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Kia ora! Welcome to On Stream for Noema/November.
Honestly, where has the year gone? November already — time to think about boating and floating and all the ways we can protect our slice of paradise. Plus, we meet an urban action group restoring lakeside biodiversity.
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Get set for summer safety
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Scenic manu off Elfin Bay Jetty, head of Whakatipu Waimāori / Lake Wakatipu
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This summer, whether you're out on the sea in a boat, enjoying the refreshing waters of Otago’s stunning lakes and rivers, doing a manu (dive bomb) off a jetty, or walking the dog near a waterway — make the most of it and have fun.
Activities on or near water do have their safety risks, though, so we've put all the essential info in one place to make it easier: orc.govt.nz/summersafety
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Can I swim here?
Every summer we check popular swimming spots around Otago to see if these rivers, lakes and streams are safe to swim in.
This year we are testing 36 swimming sites for bacteria and/or toxic algae every week from 1 December right up until 31 March 2025.
Water quality and conditions can change quickly, so before you make a splash, make sure you learn all you need to know about keeping safe while swimming this summer — that includes where to find the latest weekly water quality results.
To help keep you, your family and pets well this summer, follow the Swim Smart Checklist below:
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Avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rain, as runoff can be washed into waterways.
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Follow any warning signs.
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Check the water is clean and clear.
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Stay away from any pipes, culverts, and flocks of birds.
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Check for hazards.
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Learn how to spot toxic algae and know the hotspots for blooms in Otago.
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Not the Kaitiaki, Lake Hayes
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Spending time on or in Otago’s beautiful lakes and rivers this summer?
Otago Regional Council’s Harbourmaster team will be out there too, based in Central Otago, patrolling on the vessel Kaitiaki, ensuring everyone gets home in one piece.
ORC’s Harbourmaster team is all about promoting safety on the water and safe navigation of all coastal waters out to 12 nautical miles, as well as lakes, waterways and navigable waters within Otago (excluding lakes and rivers in the Queenstown Lakes District).
Whether you’re a keen paddle boarder, kayaker, jet skier or boatie, take the time to do a thorough check of your vessel and all your gear before you head off. Before going out:
For those new to boating, please stop, think, and find out about basic boating safety rules to protect you and your loved ones. It's about enjoying our amazing environment and coming home safe at the end of the day. If in doubt, don’t go out.
Whatever your level of experience, the ORC Harbourmaster team has made a series of videos containing some great advice to keep you safe.
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The Harbourmaster team: (L-R) Steve Rushbrook (Harbourmaster), Jen Bolstad (Harbourmaster Operations Manager) and Pete Dryden (Deputy Harbourmaster)
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Mohua / Yellowhead
PHOTO: OSCAR THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY
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Otago is one of New Zealand’s most diverse regions for birds.
We led a recent study that assessed the regional conservation status of 283 bird species in Otago. Of the resident native species, 36 have heightened risks of extinction. The report deems 32 native species ‘regionally threatened’, while four others are classified as ‘regionally at risk’.
Otago serves as a national stronghold for eight bird species, meaning more than 20% of the national population is here in the region. These include the majestic and distinctive diving bird the pūteketeke / Australasian crested grebe; our forest songster the mohua; and the rare matapo / Otago shag on the coast, which breeds nowhere else.
This regional assessment is a crucial step in understanding the impacts of environmental changes and other activities on bird populations, and we all have a vital role in protecting our native birds, many of which are threatened.
Learn more about Otago's incredible birds and their conservation status.
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Your favourite lake’s least favourite guests
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Hard to spell, easy to spot: Lagarosiphon
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Lagarosiphon, didymo and lake snow are the three major freshwater pests present in Otago, and they can spread from a single drop of water or plant fragment.
When you’re out on the water this summer, make sure that before you move between waterways, you always Check, Clean and Dry any clothing and equipment to prevent freshwater pests hitchhiking from one waterway to another.
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Another pest to watch out for this summer is the freshwater gold clam. This pest is still new to Aotearoa New Zealand, having been discovered in the Waikato River in 2023 and so far only found in the North Island. Left unchecked, these pests have the potential to clog up waterways, disrupt ecosystems and make recreational activities difficult, if not impossible.
Think you’ve found freshwater gold clams?
Take a photo and report it!
Phone us on 0800 474 082 or complete the online reporting form: report.mpi.govt.nz/pest.
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Freshwater gold clam: a clammy pest
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An ORC environmental technician uses an RS5 hydroboard to measure water quantity at the Rees River
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The Rees River flows into the Dart River above Glenorchy. Our natural hazards team keeps an eye on flow levels, as preparing for flooding is part of the work we do to protect Otago communities and keep them informed.
A remote control is used to move the RS5 across the river via the flying fox.
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The Beacon Point Restoration Group, with support from WAI Wānaka, have formed a local urban action group to restore and enhance the biodiversity of an area next to Lake Wānaka.
Made up of 14 residents who live within the catchment zone, the group’s vision is a natural landscape of native vegetation free of invasive plant and animal species, with thriving native bird populations; pristine water flowing into the lake; and clear, accessible pathways providing natural corridors to view the lake along with shelter and shaded areas for the community to enjoy.
First up, tackling the rabbit problem. Native plants were being decimated and the soil degraded by rabbits burrowing, leading to potential for runoff into the lake. Partnering with Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) Parks and Recreation and Biosecurity teams, the group raised funds to share the cost with QLDC to install rabbit-proof fencing across the track as well as pedestrian cattlestops and ‘dog doors’.
Residents rabbit-proofed their own properties, so the perimeter of the area was fully fenced. QLDC carried out a pindone programme over the three weeks and followed this up with a series of night shoots to tackle the remaining population.
Once rabbit numbers were reduced, a working bee was held in collaboration with WAI Wānaka, Te Kākano, Upper Clutha Wilding Tree Group and QLDC. The site is home to a small wetland, and with funding from Sustainable Business Networks, 200 natives were planted.
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The area covered by the group
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The stormwater outflows needed attention due to invasive species clogging up the drains. Contractors were engaged to remove pest plants, including yellow flag iris and old man’s beard. Once they were removed, Te Kākano volunteers planted riparian natives to aid the filtration of stormwater before it enters the lakes.
Supported by Wānaka Backyard Trapping, the group has also installed a trapline running the length of the track. There is a coordinated roster covered by volunteers who check and maintain eight DOC 200 and three Flipping Timmy traps.
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Next steps: developing a longer-term plan. With support from WAI Wānaka, the group will be the first urban action group in the area to undertake biodiversity monitoring to understand the state of their local ecosystems and, over time, show the impact of the restoration work.
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Help shape Taieri’s flood and drainage schemes
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Waipori pump station and Taieri floodbanks
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Become a community representative!
Otago Regional Council is re-establishing liaison groups for Otago flood protection and drainage schemes, starting with those in the Lower Taieri.
The Lower Taieri Flood Protection Scheme helps to reduce the risk of flooding to the Taieri Plain, including the townships of Mosgiel, Outram and Henley, while the East and West Taieri Drainage Schemes help provide effective and reliable drainage for rural land in East and West Taieri.
Once formed, the Lower Taieri Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme Liaison Group will act as an informal committee who will work alongside Otago Regional Council and be the ‘eyes and ears’ of the scheme community.
Nominations are currently open to all those who live in the scheme area and can be submitted here.
An initial Annual General Meeting will be held at:
Henley Community Centre, 1218 Centre Road, Henley 9073
7pm Thursday, 12 December
Liaison group members will be elected, and the group formalised, at this meeting.
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Consents fee support expanded
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Does your project benefit Otago’s environment? Apply for help to pay your consent fees!
There are so many community groups and organisations doing good mahi in our region, we’re expanding our Consents Fee Support Fund to include the ability to apply under the Flood Management Bylaw 2022.
The fund helps with consent and monitoring fees for projects that have an environmental benefit and applies to consent processing fees, alongside compliance and administration costs associated with the granted consent.
The expanded Consents Fee Support Fund now also allows councils and companies to apply on behalf of eligible parties.
For more info and to find out how community groups can apply, click here.
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Why are gorse and broom pests?
Originally from Europe, gorse and broom were brought to our country by settlers in the 1800s for use as hedge plants. They soon spread from these original plantings and began invading the landscape.
Gorse and broom can form thick groups of bushes that prevent stock from grazing and are generally seen as a threat to farming values.
While gorse and broom are invasive in many areas of Otago, they tend to be less vigorous at higher altitudes, and large areas of Central Otago and the Queenstown lakes are mostly clear of infestations.
Both gorse and broom seed may lie dormant in the soil for 40-80 years, so monitoring and control is required for many years.
How can you manage it?
If you think you’ve spotted gorse or broom on your property, visit our Pest Hub for information on gorse and broom and how to manage these pest plants.
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Gorse flowers and spines (left); a group of bushes (right)
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Broom flowers and stems (left); a group of bushes (right)
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Bikes ain’t alright (just for now)
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We temporarily can’t carry bikes on bike racks on buses, following a safety notice from NZTA.
The restriction is because carrying bikes can potentially obscure headlamps on some bus models. People who use bike racks should check here for updates. We’ll let you know when this has been resolved.
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Not your typical wasp: New Zealand native wasps are quite different to the well-known German wasp
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Parasitoid wasps
We have 2,500 native wasps in New Zealand. They don’t tend to inhabit cities or form nests, preferring solitary lifestyles where they can do their thing. And while they don’t sting or cause allergic reactions, some do leave dining hosts feeling utterly drained.
Typically laying their eggs within the larvae of moths, flies and beetles, parasitoid wasps will feed on the larva’s insides for as long as they can, leaving the important bits to keep the host alive as long as possible, before they kill it and vacate the body to become an adult.
Party trick: they turn their prey into zombies before bursting out of their chests like a scene from Alien.
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These wasp larvae look hungrier than a caterpillar
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Find out about upcoming community events and Council meetings here.
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Feel free to forward this email to anyone who might like to read it. If you have any story ideas or want to know anything specific about anything in this issue, let us know by emailing onstream@orc.govt.nz
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