Welcome to the March 2021 edition of On-Stream
Has anyone else noticed that there's an autumnal chill in the air this week? If the Arrow or Cardrona Rivers are important to you, make sure you come along to community meetings this week to hear about ORC's preferred option for managing the flow of these rivers. Also in this edition there's information about Te Mana o te Wai, an Enviroschools update, information about riparian planting and more. |
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Are the Arrow or Cardrona rivers important to you?
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We’ll be in your area this week, so please come and hear about about how we propose to manage the flow of freshwater in the Arrow and Cardrona rivers, based on what you told us you love about these waterways back in 2019.
We wanted to come back to you sooner, but needed to get more information, and then COVID-19 hit. We’ve now had more research done on the ecology and hydrology of the rivers, and had economic assessments completed for different ways to manage the catchments.
This, combined with the values and aspirations you told us about in 2019, has led to the development of a preferred option for managing water quantity in each river. The preferred options seek to provide for the needs and aspirations of the communities while taking an important first step towards meeting ORC’s obligations under the government’s new National Policy Statement for Freshwater.
Come along to a presentation about the way we propose to manage the catchments followed by discussion and questions:
For Arrow River:
Wednesday, 17 March 2021, to St John's Church, Arrowtown at 3-4.30pm OR 7-8.30pm. Find out more at www.orc.govt.nz/Arrow
For Cardrona River:
Thursday, 18 March 2021, Lake Wanaka Centre, 89 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, 1-2.30pm OR 7-8.30pm. Find out more at www.orc.govt.nz/Cardrona
Please book a seat by emailing customerservices@orc.govt.nz
The preferred option for managing water quantity for each area outlined at the meetings will go on to be part of the Dunstan Rohe chapter of the new Land and Water Regional Plan for Otago.
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Are you wondering what Te Mana o Te Wai is?
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| Watch this introductory video from the Ministry for the Environment to find out. |
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The senior students at Clyde Primary School teamed up with their buddies during Education Outside The Classroom Week to plant an "unloved" area of their school. The year one and year eight students demonstrated fantastic tuakana teina, and together planted a Hoheria tree for each of the new entrants. These students will have the opportunity to care for these trees and watch them grow during their years at the school.
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Mauri mahi, mauri ora (through work, we prosper)
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Ready to get organised for a spring planting or in advance for next autumn? Plantings undertaken during spring and autumn are more likely to result in successful plant establishment due to their being plenty of moisture in the ground, and before it is either too dry or too cold.
Riparian planting strips provide multiple ecosystem functions when well designed. They provide a biodiversity corridor, and contributing to good water quality because the plants trap sediment and stop it entering streams and rivers.
Now is the time to be planning ahead and ordering plants for upcoming riparian planting. The nurseries in Otago need as much lead in time as possible in order to ensure the plant grades and species that you will require are available.
What to do:
- Have a think about the areas you are prioritising for planting: are they fenced yet? You may have areas in your farm environment plan where you intend to plant, so pick the highest priority area first.
- What is the area of planting? How many plants will you need? Are you planting both sides of a waterway? Target a minimum of 3m setback for new riparian areas but ideally at least 5m, with 1m spacing between plants. The larger setback means you can achieve three layers of planting (stream edge for shade and in-stream habitat, mid bank, and taller species set back to provide shade and bank stability).
- What plants are you going to order? ORC have produced riparian guides covering all areas in Otago, which are available here (click on Riparian Planting Guides in the drop down menu).
If you have a native nursery on your farm, however big or small, we would love to hear your tips and tricks for getting it started and maintaining it. We welcome any photos of your set-up that you are willing to share – please send them to rural@orc.govt.nz.
If you need any further help with planning your riparian areas, please contact the Rural Liaison Team on rural@orc.govt.nz.
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Deemed permit reminder
If you have a deemed permit and want to keep using or taking water, you’ll need to apply to us for a new water permit (a type of resource consent) before your old one expires. You need to apply as soon as possible but by 1 July 2021 at the very latest. If you're not sure where to start, contact us – we're here to help. |
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Pest of the month: rabbits
Rabbits are the #1 pest in Otago. They were introduced to NZ in the 1800s for meat and hunting, but without any predators, quickly became a pest. Unfortunately for Otago, they love it here, and conditions are perfect for them in Central Otago. Read more |
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Lower Clutha flood protection works
Come along to a community information session and learn about upcoming flood protection works in Lower Clutha. Drop by any time to have a chat with our friendly team on Thursday 18 March, from 4-7pm at Rosebank Lodge, 265 Clyde Street, Balclutha. |
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Long-term plan
On 9 April we’ll start consultation on our 10-year plan and would love to hear what you think, so keep an eye on our website and Facebook page, and you should get our consultation document in your letterbox. |
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What's coming up?
March:17 March: Arrow River catchment community meetings 18 March: Cardrona River catchment community meetings 18 March: Lower Clutha Flood Protection community information drop-in April:9 April: ORC's long-term plan opens for community consultation July1 July: Last date to submit resource consent applications to replace deemed permits if you want to keep taking water. Find out about Otago Regional Council meetings here.
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