Happy Cows Thanks to Sustainable Farming Georgie Mccall Was Raised on a Sheep and Cropping Farm in Canterbury and Initially Took No Interest in Farming

Rural Otago’s water update

Spring 2017

Happy cows thanks to sustainable farming Georgie McCall was raised on a sheep and cropping farm in Canterbury and initially took no interest in farming. That all changed when her parents converted the farm to dairy about 20 years ago.

She started out helping the Her husband Adam was never A second travelling irrigator means sharemilkers when she was 13 and going to be a dairy farmer, but they can empty the pond faster worked her way up to calf rearing. Georgie’s enthusiasm won him when conditions are suitable. As she got older she worked over. They now have a 310-hectare “We can use it like full-time on the farm in the school self-contained farm alongside the a water irrigator, holidays. Pomahaka River in West Otago, so instead of the in equity partnership with Adam’s After graduating with an honours effluent being a parents. degree in agriculture science waste product we from Lincoln, Georgie took a job There have been a lot of changes can use it to keep with Environment Canterbury to since they took over the farm 11 the paddocks help farmers with environmental years ago. Back then a sump only going,” Georgie sustainability. A lightbulb moment held effluent from three to four Georgie McCall says. as the calving season approached milkings, which gave them no “It’s had a lot of benefits because made her realise dairy farming is flexibility around irrigating. it also spreads the potassium her passion. This was replaced with a 90+ load across the paddocks, which “I love the challenge of farm days storage pond, and they also is better on the cows. Another management. It’s like a big jigsaw doubled the irrigation area from bonus is that our staff don’t have and you have to put all the pieces 50 to 100 hectares so they could to irrigate on the weekends. It’s together,” Georgie says. better utilise their effluent. also helped our stress levels Continued overleaf Continued from cover because we don’t have to worry if it’s raining or snowing; we have enough storage,” she said. The two irrigators have cut-off systems and will stop if the wheels stop moving. They train their staff to not only use the irrigators correctly but also to watch them like a hawk. “A lot of it is common sense,” Dairy farmer Duncan Wells discusses farming and the environment with students from Otago Girls’ High School Georgie says. “It’s not a hard job, but it’s important to know how to do it properly and to make Students learn about farming while sure staff are well trained and understand our expectations.” looking after the environment Duncan Wells is a third-generation dairy farmer. His English wife Anne-Marie comes from a The other big change on farm business background and didn’t own a pair of gumboots when she met him, but they have happened a couple of years Family fun on the banks of the Pomahaka River combined their talents and are now in their seventh season running a 181-hectare dairy farm on ago when Georgie and Adam • They milk around 10 days being able to reduce their nitrogen the Taieri, with 600 cows. converted to once-a-day (OAD) longer in the season because usage. milking with their 650 cows. A the cows are in such good “A local man has told us our cows Eleven Year 13 economics and that being able to sleep at on recycled silage wrapping that number of factors led to this: condition look like they are the most relaxed students from Otago Girls’ High night and know they are doing the could have ended up in landfill. • The farm is 4 km long with School recently visited the Wells’ right thing is worth it. • Cows are dried off at a Body in the area.” Duncan and Anne-Marie also the dairy shed in the middle. farm to learn how dairy farming Condition Score of 5 and We were impressed with how discussed the importance of The cows had a long walk and She sees farming next to the can be carried out in way that is therefore only maintenance Duncan described OVERSEER animal welfare, and environmental the couple needed additional Pomahaka River as a privilege for friendly to the environment. ORC feed is required over winter to the students. He said they can aspects such as making sure labour to sit behind the cows her family. The effect they have on was invited along to talk about our • The number of lame cows has see a lot about how well things waterways are fenced off, and twice a day and deal with lame the river is always at the forefront Water Plan rules. ones been significantly reduced of their minds. are going on the farm with their ensuring soil is looked after The purpose of the students’ visit eyes, but OVERSEER helps them through the prevention of pugging • Improved reproductive • OAD milking has relieved the Regular water testing gives clarity was to learn about farming in an with something they can’t see by and only applying effluent and performance pressure on needing additional around what impact they are environmentally-friendly way. After telling them the calculated level of fertiliser when needed. feed • Staff have more variety having and where they can make a brief run-down of the farm and a nutrients being lost through the The visit concluded with an because they’re not just improvements. Georgie is an active tour of the milking shed, we were soil profile and potentially into a • Having two off-site beef blocks impressive display of a giant milking, and they are retaining member of the Pomahaka Farmers shown the effluent infrastructure waterway, which can harm the fish at Edievale and Roxburgh fodder beet, which Anne-Marie staff for longer Water Care Group and is really while Anne-Marie and Duncan living there. means they have the time to described as, “The lollies of cow excited about what the group can talked about the importance of retain control without needing • Family life with their two young He said they combine the food.” The students also had fun achieve. Her family gets a lot of responsible effluent management to put a manager on the runoff children has improved because OVERSEER data with best practice patting some friendly calves. enjoyment out of the river, whether and irrigation. blocks. they have more flexibility in the to make sure they’re doing it’s bonfires and fireworks in winter, Anne-Marie is part of the Agri- afternoons. Seeing the contents of the sump everything they can to look after “Converting to OAD is one of or summer afternoons at the women’s Development Trust was enough for the students to the environment. Their nitrogen the most challenging things “The perception is that cows on swimming hole. Escalator Programme, which takes screw up their noses, despite limit is 30, and Duncan said they we’ve done,” Georgie says. “The OAD eat less but we haven’t really 14 women through a leadership An improved effluent system, there being no smell. They hung currently sit between seven and information available a few years found that. They just partition and governance course each year. the conversion to OAD milking, around this area just long enough 12. ago when we started looking into it more feed into maintaining body One of her goals for the farm is to re-building the soil, and on-farm to learn about the effluent tank that is poles apart from what’s available condition,” Georgie says. “A local We also liked seeing that they host at least six groups each year water testing combined with holds one million cubic meters of now, so taking the plunge was man has told us our cows look like collect and recycle the plastic to share what they do with the riparian planting, has given effluent, and has an impressive scary. But going forward we think they are the most relaxed in the from their baleage, which they wider, non-farming community. Georgie peace of mind that not traffic-light system designed and it’s going to be a good move, once area.” said is an effort but worth it if only are she and Adam looking built by Duncan that measures the The high school students were we’ve ironed it out.” it can be re-used or made into Georgie and Adam are also after the environment and the pond level and reflects how much one of the first groups to benefit The benefits are already something else. ORC liaison building up the soil structure on welfare of their cows, but that they storage there is. from this and enjoyed learning noticeable: specialist Nicole Foote piped in to the farm by encouraging micro- also have more time to spend with about how the practical aspects Anne-Marie explained the eye- say park benches are sometimes • Time on the yard has dropped organisms instead of relying on their growing family. Georgie has of farming are combined with watering investment they’ve made from it. It’s a nice thought from six to three-and-a-half synthetic fertiliser. They are already shown that it’s possible to strike a technology and science to look put into the infrastructure and that people sitting in a beautiful hours a day and it only needs to seeing an improvement in young good balance. after not only the animals, but also technology to make sure their spot to enjoy nature are perched be washed down once a day grass performance, and they like the environment. effluent system is up to scratch,

2 3 Slink collection – what are your options? Some companies aren’t offering a slink collection service in Otago (and Southland) this year because of a market downturn in the demand for skins, and because there are stockpiles of skins from previous seasons.

It’s a timely reminder to make sure you dispose of any lamb or calf carcases responsibly if you use an offal pit on your farm. If you are burying carcases in an offal pit, make sure you know the rules: • Offal pits must be at least 100 metres away from any wells • Offal pits must be at least 50 metres away from any waterways or property boundaries • The pit must be dug in a way that there is no groundwater seepage into the pit, or leachate from the pit cannot enter any waterways • The offal pit must not cause a nuisance and cannot be noxious, dangerous, offensive, or objectionable beyond the boundaries of the property Make sure you also follow any rules or guidelines set by your meat or milk processor. What’s your take on residual flows? Please dispose of carcases as soon as you can to avoid biosecurity risks. In this article, we explore residual flows and explain why we’re developing changes to them, as well as letting you know how you can help shape the future of them. If you have any queries about carcase disposal please call one of our liaison specialists or environmental monitoring officers on 0800 474 082. A residual flow is an amount aquatic values and the natural There is uncertainty about how of water that must remain in character of the waterway. a residual flow is determined, as a waterway where water is the Water Plan doesn’t provide However, since those provisions being taken. Leaving water and guidance on this. Therefore, a were put in the Water Plan in 2004, not pumping waterways dry consequence is often tension people have been telling us that is fundamental to supporting between permit holders, affected there should be a wider range of HOW DOES YOUR FARM STACK UP? riverine ecosystems, downstream parties and ORC staff. This tension values protected by residual flow communities and livestock. It also can increase the cost of obtaining conditions. We’ve heard that ORC protects the natural character a permit, and results from a lack of should be able to consider leaving of the waterway, giving people clarity around how a residual flow water for downstream water users, pleasure through active and level is determined. irrespective of whether they are passive recreation, and enables water takers or want to use the With the upcoming expiry of the economic use of water when it water for recreational purposes. deemed permits, many permit is available. holders are exploring working People and companies who This article outlines four reasons together as water management hold surface water permits also why ORC is reviewing the residual groups to manage water in their tell us that it can be difficult to flow provisions of the Regional catchment. The way the current measure the residual flow level Plan: Water for Otago (Water Plan). provisions work means that each at the location where they take The experiences of the wider of them will need to measure their Entries now open! water. We’ve heard that sometimes Otago community and ORC staff own residual flow level. there are physical restrictions on 2018 Ballance Farm www.bfea.org.nz dealing with applications for water the ability to install any kind of We’re hearing that groups want to Environment Awards permits are also being taken into measuring device. be able to measure the residual account. flow at one practical location, thus The Water Plan doesn’t allow TheThe awards Ballance are a Farmgreat opportunityEnvironment for Awards you to getpromote an assessment farming and of how growing your farm practices is doing. You’ll getFollow us Currently, when a person or reducing the cost and burden on Twitter them to measure somewhere independentthat protect feedback and enhance about what the farmelse youenvironment. could be doing to not only help the environment, but also your company applies for a surface of measurement. Reviewing the @nzfetrust else that would be physically business. Past entrants have found the process invaluable so don’t miss your chance to enter. water permit, ORC staff consider provisions for this could provide easier – or even possible – to the residual flow provisions of the the flexibility to support group Entries close 31 October. Go to www.efea.org.nz to find out more. take the measurement. This lack Water Plan. In assessing a surface surface water take applications. Ben and Tanya Davie were the 2017 winners of the ORC Quality Water Management Award. You can find out of flexibility creates issues with The Awards give you the opportunity to: water permit application, we must why they won in the summer issue of Waterlines, which is due out before Christmas. compliance, or forces ‘work- If you want to learn more, check ensure the amount of water that • Benchmark your farming and growing business with others around’ solutions that can be out our website for contact details will remain in the river after the • Receive independent feedback from a team of agri-professionals expensive and difficult for the and information www.orc.govt.nz/ abstraction is sufficient to protect • Promote the many great sustainability initiatives happening permit holder. residualflows. on farms It is very important for rural New 4 • Tell your own great farming story, so... Zealand to show we are serious 5 about our ongoing commitment to the environment, communities and the economy. Showcasing successful farms is an excellent way of improving farming and growing practices right across the country. The Ballance Farm Environment Awards includes agriculture, horticulture and ENTER TODAY viticulture operations.

www.bfea.org.nz

WHAT PAST ENTRANTS ARE SAYING

Read great farming stories and feedback from past entrants from regions all over New Zealand from a variety of farming sectors on our wesbite: www.bfea.org.nz The judging process made us I’d say all farmers should give this take a good look at our business programme a go. It forces you to sit down and and think hard about what we are think about what you are trying to achieve. spending our money on. That’s been You also get access to key professionals a valuable exercise because in times with different skills who take a look at your like this, we have to watch our farm farm for free.” expenses very carefully.” – Sami and Laura Werder, Taranaki – Sara and Stuart Russell, Canterbury

Farmers shouldn’t wait until they Being involved in the programme has have fi nished improving their farm defi nitely been benefi cial for our business. because there is always more to do It’s a great feeling to get recognised in front and the feedback gained could of your farming colleagues. The awards evening help you prioritise this”. was one of the best farming events I’ve been to – George and Ellen Bartlett, in a long time.” Horizons – Richard and Kerry France, Otago Saving the soil Having good soil is a farmer’s most important asset. There is a growing movement to alter farming practices to make sure the soil is looked after by putting on less fertiliser, planting multi-species crops, and modifying cropping practices.

It was sitting on a tractor for He’s conscious of the rolling hours that got Hamish Bielski hillsides in South Otago and wants wondering why ploughing wasn’t to make sure he doesn’t lose any preventing soil compaction and of that precious soil or have runoff, fertiliser wasn’t improving soil which is why he’s happy with the health. He thought there must outcomes of the multi-species planting. be a better way. When Hamish pulls up a kale root The South Otago farmer has to check the soil underneath, it’s Hamish Bielski been experimenting with a new loose and crumbly. He’s confident system on his farm and after a that although cattle would result in Biodiversity – planting multi- couple of years is already seeing more compaction than the sheep species of forage improvements. He also feels he predominantly grazes, there Having more than one crop helps good that he’s farming in a more would still be less impact than on a the biology of the soil, provides environmentally-friendly way. bare soil. natural compost (e.g. rye corn), “It costs me money if I lose soil, “I can walk across a grazed area and can double or even triple and the system I’ve been trialling of multi-crops on a wet day and the root system. This approach not only keeps more soil on the not lose my grip,” he said. “I’ve also builds more topsoil, reduces paddock but also improves the soil also noticed better utilisation of the need for fertiliser input, and health,” Hamish said. the crop because the stock aren’t encourages beneficial bugs in the soil that will reduce the need for Before grazing After grazing It also minimises runoff both trampling it into the ground.” pesticides. The magic mix includes overland and through the ground, grasses, legumes, and herbs. Farm facts which means there is less risk of Hamish plants his crops grass to grow in dry conditions “When you’re doing things on a sediment and nutrients reaching based on the following Long rotations of stock and slows groundwater flow in large scale it’s a big risk, and there 300 waterways. principles: between each pasture wet weather (which is especially are a few people keeping an eye important in areas where there are on what I’m doing to see how hectares Giving pastures a decent rest “It’s a simple approach that’s been No mechanical disturbance tile drains). successful it is before they decide before stock grazes on them (60 planted in backed by research and science, of the soil if they’ll give it a go on their farm,” again allows longer root systems Hamish spent more hours than arable grain) and I can’t believe I didn’t cotton Ploughing the soil damages the he said. onto it years ago. What opened my to grow, which act as a thermal he’d like to count on YouTube soil structure and biology so he no regulator for the soil. before he took the plunge to try “I’m excited about what’s ahead 1100 eyes is that farming outcomes can longer tills. be improved through a system, not the new system. In the end, the for us in terms of growing high- ewes a product.” No bare soil So how does this help overseas examples he studied quality crops, and I’ve realised that convinced him that he could it’s not just about what we farm, The plant litter acts as a filter for water quality? 250 The answer to soil health has been produce more under this approach but how we farm,” Hamish said. water and nutrients, and minimises regenerative farming. Multi-species cropping means than with conventional farming hoggets compaction. Hamish’s goal is to produce 12 you can plant crops that have a methods, while at the same time Hamish plants a number of crop tonnes of dry matter each year. A live root in the ground at all longer root system. This not only needing substantially less inputs. 900 species for winter feed, including He’s still working his way up to times (or at least as much as aggregates the soil but also helps kale, rye corn and clover, with a He admits he’s gained a few grey that, but results have improved hoggets (grazed) possible) it act like a sponge to take up more small patch of fodder beet in the hairs since trialling the new farming year on year and he’s confident his A lot of nutrients are stored in the water in wet weather, and retain it middle of his grazing paddocks. approach, although he’s now risk will pay off with not only high 50 root zone and keeping these in the in dry weather. This allows more nailing down what works. production, but healthy soil. yearling cattle soil prevents nutrient loss.

6 7 Have you ever wondered what process ORC follows if enforcement action is needed? This flowchart What happens when outlines how we decide on action and what our eight enforcement tools are. Note that this process only applies to Resource Management Act offending and different things go wrong? enforcement options apply to different statues, i.e. Bylaw, the Biosecurity Act and the Building Act.

Breach of C staff memer liaises ecommendation decision it eam eader made to te RMA or nvestigations and nforcement on action nforcement ecision roup required ORC rules

no AActionction yes rrequired?equired?

A A o action o action enforcement enforcement deemed deemed tools applied tools used necessary necessary

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. EDCATION LETTER OF MONITORING WARNING INFRINGEMENT ABATEMENT ENFORCEMENT PROSECTION DIRECTION NOTICE NOTICE ORDER

Education given, and A written direction to Increased inspections A letter informing that A formal, written directive Made by the Environment access to assistance, to take or cease a particular to monitor activities may an offence has been $1000 for minor breaches to advise of a breach of Court; instructing a the district court and address non-compliance. action to remedy or occur as a deterrent for committed. It will go on of the RMA. the RMA, plan rules or person to comply with the the case is heard by a The goal is to educate mitigate the effects breaches of rules, and their record and may resource consent. The provisions of the RMA, judge who is also an about mitigation of non-compliance or also to ensure progress is be considered if similar recipient is instructed a rule in the plan, or the environmental judge, measures that can be prevent further breaches. being made to offending occurs in the to take or stop actions terms and conditions of and who decides the applied in the future. address the reasons future. to achieve compliance, a resource consent. Cost outcome. for the breach. recovery can be included timeframe. The notice in this process. can be appealed to the Environment Court.

8 9 It is recognised that each case is weighted on its individual merits. No one case is the same and ORC staff recognise that each case needs to be investigated thoroughly. A workshop at the Arrowtown Bowling Club Martin King, ORC manager environmental services, and Richard Lord, team leader biosecurity compliance, inspect a broom bush infected with broom gall mite. Pointing the arrow to water in the Wakatipu Water: it sustains life and creates an environment that draws people to live, work, It seemed like a good idea at the time and play in the Wakatipu Basin. Let’s look closer at what’s happening to preserve the In the 1800s, settlers to NZ introduced broom so it could be planted in hedges. What availability and access to this precious water resource. was intended to be a decorative and functional plant thrived in our climate and soon became a pest plant as it invaded the landscape. Standing on the banks of the about water and the environment it so you can see the broad range of Arrow River, it’s easy to see and creates in the Basin. views from your community appreciate the water that we play Broom is usually controlled by either digging out Once we have enough galls at our original release So why is ORC interested? We We are also busy exploring a in and enjoy being around. What the bush, or cutting it down and treating the stump. sites to harvest them, we want to see how well the have a role to play in ensuring range of options that could work is harder to see and appreciate At ORC we’ve been quietly working on a project to mite copes in wetter areas so we can eventually water is available for future successfully for the river and is the water we take from below test the effectiveness of broom gall mite, which is spread the mite to coastal areas of Otago. generations; to make sure our aquifers. Once we have developed a tiny bug that can stunt the growth of broom, and our own feet. We’re talking about The broom gall mite was brought into New Zealand by environment is sustainable and in some options, we’ll be seeking eventually kill it. water from the nine different Landcare Research, and is establishing in a number the best shape for our children and independent reports on the social, aquifers that exist under the It’s a long-term approach and requires patience, of areas around the country. Thankfully the mite only grandchildren. To do this we are economic, and cultural impacts of Wakatipu Basin. These aquifers but good things take time and what we’ve seen so likes broom, so won’t damage any other plants. developing a change to the Water those options. We will then bring supply many residents and far looks promising. In late 2012 we released broom Plan to set a minimum flow level that information, with the options, Broom grows almost anywhere, and survives up to properties with essential water. gall mites at two sites in Central Otago, and while for the Arrow River catchment. back to the community for further 1500 metres above sea level. It flowers in early spring progress started out slowly, it took off last summer. When it comes to how much This minimum flow level ensures discussions in November. with bright yellow flowers, and develops into pods by water is available, such thinking that our use of water does not The mite is slow to establish and needs to be spread summer. It can grow up to three metres tall and can We’ll be seeking your views on often creeps to the forefront of jeopardise the life of fish and to new sites with help from humans. We had an take over native tussocks. The seeds can be viable for which option you feel would be our minds when planning (or plants, or the natural character of exciting surprise at one of our release sites, where the up to 100 years, which is why it’s important to keep best for the Arrow River and the worrying) about the summer the river. mite has spread out over 400 metres from the original on top of it. aquifers. Once we’ve heard that, ahead, and how much water might release site, which is further than expected. We are also exploring the best we will look to refine one of those Over half of Otago (16,784 square kilometres) has be available to sustain our animals, way to manage the amount of options into a plan change and The mites themselves are tiny, but the galls (deformed been designated as broom-free. These areas are crops, or livelihood. Sometimes water allocated for use from the then come and see what you lumps on the bush) are easy to spot. The mites live Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, and Alexandra, and this isn’t a slow creep toward Wakatipu Basin aquifers. Setting think before we formally notify the and feed in the galls during spring and summer, and land occupiers need to destroy all broom (and gorse) the forefront of our mind, but the an allocation limit prevents people proposed plan change. move to new stems as the weather cools and the on their land. At ORC we hope to extend this area slamming reality of a life relying on from taking more water from an galls start to wither. when our Pest Management Strategy is reviewed, water. If you want to learn more about aquifer than is naturally able to be which is underway now. this issue, the process, or how you The mites spread on the wind, so infested plants ORC staff have been talking with replenished. can be involved, go to: need to be harvested to move the broom mite to new Biosecurity is not always glamourous or fast-paced, the Wakatipu Basin community After hearing the views of more www.orc.govt.nz/Arrow. You are sites. The best time to do this is in early summer, and but it’s an essential part of our work at ORC to keep about what they value about the than 90 people from the wider also welcome to contact the Water it’s as easy as tying a branch with at least 50 galls on pest plants such as broom from affecting biodiversity water in their area; how they use it community earlier this year, we Quantity team on 0800 474 082. it to a healthy broom bush, then waiting for the mites and taking over our beautiful landscape. and what they use it for, as well as are summarising what we heard to move across to the plant and start feeding on it. what they believe needs protecting

10 11 in between, and he wants to make sure he has the time to stop and chat with people. It’s these situations that often lead to sharing valuable information that A day in the life of… will benefit both farmers and ORC, and make everyone’s job easier. The September flooding had a big impact on many farmers in Otago; After a stop at the ORC Balclutha depot to catch up with staff based there, on the Taieri and in South Otago in particular. It seemed fitting that we headed back to Dunedin. The last appointment of the day was with a Lisa Gloag should spend a day with engineering officer Dan King, who contractor who was going to clear flood debris from a drain in the Tokomairiro manages the flood protection scheme in the Clutha. drainage scheme. Not only did Dan arrange the contractor; he’d also had to contact the six land “Pack your gumboots,” Dan $1.5 million. To build the same eels, and Dan needed to make owners who had the drain going through their property, to get their permission advised me. structure today would be almost sure the contractor knew the for the contractor and digger to go onto their land. It’s time-consuming for him, six times that, so it’s important Water Plan rules about what can but a great opportunity to make sure people know the Water Plan rules. I had been on leave and flew back to not lose it to the sea during and can’t be done when you work home just after the flood had Dan likes that his job combines his love of waterways with being able to see storms. in a waterway. peaked. My son had to give up his heavy machinery at work. He also loves that his ‘office’ is being out in the window seat so I could see how Dan and the contractor talked Dan told me he always contacts countryside. The variety and complexity of the jobs keep him motivated, and bad the flooding was as we flew shop and discussed logistics iwi, Fish and Game, and DOC needing to adapt to each situation keeps him on his toes. There’s only one set over the Taieri. I was shocked. before we headed back to town, for jobs like this. He knows he’s Daniel King routine in his week – finishing early Wednesday so he is home in time to look via another job he needed a not the only one who loves rivers after his two daughters after school. ORC staff members worked quote for. This one was to top and cares about the fish that live around the clock for over two Spending the day with Dan reminded me that office-based staff such as myself have little understanding about trees growing alongside a river to in them. Being a keen fisherman weeks during and after the flood. what staff in the field do, and vice versa. Today was a good chance to bridge that gap. I just wish I’d packed a prevent them falling over. himself, he sees rivers as nature They were busy draining water spare pair of socks. being at its best and purest, and from farmland and areas of loves having an input into keeping housing as quickly as they could. Dan needed to make sure the them that way. The flood protection schemes contractor knew the Water worked well and performed Plan rules about what can and Our next stop was assessing flood Enviroschools exactly how they were designed damage on a stretch of river where can’t be done when you work The Enviroschools programme empowers children to create more to, however it’s never good to see the water had reached levels over in a waterway. sustainable, healthy, caring environments and places for all to enjoy. farmland and houses under water. two metres. The flood debris hanging from the trees told a sad There are 66 Enviroschools in Otago, and regional coordinator Robyn The chance to learn about what’s Managing a flood protection story. Zink has given Waterlines a roundup of what’s been happening in our involved in looking after a flood and drainage scheme means neck of the woods. protection scheme was sadly As we admired the hoar frost Dan spends a lot of time timely. I managed to stand on some assessing and maintaining deceptively solid ground, only Clutha Valley School Dan has been with ORC for less the rock works, causeways, to find my gumboots filling with than a year but has quickly learned flood banks and drains in and All 121 students at the school sifted through three days of waste, and freezing cold, muddy water. Dan the ropes. He lives in Dunedin and around Balclutha. He calls in the found that 90% of it could have been recycled. They are now working out proved he’s good at multi-tasking travels to Balclutha most days. engineers for a more detailed how to separate waste from recycling, and will investigate the possibility by helping me out while laughing Dan studied horticulture and has assessment when needed, and Clutha Valley School waste audit of wheelie bins being extended to Clydevale. at the same time. Thanks Dan! a background in civil construction arranges maintenance work with Thanks also for blasting the heater and earthworks. He’s always had contractors. Relationship building on my cold feet when we got back St Gerard’s School, Clyde Primary School, a passion for the outdoors and the is a big part of the job and Dan into the ute. Goldfields Primary School environment, and this job fits the loves dealing with people in rural bill. It’s lucky he loves being on the areas, who he says know how to After driving to check on a flood These Central Otago schools are working on what makes a good home go because there’s little downtime call a spade a spade. blockage in another part of the for skinks and geckos. They want to develop part of their school grounds during his long days. river, we spent some time chatting to be lizard-friendly environments and are working alongside Landcare The next task for the day was with a farmer who spotted the Research to learn how to monitor for skinks and geckos to get a deeper After an early departure from going to see a contractor who was ORC vehicle and came to say hi. understanding of what they need and how to care for and enhance their Dunedin, our first stop was to pick clearing a debris dam from a river. He told us about his plans to do habitat. up a contractor in Balclutha so It had caused water to back up riparian planting beside the river on Dan could get a quote for repairing and damage pastural land. The his property and before we knew it the rock groyne at the Koau landowner hadn’t removed slash Wanaka Preschool 20 minutes had passed. mouth of the Clutha. This structure under trees near the waterway and Children visited Wanaka Wastebusters and loved finding out what prevents the river mouth from it washed downstream, causing a Dan said he only makes happens to the things they recycle. A highlight was seeing the ‘squishing blocking up, and the storm caused blockage and flooding. This river appointments for the start and machine’ that compresses cans. Grant Norbury explaining how to set up significant damage to it. When it is home to native fish and longfin end of the day, because he never a pitfall trap with Clyde Primary Enviro- was built in 1983 it cost around knows what’s going to crop up group, and teacher Alistair Banks

12 13 What’s up at ORC? Not all of the work we do at Otago Regional Council is focused around water. Here’s a summary of some other projects we are working on. Wallabies Urban water Research quality strategy

We need your help to get rid of this pest. We adopted the 2017/18 Annual Identify,Come to our report meeting to findand out howdestroy. to identify signs That’s of wallaby, and what to do if you spot any. Plan at the end of June. It includes the message behind our wallaby Tuesday 25 July more funding for several research campaign,Duntroon Hall, where 11am – we1pm ask the (lunch provided) projects. They include lake snow, public to be our eyes on the The recent changes to the Water scoping work for improving water ground so we can work together to Plan set up a new framework for quality in Lake Hayes (Central stop these pests from spreading RSVP to 0800 474 082 rural discharges, and we’re now Otago) and Tomahawk Lagoon ORC staff training for an oil spill in Otago Harbour. further into Otago. If you see any turning our attention to urban (Dunedin), and restoring the land wallabies or signs of wallabies, discharges from wastewater, margin around Lake Tuakitoto give us a call on 0800 474 082 so 'Live' oil spill exercise Funding for Pomahaka industrial discharges and (South Otago). It’s great to see we can come and investigate. Water Care Group stormwater. Some of these public submissions supporting ORC staff were training on Otago harbour recently to make sure we’re discharges are still being managed work to protect our beautiful lakes. prepared for an oil spill. The training scenario was set by Maritime NZ and ORC has given $20,000 towards Pest management strategy under rules dating back to the late we didn't know what it was until we got there, which meant our systems a project this catchment group is 1990s. It’s time to review them to Air quality strategy and planning could be tested under a simulated 'live' event. Staff from setting up that will look in detail at make sure the management of Environment Canterbury and West Coast Regional Council joined us for the positive effects wetlands can these discharges to water and the the training. have on water quality. coast will protect Otago’s While we were happy the drill went smoothly, we’ll be even happier if we We're looking forward to working environment. You’ll get a chance to don’t have to put it to the test for a real spill. alongside them and helping have your say as we gear up to with water quality testing and address these discharges. Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF) monitoring results. We can’t wait to give you updates as the ORC set up the EEF in 2015 to support activities that either maintain great Civil defence project progresses – the results environmental characteristics, or help improve environments that may will be useful for other groups and have degraded. In the last financial year the EEF granted the following: individuals who are establishing • $5000 towards fencing the Kakaho Creek wetland north of and maintaining wetlands. Did you know that as a land Hampden, which is considered to be a significant natural area occupier, you are responsible for There’s been a change to how Civil Breathing clean air is something • $3624 to the Wakatipu Conifer Control Group, to purchase tools for controlling pest plants or animals Defence operates in Otago. Staff most of us take for granted. volunteers who help to clear wilding conifers on your land? Otago’s pest who were previously employed by However, there are communities in management strategy is being • $4321 to the Lindis Pass Conservation Group Incorporated, to each district and city council are Otago where air quality can be reviewed. This strategy outlines purchase tools to clear and maintain a reserve close to SH8 of pest now working for Emergency poor, particularly in the winter. The landowner responsibilities and plants Management Otago. They’re still Otago Air Plan is being reviewed identifies the pest plants and based in each district but are this year. This will include taking a • $13,500 to Otago Fish and Game Council to purchase 2000 native animals that ORC will manage working together with the support fresh look at the rules for activities shrubs, and tree guards and stakes to protect them within Otago. You’ll get the chance of a core team based at ORC. The that could discharge contaminants to have your say on what’s If you have a project and want help with funding, go to www.orc.govt. new structure had its first real into the air, such as smoke, odour included in the revised strategy so nz and search ‘Environmental Enhancement Fund’ to find the application work-out in the response to the or dust. keep an eye on the ORC website form. July floods in Waitaki, Dunedin and and Facebook page for updates. Clutha.

14 15 Events calendar You'll find ORC staff at the following events...

October

12 Shag/Waihemo Nitrogen Sensitive Zone Science Project 7-8 p.m. Dunback Bowling Club

18-19 East Otago Field Days Palmerston Sales Yards, State Highway 85

25–27 Water Quantity: Arrow River and Wakatipu Basin aquifer minimum flow and water allocation limit setting consultation (details of date, venue and times TBC)

31 Biodiversity and Pest Management Forum

November

TBC Biodiversity and Pest Management Drop-ins around Otago

TBC Waiwera water quality summary community engagement (details of date, venue and times TBC)

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70 Stafford St Private Bag 1954 Dunedin 9054 Phone 03 474 0827 Freephone 0800 474 082 Fax 03 479 0015 www.orc.govt.nz Enquiries: [email protected]