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Mr Maxwell
introduced Mr Oliver Wade, Environmental Scientist, Water Quality and Ecology
and Ms Anna Madarasz-Smith, Senior Scientist Water Quality and Ecology to the
Committee. The Science presentations would update the Committee on recently
completed science investigations.
Mr Wade gave a
powerpoint presentation which described the mapping of the extent of
saltwater intrusion into the Tukituki, Waitangi and Ahuriri estuaries.
Mr Wade advised that investigations into the extent of saltwater influence in
the Porangahau, Mohaka and Nuhaka estuaries had also been recently completed
but were not yet reported.
The Committee
expressed surprise at the extent and variability of saltwater influence in
the Ahuriri Estuary and discussed the contributing factors to this extent of
tidal movement. Mr Wade explained that factors at play would include the catchment
hydrology.
Responding to
a question, Mr Wade confirmed that the investigations undertaken did not
reach any conclusions about saltwater intrusion into groundwater however
groundwater monitoring sites, located at Awatoto would give an early indication
of saltwater intrusion issues.
The meeting
adjourned at 12.27pm and reconvened at 12.59pm.
Ms
Madarasz-Smith gave a powerpoint presentation which outlined the conclusions
of an investigation into the state of the Ahuriri Estuary for contact
recreation and shellfish gathering purposes.
Ms
Madarasz-Smith advised the Ahuriri Estuary is a
significant ecological and recreational resource for the Hawke’s Bay
community. It is recognised nationally for its significant wildlife and
fisheries habitat, and a nationally important example of tectonic processes.
Natural and human-induced changes to the estuary over the last century have
considerably changed the estuary form.
The Committee
discussed the presentation, noted that signs had been erected to alert the
public to the dangers of collecting shellfish in the area and that an
aspirational plan for the area would result from the Tutaekuri, Ahuriri,
Ngaruroro and Karamu (TANK) Stakeholder Group process currently underway.
Mr Piri
Prentice updated the Committee on a recent meeting with interested
stakeholders and community representatives on the Ahuriri Estuary. It
was a very successful day out with keen interest expressed to clean up the
Estuary. Mr Prentice also outlined the purpose of the Stakeholder
Management Group partnership and its responsibilities.
A request for
a presentation by Mr Maxwell outlining Council’s overall science
programme was noted.
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