Kia ora, and welcome to the first edition of On-Stream for 2022
It's is another big year for the Otago community, as we work with you to plan the future of our water ways. We are all responsible for protecting and even enhancing the lakes and rivers of our region, and our scientists, planners and decision-makers need to know what you think as we move toward a regional plan for land and water.
Consultation for the Land and Water Regional Plan re-opens today for the remaining rohe. Perhaps you feel unsure about what to say about water in Otago, or about which waterways matter to you. Chances are, though, you have some kind of memory or value that comes from how you have lived with the water in our environment. Maybe, like many Kiwi kids, you had a local swimming hole you love, or a family crib near a lake that you visit each year. Perhaps there’s a fishing spot you enjoyed? Maybe you rely on your waterway to produce some of the wonderful and delicious kai Otago is famous for. All of this experience matters to us. We need to know how you think and, importantly, also how you feel, about our waterways.
COVID restrictions limit our ability to engage with you directly. We are doing our best to be available and to share information with you so you can contribute and korero. Join us online to listen, learn and talk to us. Find out more below including when to go online and how it all works.
This edition of On Stream also celebrates the wonderful community spirit in Otago, from switched on Enviroschools kids to boaties who are doing the right thing. |
|
 |
|
Community meetings for the Land and Water Regional Plan are now online starting from 28 February with Dunstan rohe. Click here to see dates and times of meetings for all remaining rohe.
ORC Policy & Planning Manager Anita Dawe says it is vital for the development of this new plan that ORC collects as much information as possible from the community about the values and characteristics of their waterways that are important to them.
"I really encourage you – if you have any interest in how land and water resources are managed in Otago – to have your say and fill out the survey."
Go online or, if you prefer putting pen to paper, simply email customerservices@orc.govt.nz, or call 0800 474 082 to request a paper version of the survey.
|
|
|
Planting the seeds for future generations
|
|
|
 |
|
Maniototo Area school students are setting their sights on reforestation in their community.
Working with Enviroschools and Otago Polytechnic, they are once again propagating natives from locally sourced seeds and learning about soil health and healthy plants, including researching what plants and trees used to grow in the area.
Local Enviroschools facilitator, Lucy Francke, said, “the students are very passionate about growing plants and bringing more biodiversity into the area, and it's great to see that interest a year on."
And it shows. Here’s a photo from the group getting stuck in!
|
|
|
They came, they checked, they went
|
|
|
 |
|
Ka pai to the more than 850 people that came and chatted with our Check, Clean, Dry advocates Zak and Jimmy all around Otago during the holiday season.
We had great feedback from this community member who saw them out and said, “It was so great to see council staff working to educate the public on this important Kaupapa.”
Important indeed. Remember to Check, Clean and Dry any equipment that comes into contact with water before moving to another waterway all year round to stop the spread of pests like didymo and lagarosiphon that harm native wildlife and the health of our precious waterways.
For more information on aquatic pests in Otago go to www.orc.govt.nz/pesthub and stop the spread.
|
|
 |
|
Thanks to the population of Kaitangata for your input on the future of Lake Tuakitoto and surrounds.
We now have a good steer on which projects will improve the lake's recreational value, respect the mana whenua values and improve water quality and flood prevention.
We will share those details with the community after analysing the data.
|
|
 |
|
Our Harbourmaster team has been busy this summer, talking to nearly 80 boaties during the holiday period about keeping safe on the water, doing our bit for the New Zealand-wide No Excuses campaign..
Steve and Pete, pictured here, love getting out on the water and seeing people out and about enjoying themselves, especially when they are being safe and ready for all eventualities.
Whatever your level of experience, before heading out on the water make sure you’ve prepped your vessel, checked your gear, and know the rules. Have a plan of action before you head out to make sure you get home safe.
See our website for tips on staying safe on the water: www.orc.govt.nz/saferboating
|
|
|
|
|
Central Otago Wilding Pines Public Information Night
The Central Otago Wilding Conifer Group are holding a public information night on 10 March 2022 from 6-7pm at the Alexandra Community House.
Come along to hear about what wilding pines are, their impacts, and what we’re doing about them.
Space at the venue will be limited to ensure safe physical distancing. Please RSVP to Rowan Sprague at rowan@wildingpinenetwork.org.nz. |
|
|
Changes under COVID
To protect staff and customers, from 21 February our customer services team will ask to see your vaccine pass (or exemption) at customer services desks in Dunedin (Philip Laing House) and Queenstown (Terrace Junction). You will still need to scan in and wear a mask.
Under the current Red Setting, our opening hours are 8am-1pm and 2pm-4.30pm.
Find out more here. |
|
|
Eco Fund boosted
Our ECO Fund has increased from $290,000 to $470,000 a year!
The new improved fund will also target $100,000 for rabbit management, $30,000 to native planting and water quality projects and $50,000 for native planting after wilding pines are removed. Another key change is to move to one funding round to be held annually in March. Learn more about applying here.
|
|
|
Find out about monthly Otago Regional Council meetings here.
|
|
|
Feel free to forward this email to anyone who might like to read it.
If you have been forwarded this email, you can sign up here.
|
|
|
|
