The ambassadors, Zoe Eckhoff and George Mclellan, will be based out of ORC’s Cromwell office from now until mid-February, connecting with locals and visitors about how to protect our waterways from freshwater pests.
ORC’s Environmental Delivery Portfolio Lead, Councillor Robbie Byars, says summer is a crucial time to remind people how easily freshwater pests like lagarosiphon and didymo can spread between waterways.
“Even a tiny fragment of lagarosiphon or a drop of water on gear can be enough to transport pests to a new location,” Councillor Byars adds. “But with a few simple actions, like following the Check, Clean, Dry method, we can all help protect Otago’s lakes and rivers”.
The ambassadors’ work focuses on face-to-face engagement—talking with boaties, kayakers, paddleboarders, jet skiers, anglers and other water users about preventing the spread of pests and the importance of cleaning equipment between each waterway.
Zoe is in the midst of her studies at the University of Otago completing a double major in ecology and
communication studies and has been enjoying taking her ecological knowledge into the community.
She's excited to apply her experience in advocacy work and passion for the environment to raise awareness around freshwater quality and the Check, Clean, Dry initiative. Having grown up in the Central Otago region, Zoe already feels a deep-rooted love for the local lakes and rivers that will drive her enthusiasm in this role as a freshwater ambassador.
George has a background in ecology with a degree in marine biology completed in 2021. He is passionate about the outdoors and spends as much time as he can hitting the trails and bobbing around in the lakes. He is excited about spending the summer engaging with the community about the Check, Clean, Dry method and helping to protect Central Otago’s remarkable freshwater ecosystems.
“This boots-on-the-ground mahi really matters,” says ORC Team Leader Biodiversity Programmes, Robert Win. “When people meet our ambassadors at boat ramps or river edges, they’re often keen to learn more, and that enthusiasm helps keep pests out of new places.”
Last summer, ORC’s ambassadors interacted with roughly 830 water users. While many were familiar with the Check, Clean, Dry message, there’s a great opportunity to enhance best practice and deepen knowledge on applying these measures effectively, especially as new pests emerge.
“The community has been really responsive,” Mr Win says. “But the risk is ongoing. Without continued
vigilance, freshwater pests — especially lagarosiphon — could seriously impact our most valued rivers and lakes.”
Throughout summer, the ambassadors will also attend key events across Central Otago to reinforce this important reminder: always Check, Clean, Dry any gear that touches the water, every trip, every time — and stay safe while enjoying Otago’s waterways.
The Check, Clean, Dry method
Check, Clean, Dry is the Ministry for Primary Industries’ national programme for preventing the spread of didymo, lagarosiphon and other freshwater pests.
Check – Remove all plant matter from gear and leave it at the site or put it in the rubbish. Never wash plant material down a drain.
Clean – Choose the cleaning method that suits your gear. Guidance is available at orc.govt.nz/checkcleandry
Dry – Thoroughly dry all gear, inside and out. Once dry to the touch, leave it for a further 48 hours before using it again.
To find out more about freshwater pests in Otago, keeping safe on and in the water, and other summer safety messaging, visit: orc.govt.nz/summersafety
