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Kia ora!
In this issue we celebrate the return of a lost treasure, drop the tick and get ranking, and meet some community gardeners growing much more than just food in Kaikorai.
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Tīeke / South Island saddlebacks being released at Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
PHOTO: TAYLOR DAVIES-COLLEY / OROKONUI ECOSANCTUARY
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“… the return of something lost, the repair of something damaged, the hope of what is possible to restore.”
Osbourne writer and artist Jane Pike on the return of Tīeke to the mainland.
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Tīeke / South Island saddlebacks have returned to Coastal Otago this month — a miraculous translocation of these taoka once extinct on the mainland — to Orokonui Ecosanctuary – Te Korowai o Mihiwaka near Ōtepoti Dunedin from the Tītī Islands southwest of Rakiura / Stewart Island.
Saddlebacks, whose song once echoed throughout the forests of the South Island, fell close to extinction by the end of the 20th century. Reduced to a presence only on three remote islands off the bottom tip of the country, the mainland was left to hold them only in longing and memory.
Things went from bad to worse in the 1960s when their survival on these secluded isles, too, became imperilled; rats brought ashore by a visiting boat spread, causing other species to become extinct and putting the saddlebacks at real risk of being wiped out completely.
Now, thanks to over 50 years of intensive conservation effort, more than 100 birds have been released at Orokonui, the result of a partnership between the Rakiura Tītī Islands Administrating Body, who represent the whānau who have cared for these birds and the islands; Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, who are mana whenua of Orokonui and the surrounding landscape; and Orokonui Ecosanctuary — Te Korowai o Mihiwaka, where the birds will make their new home.
The arrival of the Tīeke is only the beginning. Now the real work begins to ensure they thrive here in the South Island. The first sign of whether the project is a success will be in September, when the birds start to nest. We’ve got everything crossed for this charismatic little bird.
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Saddlebacks are named for their tan backs, they also have red wattles on either side of their beaks, making them part of the wattlebirds family alongside the kōkako and (now extinct) huia.
They’re quite large for the type of bird they are (weighing up to 75 g) and tend to hop about on the ground, not being huge fliers, leading to their decline due to introduced pests.
The Māori name ‘tīeke’ comes from the sound of their call: “ti-e-ke-ke-ke”
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‘Check, Clean, Dry’ and save our vulnerable natives
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Deep-water bryophyte community at a staggering 30 m depth, Lake Wānaka.
PHOTO: NIWA
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The Otago lakes are home to globally rare and unique aquatic plant communities such as freshwater bryophytes, or deep-water mosses.
What makes them so special is that they can grow at extreme depths where less than 1% of the sunlight reaches them. Aquatic pests can change the light penetration of our lakes and shade out that vital 1% of sunlight, so by protecting our waterways through the Check, Clean, Dry initiative, you’ll help safeguard these vulnerable species.
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While it feels like summer has only just begun in some parts of Otago, winter IS coming! Time to get your firewood sorted — and dried.
Dry firewood not only lights easier, it also produces more heat and less smoke — better for you and your family’s health.
A handy tool you can use to check if your firewood is dry enough is a wood moisture meter. While you're chopping your firewood, simply insert the meter pins into a freshly cut edge. Within a few seconds, a moisture percentage will display. Firewood with a moisture level under 25% means there will be more heat output and reduced smoke, which helps improve the air quality in your community.
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We've got four moisture meters to give away. Simply email onstream@orc.govt.nz before Friday, 14 March, and let us know which ‘Burn Dry, Breath Easy’ tip you will put into practice this winter. Winners will be drawn on Monday, 17 March, and notified by email.
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Enviroschools Ōtākou facilitators come together to reconnect and re-energise
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Left to right: Nicky Gray, Queenstown Facilitator; Damian Foster, Wānaka Facilitator; Lucy Francke, Central Otago Facilitator; Chantal Barnes, Waitaki Facilitator; Jolene Barclay, Clutha Early Childhood Facilitator; and Leisa in front.
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It’s something they do once a term, says Leisa de Klerk, Enviroschools Coordinator Lead.
“This enables us to share and support pathways for environmental and sustainable initiatives that cross the region, getting consistency of information and schools talking to each other.
“At the end of January, we caught up in beautiful, sunny Alexandra, where we tested out new process, shared new activities and planned out our 2025 actions. We’re looking forward to the Ōtākou vision of creating healthy, peaceful, more sustainable communities bringing together the many skills, perspectives and resources we all have in our diverse region.”
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Otago celebrates World Wetlands Day
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Orion and Aurora Jeans of Wānaka count juvenile brown trout in a fish tank at Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs on World Wetlands Day.
PHOTO: BRUCE QUIREY, OTAGO FISH & GAME
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Otago Fish and Game Council and the Friends of Bullock Creek have been hard at work restoring Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs, a 2-hectare urban wetland in Wānaka, and we’re proud to support them through an ECO Fund grant helping with native planting.
Bullock Creek was the perfect place to celebrate World Wetlands Day on 2 February, when a 300-strong crowd picnicked, played and discovered more about nature at a family fun event.
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One of our Check, Clean, Dry ambassadors, Kyra, was at Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs, sharing information about how to prevent freshwater pests like lagarosiphon from spreading in Otago’s waterways.
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Thomsons Catchment Project, a wetland built from scratch near Ōmakau, also hosted an amazing event to celebrate and raise the importance of wetlands as a part of our environment.
Our catchment advisors were in Wānaka and Ōmakau too, celebrating the day with the different organisations and chatting with people about the importance of wetlands and stream health.
The Thomsons Catchment Project is a testament to farmers and the community, supported by hundreds of volunteers and local businesses and organisations. Special acknowledgement must go to the late Matt Hickey for his vision, support, skill and knowledge.
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ORC Catchment Advisor — Upper Lakes Jaylene carrying out a macroinvertebrate survey at Bullock Creek on World Wetlands Day
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Why is Chilean needle grass a pest?
Chilean needle grass negatively impacts farming and the economy by crowding out other grass species and reducing pasture capacity as livestock avoid it. Its sharp seeds can injure livestock, leading to downgraded wool, skins, hides and carcasses, with lambs being particularly vulnerable to getting seeds in their eyes and becoming blind.
This grass releases substantial amounts of seeds that remain viable for over 12 years, spreading via animals, vehicles, and humans.
What does it look like?
Chilean needle grass forms dense tufts up to 1 metre tall with bright green leaves that are harsh to touch. From late October to March, it produces purple-tinged flowers that ripen into hard, sharp seeds with long twisting tails that help them attach to animals and soil.
Similar tufted grasses including Nasella tussock — which has narrower, grey-green, wiry leaves — and Ripgut brome, with light green, flat, soft leaves. Compared to these, Chilean needle grass grows in denser clumps.
What should I do?
ORC will be responsible for controlling the plant if it gets into Otago. If you think you have spotted Chilean needle grass, please let us know immediately by calling 0800 474 082 or emailing biosecurity@orc.govt.nz
Visit our Pest Hub for more information on Chilean needle grass and let's work together to keep this pest out of Otago!
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Left: Clumps of Chilean needle grass. Right: Close-up of needle barb.
PHOTOS: ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY
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We’re all in the same team
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One of the new bus safety campaign digital posters
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Our new bus safety campaign has kicked off!
The Joint Dunedin Students’ Council and Dunedin Youth Council worked with ORC last year to create a public campaign encouraging good behaviour and raising awareness of how to report any issues on our buses.
Students identified safety as an issue affecting youth and wanted to take action to empower their peers. As well as being the driving force behind the campaign, some are also fronting the advertising campaign alongside well-known Highlander Jona Nareki.
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Come see us at the Wānaka show!
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At last year’s Wānaka A&P Show, we enjoyed talking to attendees about a range of topics
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Come and find our tent at site J3 on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 March — we’ll be up for a chat about many things.
You can talk pest control with our catchment advisors, meet Toby the wallaby scat dog, natter with our compliance team, get the facts about flood schemes and flood mitigation planning from our hazards team and find out more about groundwater, hydrology and environmental data from our science team. Meet you there!
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Applications open soon for $1M+ ECO Fund grants
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Some of the work carried out by previous recipients of ECO Fund grants
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Applications open on 1 March for ORC’s annual ECO Fund — with overall funding increased from $918,000 last year to a total $1.05 million this year, spread across six categories.
Go to orc.govt.nz/ecofund to find out about the categories as well as funding clinics in your area, or get in touch directly to talk to us about your project: email ecofund@orc.govt.nz or phone 0800 474 082.
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Getting in amongst the weeds at the Shetland St Community Garden
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Co-founder and designer Hendrik Koch
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Community food growers creating a welcoming space, the Dunedin Environment Centre Trust seeks to build spaces that embrace those who come to put in the mahi and those who come to breathe a little easier — with a network of projects surrounding the Kaikorai Stream.
With a base of operations at the Shetland Street Community Gardens, the trust has two tunnel houses, a sheltered area for smoko and a shed to house the wheelbarrows, tools, spare gloves and the all-important gas cooker to boil the kettle.
The outside gardens are an array of uniquely shaped beds with rich soil, capable of giving most veggies a good start. Down the far end there are two well-aged apple trees that have gone towards many a tasty crumble. They take turns sheltering a herb bed, where feverfew is currently holding court, and the only raised bed, currently nurturing dwarf butter Cherokee beans.
Trustee and social media wrangler Craig McGeady says, “Over the years we have tried many crops and are now at the point where we can focus on what works and what doesn’t. Scarlet runners always do exceedingly well (we try to forget the radicchio fiasco). But we gardeners have a tendency to want to try new things.
“The poly tunnels are home to tomatoes. This growing season we started with a base of 55 plants of seven varieties — solid performers that are sure to produce, such as sweet 100’s and moneymakers. Those have been added to thanks to the generosity of friends. Now we can boast black roma, Charlie Scott’s wartime Italian and box car Willie, among others.
“To one side of the shed, beneath shelter and an over-exuberant grape vine, is the potting table, where classes can be conducted and soils mixed. On the other side is a space for the propagation of native conservation species. It is where we build and house the stock that will be out-planted into our two bigger projects.”
Running along the Kaikorai Stream is the Kaikorai Common. Reaching from Bishopscourt Ground to School Street, at the edge of the Nairn Street Sportsground, the common is an example of what can be achieved with an idea, a community and plenty of mahi. What was once farmland and neglect is now a canopied path beside a recovering stream, past a raupo filtration system, two orchards, ornate, tiled seating and thousands of thriving native plants.
At the other end of the stream, where it reaches the ocean, is the Kaikorai Estuary. This is the largest of the trust’s projects and where many of the plants they propagate are re-homed. It is low lying, willow ridden and, thanks to recent flooding, hemlock infested.
“Last year we were able to complete a circular path encompassing the majority of the space. When one end reached the other, the many, many years of hard work came into sharp relief. The space became a place that was both manageable and full of hope. The seedlings are often in need of releasing, thanks to rampant grasses, but the survival rate is high, and in years to come that path will also be a canopied walkway that provides shelter that eagerly embraces every visitor.”
Want to visit or get involved? Email shetlandst.gardens@gmail.com
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Sun peeking through the canopy above the Kaikorai Common
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Andrew Innes and Jennifer Lawn monitoring plant survival at Lagoon Creek
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ORC has dedicated $260,000 over three years (2022–2025) to enhance the Tomahawk Lagoon catchment through community action to contribute to a healthy ecosystem for all to enjoy.
Alongside this project, which you can read about here, Tomahawk Smaills Beachcare Trust received funding to help farmers fence and plant along Lagoon Creek. Our latest check-in showed 95% of the native seedlings planted with the community in 2024 have survived and are thriving.
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Nature-based Solutions study
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Wai i te reporepo, wai i te wao: what nature tells us about how to understand and prepare for flooding. Otago Regional Council is undertaking a Nature-based Solutions study (Wai i te reporepo, wai i te wao), which models nature-based methods to find out how they may lessen the effects of flooding and enhance biodiversity. The results will benefit the entire region.
A Feasibility Report has been prepared. This report explains the results of a modelling study to see how different Nature-based Solutions could reduce the effects of flooding in Te Hakapupu / Pleasant River catchment. The report also analyses the benefits and challenges of implementing NbS in Otago.
Engagement Study
We’re also checking in with landowners and asking them to complete a short survey to find out whether they are aware of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and how willing they would be to trial these as a way of mitigating flooding damage on their land. The results of this survey will be publicly available by the end of June 2025.
Both of these will be publicly available and will help ORC make decisions about when and where NbS might be used in the future.
What are Nature-based Solutions?
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are practical ways to use nature's own processes to solve challenges. Practices like restoring wetlands — to soak up floodwater and filter pollutants from stormwater runoff — and native planting — to reduce erosion — could reduce the impacts of flooding. NbS can complement other ‘hard’ engineering solutions, such as floodbanks.
ORC already uses NbS as one of the tools in our toolbox; this project looks specifically at using NbS to lessen the effects of flooding, Otago’s number one threat to property and livelihoods.
This project aligns with our Climate Strategy, the Hill Country Erosion programme and work being done by our Natural Hazards team. There’s been a lot of work on this project going on behind the scenes.
You can find out more about NbS and what they might look like in Otago at orc.govt.nz/nbs
Want to get involved? Contact the project lead: Melanie.White@orc.govt.nz
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P is for … petrichor
A term used to describe the pleasant smell of rain on hot dirt. Derived from the Greek words ‘petra’, meaning ‘stone’, and ‘ichor’, referring to the fluid of the gods in mythology, it's the scent released when rain hits dry soil, primarily caused by a compound called geosmin produced by bacteria in the ground.
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Changes to voting system coming for local elections
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Ranking candidates using STV is a bit like ranking your favourite ice cream flavours; some might not be for you — sorry Mint Choc Chip!
SOURCE: TAURANGA CITY COUNCIL
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It’s an election year for local government.
This year Otago Regional Council will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system when voting for the Council election.
With STV, voting is easy
Instead of ticking the candidates you want, with STV you number the candidates in order of preference. You simply put a ‘1’ beside the candidate you like best of all, then a ‘2’ beside your second choice, ‘3’ by your third choice, and so on. You can vote for as many or as few candidates as you like.
What does the numbering do?
By giving the number ‘1’ to a candidate, you are saying that the candidate is your number one choice.
By ranking candidates in your preferred order — 1,2,3,4 and so on — you are also saying which other candidates you prefer, which means if your top choice doesn't have enough support to get in, or if your top choice doesn't need all the votes they received in order to be elected, your vote will still count and go towards another of your top ranked candidates.
Care about here? Now’s the time to start thinking about standing for election to the Otago Regional Council. We’ll have more information about how to stand in a future issue.
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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
If you have been forwarded this email, you can sign up here.
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