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Kia ora, welcome to the November 2021 edition of On-Stream

We hope you're enjoying the sunshine and looking forward to the upcoming festive season and summer break. In this edition of On-Stream, we cover consultations on the new Land and Water Plan, an update on the Regional Policy Statement, how to check for water quality before you swim this summer, what some Enviroschools have been up to, and more.
Do you care about waterways and landuse in the Catlins? 

Do you live in or near the Catlins? Do you care about local rivers, streams or other waterways? Do you have views about how water and land resources should be managed?

We’re developing a new Land and Water Regional Plan in partnership with Kāi Tahu, including specific rules and limits on water and land use in your area. We'd love to hear how you want us to look after your environment.
 
We'll be at the Owaka Community Centre, 9 Ovenden Street, Owaka on 29 November 2021 for community meetings. Drop in any time from 11am to 8:30pm and staff will be there to answer questions. In addition there will be ORC staff presentations at 12.30-2pm and 7-8.30pm.

You'll be able to give feedback at the meetings in person or after the meeting online at www.orc.govt.nz/Catlins. The webpage also contains background information and a map of the area.
Thanks for coming!

Thanks to everyone who came along to join in discussions about waterways in the Upper Lakes area last week in Queenstown and Wanaka. Your input will help our policy team develop proposed limits and rules on water and landuse in the Upper Lakes section of the new Land and Water Regional Plan we're developing. If you missed the meetings, you can still give input here until 10 December.
Next steps for strategic direction of natural resourses

The Proposed Otago Regional Policy Statement (RPS) 2021 sets the direction for future management of Otago's natural and physical resources. We notified a new RPS for Otago in June and invited members of the public and organisations to make submissions, and then further submissions. In the course of the further submissions process, submitters have brought ORC’s attention to some changes required to the Summary of Decisions Requested report.

These changes have been noted in a further report, the Summary of Decisions Requested – Corrigendum report. The points recorded in this report, and only those points, are now open for a another 10 working day period of further submissions until 1 December. Read the report and find out more here.
Check the water quality before you swim this summer 

We’re very lucky in Otago to have many beautiful natural swimming sites. Every week between December and March, our team are out all over the region testing water quality at favourite swimming spots. We recommend that you:

  • Check the latest water quality results by visiting www.lawa.org.nz/swim - Otago results are usually posted by Wednesday evenings.
  • Avoid swimming 48 hours after rainfall, as urban and rural run-off can enter waterways and will take some time to flush away.
Update on the Water Permits Plan Change (PC7)

After releasing its interim decision on Plan Change 7 to the Regional Plan: Water for Otago on 22 October 2021, the Environment Court has now released its final decision on the plan change. Over the coming weeks, ORC staff will assess the implications of the Court decision on resource consent applications that are currently being processed, and on future applications.

Many applications that are currently in the system are to replace deemed permits, which are historic water rights that expired on October 1. The council will communicate any impacts from the Plan Change 7 decision with consent applicants. In the meantime, our consents staff are available for assistance if required.

Read the interim decision here  |  Read the final decision here 
Enviroschools update: Weston School planting projects
Weston School and Craigmore farm have partnered up for a planting project. Craigmore Farm donated a tunnel house to the school so the students can propagate plants for planting projects, as well as grow their tomatoes.

Senior students were planting out the second stage of a riparian planting project with the plants they had gown recently. The planting site is adjacent to the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail, and on a natural water course that feeds into the Waiareka Creek.

A special shout out to Jenny Kitchin (below, left), the teacher that supports these enthusiastic students with environmental projects.
 
 
 
In brief
Pest of the month: Broom
Broom was introduced to Aotearoa in the 1800s and quickly invaded our landscape causing issues for biodiversity and productive land. To learn more about our pest of the month, including what rules may apply to you, check out our Pest Hub.
 
Toxic algae warning
Earlier this month, the first sighting of the river-borne algae Phormidium for this season was found, prompted a reminder to dog owners to be on the look out for toxic algae. Read more
 


What's coming up?
 
29 November: 
Catlins FMU Land and Water Regional Plan community meetings in Owaka - find out more
 
Find out about monthly Otago Regional Council meetings here.
 
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