the large area of inter- (base fi gure) and 2026 (medium projection New Zealand. est (multiple sites) and the low use levels series) (Statistics New Zealand, 2007). Th is of many sites. Cost-eff ective means of data compares with a 22% projected national in- Recreational trends gathering would require careful planning. crease. Recreation is strongly aff ected by techno- Section 9.5 outlines the rudiments of a pro- Several communities are located near the logical change and shift s in user preferences posed recreation monitoring programme. lake edge: Birdlings Flat, Greenpark Huts, (Devlin and Booth, 1998). Relevant changes Upper and Lower Selwyn Huts, Lakeside were noted in Section 9.2. and Taumutu. Th ese residential communi- 9.4 Potential recreation Recreational effects ties provide a distinct cultural setting for opportunities Adverse eff ects from recreationists upon visitors, owing to their rural- and bach-like Th is section discusses fi ve future opportu- the environment, and upon other users, appearance. nities which would enhance recreational appear to be relatively minor at present, Th e residents of these neighbouring values of the lake and its margins. Th ese with the exception of motorised use of spe- communities spoken to as part of this study opportunities are at the ‘ideas’ stage - they cifi c sites (especially trail bikes). Sites men- indicated a strong place attachment - in require investigation of their feasibility. part they lived there because they liked the tioned by key informants were Coes Ford environment and the recreational oppor- (confl ict with other users), and Taumutu Lake visitor centre tunities it provided. Th e ability to recreate and Kaitorete Spit (environmental eff ects A Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere visitor centre around the lake (to go fl oundering, for ex- upon sensitive natural and historic heritage is proposed, to be located beside the lake, ample) was very important to them. Recre- sites). Adverse eff ects are likely to increase possibly at the Kaituna Quarry. A lakeside ational values for local residents should not if use levels increase, and may require active visitor centre would provide many benefi ts, be overlooked. management. Th is is a factor that should be including:

18 Ellesmere Ward includes Leeston, Southbridge, Dunsandel, Selwyn-Rakaia 19 Springs Ward includes Lincoln, Springston, Tai Tapu 20 Selwyn Central Ward includes Rolleston, Springston 21 Banks Peninsula Ward includes Little River and the eastern side of the Lake 22 http://www.ccc.govt.nz/christchurch/factsstatsandfigures/population/projections-christchurch.pdf, accessed 20 Oct 2007

96 Recreation valuvalues

■ A visitor ‘destination’ Off -site information is also required, to an international scale. A booming bird- ■ A visitor hub for the lake to ‘connect’ alert people to lake-related recreation op- watching ‘industry’ could support tourism people with the environment portunities. A ‘one-stop shop’ lake visitor operations such as guided tours and accom- website would be ideal. modation. ■ Th e opportunity for public education Th e potential exists for a Maori eco-tour- about lake values ism venture based around interpreting rel- Lake cycle route ■ An attraction for cyclists on the rail trail evant ‘stories’ (such as mahinga kai). How- Th e success of the Little River Rail Trail (if sited along the route) ever, recent research by Landcare Research suggests the potential to extend the route ■ An opportunity for commercial ven- (Wilson et al. 2006) does not suggest a posi- around the lake, or part of the lake. A cir- tures, such as a café or guided walks/ tive outcome from this opportunity. Th e cular route could extend from the rail trail cycle rides study examined potential interest in Maori at Birdlings Flat, along the public road that ■ A centre for community projects to eco-tourism products in the nearby Banks traverses Kaitorete Spit, across Ngāi Tahu engage with potential volunteers. Peninsula area, by surveying international land near the lake outlet and back along As noted earlier, despite its high natu- and domestic tourists23. Th ey found that: existing roads or embankments to complete ral and cultural values, the lake has a low ■ Tourists wish to experience Maori cul- the full circuit. Potential issues with the full profi le within the visitor/tourist informa- ture in recognisable ways, which oft en circuit include: tion literature - it is not a recognised visitor means engaging with the traditional ■ Requires the ability to cross the Lake destination. A visitor centre could address marketed aspects of culture rather than outlet reliably. Th is could be overcome this issue, in part. Th e primary market for with contemporary culture via web-based information provision the visitor centre would be SH75 traffi c (a ■ Maori cultural components appear to about Lake opening times stop-over en route to Akaroa), rail trail us- add some value to the visitor experience ■ May not be of interest to cyclists given ers, bird-watchers (who may have diff erent and there was value in engagement on a the mix of sealed roads and unsealed needs from other groups) and people who personal level with Maori culture roads (i.e. riding mountain bikes on a are attracted to the visitor centre as a ‘des- ■ Th ere is no real Maori cultural tourism sealed road is not attractive) tination’. ;market in the South Island, but there is ■ Some stretches are long and straight An ideal location for the visitor centre is potential to capture those international (potentially boring) the Kaituna Quarry. It provides a location tourists who choose the South Island as where the land and lake intersect, off ers a ■ Some areas would require walking (e.g. their gateway or who never intend visit- scenic vista across the lake to the Alps, has end of Spit). ing the North Island easy access via SH75, has sites of historic A partial route could be facilitated around interest, provides a connection with the rail ■ Th e inclusion of Maori culture in tour- the north east portion of the lake, from the trail and is public conservation land. ism experiences did not appeal to most existing rail trail, along the embankments domestic visitors. to the Halswell Canal. With bridges, the Education and interpretation route could be extended westward. As with Bird-watching In addition to the visitor centre, and irre- the existing rail trail, walkers would be able spective of whether it is built, the rich Maori Globally, bird-watching is a popular pursuit, to use the same trail. and Pakeha history and values of the lake attracting a dedicated cadre of participants Opportunities for commercial services warrant ‘story-telling’ via on-site interpreta- who are willing to travel internationally to exist if a critical mass of cyclists was con- tion (interpretation panels, etc). Interpreta- observe birds. Th e lake is an (inter)nation- centrated in the area (in connection with tion plans are already under development ally signifi cant bird site and already attracts the existing rail trail). Th is might include and should be encouraged. international ‘birders’. Th is opportunity hospitality (food/drink provision); guiding; In contrast with inland alpine lakes, Te could be developed further. Th is would mechanical assistance. Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is not a ‘scenic’ at- require access to good viewing areas. Few Kayaking traction, although the vista across the lake facilities are needed, beyond those required to the Alps is spectacular, especially on to facilitate access, both on-site and off -site, Lake tributaries provide an ideal fl at-water sunset. Its ‘pull factor’ is educational - pub- such as web-based information. Th e poten- kayaking setting, however many areas cur- lic understanding of the lake’s outstanding tial market is birders, the public and eco rently lack aesthetic appeal. Riparian plant- natural and cultural heritage. On-site in- tourism operators. ing and improved water quality would en- terpretation is a key means to achieve this Th ere is the potential to make the lake hance the setting for kayakers, especially on educational role. an outstanding bird-watching location on the Lower Selwyn, LII and the Halswell riv-

23 Tourist interest in three product scenarios was surveyed: A one-day guided boat trip (on the sea), a half-day guided walk (of Peninsula food trails) and an evening cultural performance and hang;

97 TE WAIHORA / LAKE ELLESMERE: State of the Lake and Future Management

ers. Th is opportunity would suit most kay- TABLE 5. Recreation vision, outcomes and performance indicators for recreation. aker abilities, including family recreation. It Recreation vision: A healthy recreation resource that is well used and valued

would provide a convenient training area Outcome Performance indicator for local competitive kayakers who live or Lake-related recreation opportunities are Number of ‘hits’ for the lake on recreation/ work in the area. Off -site information about recognised and valued by the public tourism web pages get-in and get-out places would be required, High level of satisfaction with recreation Visitors and local residents obtain a high quality participation. Measured via on-site and off-site along with on-site signage (similar to the recreation experience surveys Fish & Game New Zealand access system). 1. Low level of visitor annoyance with other Recreational impacts are minimised users. 2. Minimal disturbance to sensitive cultural 9.5 Recreation vision, and environmental sites. outcomes and Measured via visitor survey and direct contact indicators with management agencies A vision statement for lake-related recre- ation is proposed as: A healthy recreation formation site emphasising lake values Devlin, P.J. and Booth, K.L. 1998. Out- resource that is well used and valued. Th e and what people can see and do door recreation and the environment: to- reference to ‘health’ refers to the natural wards an understanding of the recreational environment base on which Lake-related ■ Enhance on-site interpretation use of the outdoors in New Zealand, in recreation depends. ■ Consider recreational needs when de- Perkins, H.C. and Cushman, G. (eds.), Th ere are two keys to the realisation of fi ning the lake opening regime Time Out? Leisure, Recreation and Tourism this vision. First, is to enhance the resource ■ Improve water quality in New Zealand and Australia. pp109-126. so it better caters for existing uses - activity- ■ Enhance riparian areas on lower reach- Longman, Auckland. based pursuits and land-based activities. es of key tributaries Fish & Game New Zealand. 2007. From Th is largely rests upon improving the qual- ■ Maintain (and improve) public access offi ce fi les: Count of registered mai mais ity of the natural environment, upon which to the lake on Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora). Fish & existing use relies. Th is includes fi sh and Game New Zealand (North Canterbury), wildlife habitat. ■ Tidy up and actively manage land- Christchurch. Second, is to unlock the potential for based activity areas (Lakeside Domain, Fish & Game New Zealand. 1998. Game- more people to connect with the lake via Coes Ford) bird Hunter Access. Fish & Game New Zea- recreation. To achieve this, people need to ■ Develop a recreation monitoring land (North Canterbury), Christchurch. identify the lake as a recreational destina- system. Galloway, S. (in prep.). New Zealand Rec- tion. Th ey need to know about it and have reational River Use Study: Specialisation, an identifi able destination(s) - where to go Motivation and Decision-making. Univer- and what to do. Th is report suggests one 9.7 Acknowledgements sity of Otago, Dunedin. ‘solution’ to this challenge - a lakeside visi- Th is report was commissioned by the Lucas Associates. 2007a. Draft Manage- tor centre. Th is would become the visitor Waihora Ellesmere Trust. Lindis Consult- ment Plan for Lakeside Domain Recreation hub for the lake-see Section 9.4: Lake visi- ing undertook the work. Th e author wishes Reserve. Prepared for Selwyn District Coun- tor centre. to thank the key informants who provided cil. Lucas Associates, Christchurch. Table 5 presents three long-term out- information for this study and Jude Wilson Lucas Associates. 2007b. Draft Manage- comes sought for lake-related recreation, (research assistant). ment Plan for Coes Ford Recreation Reserve. and indicators that would refl ect progress Prepared for Selwyn District Council. Lucas toward those outcomes (a monitoring pro- 9.8 References Associates, Christchurch. gramme). Bain, C. Dunford, G. Miller, K. O’Brien, S. Millichamp, R.H. 2005. Evidence pre- and Rawlings-Way, C. 2006. Lonely Planet sented to the Environment Court re Lynton 9.6 Recommendations New Zealand. Lonely Planet Publications, Dairy Limited v Canterbury Regional Coun- Managers can implement the following ac- Melbourne. cil. Evidence dated 19 April 2005. tions to enhance Lake-related recreation Blackford, C.J. and Law, E. 1996. Chapter Ministry for the Environment. 2004. Wa- opportunities: Fift een: Recreation. Pp223-235 in Taylor, ter Bodies of National Importance: Potential Water Bodies of National Importance for ■ Construct a lakeside visitor centre K.J.W. (ed.) (1996) Th e Natural Resources of Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) and its Recreation Value. Ministry for the Environ- ■ Provide an information package about Catchment. Canterbury Regional Council, ment, Wellington. the lake: ‘One-stop shop’ web-based in- Christchurch. Ministry of Tourism. 2004. Waters of Na-

98 Recreation valuvalues

tional Importance for Tourism. Ministry of ■ Russell Matheson, Canterbury Windsports Tourism, Wellington. Association Statistics New Zealand. 2007. Selwyn ■ Graeme Gordon, Canterbreeze Blokart Club Quarterly Review: June 2007. Statistics New ■ Committee member, Canterbury Jet Sports Zealand, Wellington. Club Sutherland-Downing, V. and Elley, R. ■ James McGillivray, Eastcoast Boardriding Co. (revised by Adrian Daley). 2004. Inventory of Recreation Values for Rivers and Lakes of ■ Mike Gopperth, Mike’s Fishing Shop Canterbury, New Zealand. Report U04/14. ■ David Bailey, local resident Environment Canterbury, Christchurch. ■ Vince Burke, local resident Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Department ■ Jill Crossland, local resident of Conservation. 2005. Te Waihora Joint Management Plan Mahere Tukutahi o Te ■ Colin Hill, local resident Waihora. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and De- ■ Ray Smith, local resident partment of Conservation, Christchurch. ■ Geoff Spearpoint, local resident Unwin, M.J. and Brown, S. 1998. Th e Geography of Freshwater Angling in New Zealand: A Summary of Results from the 1994/96 National Angling Survey. NIWA Client Report, Christchurch. Unwin, M.J. and Image, K. 2003. Angler Usage of the Lake and River Fisheries Man- aged by Fish & Game New Zealand: Results from the 2001/02 National Angling Survey. NIWA Client Report, Christchurch. Wilson, J. Horn, C. Sampson, K. Doherty, J. Becken, S. and Hart, P. 2006. Demand for Maori Eco-Cultural Tourism. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln.

9.9 Appendices

Appendix A List of key informants

■ Jason Arnold, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu ■ Fiona Musson, Te Taumutu Rūnanga ■ Ross Millichamp, Fish & Game New Zealand ■ Steve Terry, Fish & Game New Zealand ■ Dave Milward, Department of Conservation ■ Poma Palmer, Department of Conservation ■ Wayne Beggs, Department of Conservation ■ Don Jellyman, NIWA ■ Nick Allen, Ornithological Society of New Zealand ■ Mike Peters, New Zealand Ecological Resto- ration Network ■ Chrissie Gargett, Ellesmere Aquatic Club ■ Phil Kiesanowski, New Zealand Jet Boat Association

99 e Waihora/Lakeke EEllesmereesmere is a larargeg coastal lake, intermitteniintermittentlynterm open to the sea. It is highly regarded for its conservation and related values, some of which are of international signifi cance. Its function as a sink for nutrients from its large predominantly agriculturally based catchment, currently undergoing accelerated intensifi ca- tion, is also recognised, at least implicitly. It is the resulting conflict fromm thesee value sets which is mainly responsible for the on- going debate about the future of the lake.

Thih s book serves to quantify the nature of this debate by documentin ng chach nges to lakeak values, both over time and spatially. It pro- vides a standardised approach to reporting these changes, set against indicators thhat are value-spspecific. Ultimately, it provr idedes a ttemplate for thinkingng about future manage-ge ment scenariar os for the lake and itss envnvirons.ns Givenn thisas apprpp oach the book ultimately serves as a resource for helping understand the ever-changing and current and possible future states of the lake, under a variety of manage- ment requiremenm ts and implications.