On-Stream
We want to hear your views on two things this month - the Water Plan and ORC's ten-year (long-term) plan:
The Water Plan - The Good Water survey
An independent research company wants to hear from farmers in Otago to find out what they are doing to comply with the Water Plan.
We've organised similar surveys in the past, and this data will be combined with the new information to inform the next steps for the implementation of the plan. The results will also provide us with valuable information about the practical realities of the plan on properties across the region.
We encourage you to speak with the interviewers if you get a call from them, and you can also go online to complete the survey. Please take the ten minutes needed to do this - all responses are confidential and you could win one of four $200 Prezzy cards.
The Ten-year Plan
Consultation has now opened on our draft long term plan for 2018-2028.
We've hit the road with our For our Future roadshow and are heading to eight locations across Otago this fortnight. Five daytime pop-up events will feature the Lab-in-a-box, Otago’s own mobile science laboratory. The lab will be packed with ORC science demonstrations and displays for all ages - it's well worth a visit. All roadshow events will have councillors and staff present, ready to discuss what’s proposed in the long term plan with you and answer any questions.
If you’d like to find out more about the draft long term plan, head to YourSay – our new online engagement platform. You can make an online submission at YourSay too.
Look out for a For Our Future booklet, which is coming with your community weekly this week or next.
The long term planning process is part of how your rates get set and ORC’s priorities get confirmed, so make sure you let us know if we’re on track. Submission close 11 May.
Enjoy the beautiful autumn colours,
The ORC team
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In the last issue of On-Stream we said we'd give you an update on the new forestry rules.
The National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF) come into effect on 1 May 2018.
These are a single set of regulations under the Resource Management Act that apply to foresters throughout New Zealand.
If you have a forestry block larger than one hectare that was planted specifically for commercial activities and harvest, then the NES-PF will apply to you.
The NES-PF sets out rules for eight plantation forestry activities:
- afforestation
- pruning and thinning to waste
- earthworks
- river crossings
- forest quarrying
- harvesting
- mechanical land preparation
- replanting
Most forestry activities are permitted by the NES-PF so long as foresters meet specific conditions to prevent significant adverse environmental effects. If foresters can't meet these conditions they need to apply for a resource consent.
Forestry activities in Otago have been managed under the Water Plan, but this will change on 1 May, when the NES-PF takes effect.
We're working closely with the forestry industry to define what the new rules will look like in Otago, and we'll keep you updated about what they will mean for you if you have a forestry block on your farm. In the meantime, MPI have some useful information on their website.
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| Updates from your liaison specialists |
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Bruce Monaghan - Central Otago
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Fish surveys are underway, which will complete gaps in fish data on tributaries with deemed permits.
Approximately 180 sites will be surveyed throughout the Upper Clutha and Central Otago, and will comprise both fish data and associated habitat characteristics.
The additional data is expected to speed up the process of agreeing on residual flows, which is part of the deemed permit replacement process. These surveys will be completed by the end of June.
There's a possibility some follow-up surveys might need to be done if an affected party requests more information, but we're not anticipating many instances of this. If it does arise, the permit holder will be responsible for any costs.
Deemed permit holders are also reminded that ORC will continue to assist with providing flow information through the ‘request for flow data’ facility on the Fish and Flow portal.
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We are now entering into the shorter, cooler days, which signal that winter is just around the corner.
There are a couple of ways you can make the most of your longer evenings and assist us: firstly, by providing some feedback via the Good Water survey that is explained above.
The second is by providing a submission on the ten-year plan. Is there a gap you have identified that ORC is not filling, or do you want to place your support behind a project included in the draft plan?
Having your say on these two activities really does influence us so don't miss out on your chance to give us your thoughts.
A project consulted on in last year’s annual plan was the development of a community vision for Lake Tuakitoto. We held our first workshop earlier this month and got a fantastic turnout, with a wide range of sectors represented. We are happy that the community is behind this project and will do our best to pull together the values, opportunities and projects into the vision so that we can launch into some actions.
A second workshop will be held soon so you still have an opportunity to have your say. We'll let you know the date when it's confirmed, and hope you can come along.
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Over the last month I had the good fortune to be involved with the Otago community in several places across the region.
In Dunedin I spent an afternoon at Kaikorai Valley College and not only learned more about citizen science from the New Zealand Landcare Trust but also about the great environmental initiatives the school is undertaking, including growing their own vegetables, collecting and selling honey, and generating bio gas.
I also attended a meeting for the Pomahaka Water Care Group. I always come away feeling inspired by the great work this group is doing in their catchment to improve water quality. I’m really excited to hear how they progress with their planned wetland projects.
I was lucky enough to spend some time with Bruce Monaghan in Central Otago and had the opportunity to tap into his extensive knowledge before heading to Palmerston to present at a Beef and Lamb Environment Plan (LEP) workshop.
If you haven’t attended one of these yet I highly recommend it. These workshops are run by firstly assessing and recording your farm’s land and environment resources, then identifying any environmental risks, followed by developing a plan to manage any issues. More information about LEPs can be found here.
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The wet end to summer has continued in North Otago. This means that those starting to transition stock onto wintering paddocks need to think carefully about how best to set out the break fences to avoid sediment and nutrients leaving the paddock and getting into waterways.
This is an issue that ORC continues to be concerned about and that our compliance team will be targeting over the winter months. Do it right and you’ll have no issues. For some good tips and tricks click here
Well done NOSLaM and the 45+ Waiareka farmers that turned up to a Pod Group meeting in the Waiareka catchment several weeks ago. ORC presented water quality data from testing sites across the area, and there was a group discussion of what could be causing some of the results.
I had the pleasure of reporting to ORC councillors last week that there is an engaged group of farmers in North Otago willing to roll up their sleeves and take action to help improve water quality.
Lastly, on the theme of success, the Shag River Catchment Group had a great win recently when ORC’s freshwater fish scientist Pete Ravenscroft checked the straw bales the group had placed on the Shag River banks last month.
Pete found that whitebait had laid eggs on the straw, in preference to the sediment-laden grasses nearby! As I mentioned in my last post, these fish have very specific spawning requirements and getting the ‘love zone’ right is a delicate balance.
Otago landowners in and around these areas generally do a great job of protecting the habitat from stock access, bank damage and sediment deposition – keep up the good work!
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Living on burrowed time
We've launched a campaign to remind people that rabbit management is a land owner's responsibility, and also outlines various management methods. We know most farmers already know what they need to do, and wanted to share some information with smaller property owners so they know what management options are available to them.
Check out our new video and brochure here. |
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The future of food-based farming in NZ
We helped sponsor a great event last week where people in the farming community discussed regenerative farming and issues facing the future of farming. If you're interested in learning about regenerative farming, Beef + Lamb are hosting a field day in South Otago on 1 May. Register here. |
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YourSay
We have a new tool that allows you to easily have your say on issues ORC is consulting on. Save this link as a Favourite and head online to let us know your thoughts. |
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What's coming up?
For a full list of events click here.
April
- For our Future roadshow. Come and chat with us about ORC's proposed ten-year plan.
14 April - Queenstown
17 April - Alexandra
19 April - Balclutha
20 April - Mosgiel
24 April - Oamaru
26 April - Wanaka
27 April - Cromwell
28 April - Dunedin
(note that some of these events have already taken place)
- 20-25 April - Wild Dunedin. A festival of nature with various events, including a workshop on backyard weeds we're co-hosting with DCC on 21 April, and the #Loveyourleith river trail. Click here for more information
May
8 May - Tomahawk Lagoon. Our second workshop to develop goals and projects to enhance one of Dunedin's iconic lagoons. Register your interest with nicole.foote@orc.govt.nz
June
7 June - Lake Tuakitoto. Our second workshop to develop goals and projects to enhance this South Otago lake. Register your interest with chantal.whitby@orc.govt.nz |
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| The autumn issue of ORC's newsletter 'Waterlines' is out now. You can read it here. |
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| If you know someone who should subscribe to On-Stream, forward this email to them and suggest they email us at water@orc.govt.nz to subscribe. |
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| Make sure you like the Otago Regional Council Facebook page - click the Facebook link below. |
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