|
Mr Reed, Mr Powell and Dr Lynch provided
the Committee with an update. The Committee noted the encouraging
improvements in Taharua water quality resulting from recent actions by
landowners. However, recognising the complexities catchment management, the
Committee also expressed some frustration at the time needed to develop the policy
to secure gains already made and ensure further progress to targets. It was
also noted that the upper Mohaka remains degraded to an unacceptable state.
The following more specific comments were
noted:
·
Responding to a question on Poronui’s future
land use: when eucalypt forests are removed, it was noted that deer and beef
are a realistic scenario. Dairying was not their intention.
·
During questioning, concerns were expressed
that while some improvements have occurred, there is still no planning mechanism
to prevent changes in land use that could make water quality worse. In
response staff advised that, while the scenarios in the Choices consultation being
recommended by staff would probably focus on future water quality states,
different mixes of regulation and other actions could be considered to
achieve these states. This could include imposing degrees of land use restriction.
·
A concern was raised that a Taharua framework
might overly restrict use of Maori land in multiple ownership. While a whole
catchment framework would impact all landowners, the degree of impact would
differ. There is approximately 495 ha of Maori owned land within the Taharua
catchment. This land is located on the eastern border and mostly remains in
native bush.
·
Dr Lynch indicated that recent monitoring may
be showing the first signs of a reduction in nitrate at the Twin Culverts
site on the Taharua River, but more monitoring was required to confirm this.
·
Anecdotal reporting also suggests some recent
improvements in Taharua water quality and the Taharua trout fishery.
·
Monitoring of native fish species was
discussed, which led to the following action.
ACTION – Dr
Lynch to provide copies of relevant reports referring to native fish
monitoring in the Mohaka catchment to Liz Lambert. Liz Lambert will
distribute on to the Committee who have requested it.
·
An offer of possible assistance with funding
for Riparian Planting was received from K Brown.
·
Funding is budgeted for the ongoing science programme.
More detailed planning will determine the adequacy of the Strategic
Development consultancy budget for other supporting work.
·
It was agreed that staff would keep
collaborating with the catchment stakeholders and that further opportunities for
land management works should be explored in parallel to the Choices
consultation.
·
There are extensive Maori interests in the
wider Mohaka catchment. Opportunities to strengthen existing policy engagement
should be explored with mana whenua.
Councillor Wilson left the meeting at 3.00 pm.
|
