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On-Stream


As the year comes to a close most of you will be winding down for a stunner Otago summer. We will be taking an extended break in the new year so stay tuned for our return in February.

A rose by any other name would smell as sweet
Shakespeare at Christmas time possibly isn’t on your wish-list, but we wanted to let you know of a name change for our liaison team. Bex, Nicole, Bruce and our soon-to-be-filled vacancy in the North Otago role are now known as Community Engagement Advisors. Their jobs are the same, but the title changes brings it in line with the wider team (community engagement).

In other news, we’re excited to announce that Rebecca Begg (Bex) is now the team leader for this great team.
 

Happy holidays, and we wish you a relaxing break with whanau and friends!
The ORC team
 
Feature: ORC's Highlights of 2018

As this is our last On-Stream for 2018 we thought we would take a look back at the year that's been.

  • This year we consulted with Otago's public on 12 projects through our YourSay website where 721 people chose to have their say!
  • One of these consultations was our Long Term Plan for the next 10 years, which is now operative.
  • We launched the ECO Fund and awarded $83,333 to 10 projects around Otago in the first round.
  • We have reviewed our Pest Management Strategy for Otago and are wrapping up consultation on the proposed Regional Pest Management Plan for the next 10 years, alongside a Biosecurity Strategy.
  • We have started implementation of our Air Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy.
  • Work is underway for our brand new Navigation Safety Bylaws for Otago waters that aren't already covered by Queenstown Lakes District Council and Central Otago District Council.
  • After engagement with the Tomahawk and Tuakitoto communities, ORC will have some projects in next year’s annual plan as a result of consultation on a community vision for each of these areas.
There have been far too many great things achieved to list them all but these are some of our highlights. It has been an exciting year, and there is a lot of great work to be built on in 2019.
 
Updates from your Community Engagement Advisors
Bruce Monaghan - Central Otago
 

On 12 December, ORC staff spent a day in the Cardrona Valley for the ‘Waterwise’ programme.  
 
Waterwise is a youth leadership programme that involves secondary and tertiary students (predominantly from Otago) who spend a week getting experienced-based learning around education for sustainable development. 
 
The day commenced on the Crown Range end and ended at Waterfall Creek, which flows into Lake Wanaka.

We discussed water quality, river dynamics, balancing agricultural and aquatic needs, the balance between sport fisheries and native species, and deemed permit replacements with a group of engaged students.

There was also discussion around the Mount Barker flow monitoring site and maintenance requirements, what the Water Plan sets out to achieve, and our strategy around pest plants.

A local farmer (thanks Mike!) provided an overview of the challenges of farming within the Cardrona catchment and how farmers are adapting and coping with directives stemming from the Resource Management Act.
Rebecca Begg - South Otago

rebecca.begg@orc.govt.nz 
027 232 0735

It has been a busy time for us in South Otago as we work with the Clutha Community Trust to get some catchment groups up and going. These groups have a focus on looking after the water quality in their patch, and also some best practise information to minimise the effect any land activities might be having on it.  

If you missed the last round of meetings or are wondering if there is anything happening in your area, let me know and I can fill you in on any details.
 
With many finding time to hit the beach over the summer, just a reminder that you can have a look at the water quality at Pounawea estuary and Kaka Point beach over the summer on the LAWA website. Information is updated regularly: https://www.lawa.org.nz/explore-data/swimming/
 
Merry Christmas everyone.
Nicole Foote - Strath Taieri & Central Coast Otago

nicole.foote@orc.govt.nz
027 564 7788

As we approach the new year, have you considered setting some goals to minimise the environmental footprint of your farming business in 2019?

  • Is it time to investigate plastic wrap recycling prior to winter?
  • Have you got a special little wetland spot that could do with a bit more protection?
  • Do you need to reconsider your method/location of on-farm carcase disposal??
  • Have you investigated the macroinvertebrate and/or fish life in your waterways?

 
Everyone has something they could be doing slightly better on-farm, and every incremental change does make a difference to your overall farming footprint.
 
Have a great summer break!
North Otago
We are on the hunt for a new face in North Otago. If you are interested in this role or know someone who might be, you can find the job description here.

Feel free to contact anyone in the community engagement team in the meantime, until we have someone in this role. 
 
 
 
 
In Brief
NOSLaM website now live
NOSLaM (North Otago Sustainable Land Management) is a group driven by farmers who are keen to improve water quality and promote good pastoral management. NOSLaM have recently launched their new website www.noslam.nz and Facebook page, so give their page a like to keep updated on water quality initiatives in North Otago.
ECO Fund
The second round of the ECO Fund opens 1-20 January so if you have a project that enhances, protects or promotes Otago's environment check out our website to see if you meet the criteria to apply www.orc.govt.nz/ecofund
Close down period
ORC offices will be closed from 5:00 p.m. on Friday 21 December 2018 until 8:00 a.m. on Thursday 3 January 2019.
For emergencies: phone 0800 800 033 (our pollution hotline)
 

What's coming up?

For a full list of events click here.

December

14 December - Consultation on the proposed Regional Pest Management Plan and Biosecurity Strategy closes

21 December - ORC's last day of work for 2018, with offices re-opening on Thursday 3 January 2019


January

1 January - ECO Fund applications open

3 January - ORC offices re-open

20 January - ECO Fund applications close
 
 
The winter issue of ORC's newsletter 'Waterlines' is out now. You can read it here.
 
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.
 
Make sure you like the Otago Regional Council Facebook page - click the Facebook link below.
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