ACROSS THE REGION

January 2022, Science edition

Editor's note: Horizons acknowledges that the printed version of this newsletter had gone to print before the tragic events that occurred in the Manawatū River over the holiday period, and our thoughts and condolences go out to the families of the four people who lost their lives at Ahimate. We wish to remind our communities that rivers should always be treated with caution as they can change from day to day and hazards may not always be obvious. People should consider their abilities before getting in.

CHAIR’S MESSAGE

Tēnā koutou i runga i te tau hou. Welcome to the first edition of Across the Region for 2022. Like many I am looking forward to the fresh start that a new year brings. I know that many of us are hoping that this year will return to some semblance of normal however, the reality is we are going to have to continue to adjust to the new and ever changing ‘normal’ that life with COVID has become.

Just like Aotearoa’s response to a national pandemic has a foundation of science, the science that we do at Horizons helps inform our policies, work programmes, and decision making. While we don’t have the space in this newsletter to talk about everything that happens in council’s science activities, I hope you can get an appreciation of the breadth of our work and expertise we are fortunate to draw from both internally and from others.

Inside, we have highlighted some of the science and research we undertake in our priorities areas of freshwater and climate change. You’ll also learn about some of the partners we work with and how you can use the science information that we have available. All of this is part of our #summerscienceseries campaign so follow our social media channels for other great nuggets of environmental science in our region.  

Noho ora mai rā.

Rachel Keedwell, Chair.

SCIENCE AT HORIZONS

A healthy environment is central to how, and why, we do what we do at Horizons.

Council’s vision for the region is Tō tātou rohe – taiao ora, tangata ora, mauri ora/Our place – a healthy environment where people are thriving. Ensuring we are leaving the environment in a good state for future generations, underpins many of Horizons’ core activities.

We collect environmental data and initiate research, which in turn informs and supports decision making around regulation, sustainable development and protection of the region’s natural resources. This includes the conservation of land, water, air and biodiversity. For example, our research and monitoring activities help us determine how water is allocated, how quality can be maintained and improved, and how use is changing over time. This work involves measuring river flows, groundwater levels, rainfall levels and water quality, and using this information to report, manage, analyse and support decisions that are made about fresh water.

Taking care of the environment, to create a healthy and economically vibrant region will never be a one-agency job. It requires the input and cooperation of many. In the science space, we work closely alongside tangata whenua, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, NIWA, Department of Conservation, Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA), our region’s city and district council, our 15 regional council counterparts, community organisations and scientific specialists, along with many others to conduct and share research that contributes to a healthy environment for us all.

We also strive to make reliable information available for the wider benefit of the community. For example, our swim spot monitoring programme helps you decide where it is safe to swim, through water quality analysis and reporting each summer. We talk a bit more about this programme below.

HORIZONS' FRESHWATER SCIENCE

Whether you live in town or rurally, the health of our rivers and lakes has become a concern to many. Horizons monitors fresh water across the region, as well as the surrounding environment including the land, plants, and animals. This information helps us understand trends, track progress, and manage risks to people and the environment.

Horizons has active research programmes studying the water in streams, rivers, and lakes, which helps inform policy, regulation and on the ground works to improve water quality. We are also fortunate to have one of the most extensive monitoring networks in New Zealand which collects and records information about fresh water all year round.

One example of Horizons’ science programmes is monitoring the level of sediment and nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorous, in our rivers, streams and lakes. Nutrients in fresh water come from sources like fertiliser, soap and detergents, animal or human waste, compost or wastewater.

Nutrients support plant growth (you might add them to your vegetable garden). High levels can cause a toxic environment for aquatic life, such as fish or insects, and can lead to excessive algal growth. This effects people’s connection with the water for gathering kai, fishing, swimming and other recreational activities.

Monitoring is one way we can measure the health of the water. These measurements help gauge the effects of land use, monitor the effects of pollution discharges and can inform our communities about what might be needed to see improvements in water quality. Horizons has several programmes working alongside landowners and community groups to leave the water in a better state for future generations. 

DO YOU SWIM IN THE RIVER OR AT THE BEACH OVER SUMMER?

Summer swim spot monitoring is another important focus for our science team. A dedicated team of research assistants sample swim spots for cyanobacteria (potentially toxin producing algae) and bacteria (E.coli at lake and river sites or Enterococci at beaches) from November to April every year. These are the best indicators to let you know if you might get sick from swimming or having contact with the water. Results (green, amber, red) are updated weekly and are available on the LAWA website lawa.org.nz.

WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE DIVING IN

This traffic light system grades freshwater swim spots and is set by the Ministry of Health and Ministry for the Environment. If a site falls into the red category we contact Public Health, who advise when warning signs need to be put up and that information is provided to the public that the site is considered unsuitable for recreational use.

Our rivers and beaches are natural environments that can come with a number of hazards. Before diving in we recommend you:

• Check lawa.org.nz for the most recent water quality monitoring results.

• If it’s green (on lawa.org.nz), the water is clean and clear, and it hasn’t rained for at least 3 days, you should be good to get in.
• Consider how fast the river is flowing and your swimming ability.
• Look out for unstable cliffs or submerged objects in the water.
• In rivers and streams, check for black mats attached to rocks or above water that may be cyanobacteria. Keep children and dogs away from the mats.
• At lakes, check for bright green scum on the shore and on the top of the water. If present consider swimming elsewhere.
• Be aware of potential rips at beaches and swim between the flags if you can.
• In an emergency call 111.

CLIMATE CHANGE DECISIONS INFORMED BY SCIENCE

Climate change is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face. It is one of Horizons’ four key strategic priorities, with many of our existing activities taking climate change and the impact that it is having on the environment, into account.

The Horizons Region is already being affected by increasing temperatures, changes to rainfall patterns, river flows, increased drought, and ongoing sea-level rise. A changing climate will affect our economy, and way of life.

Everybody has a role to play in responding to climate change – central government, local councils, tangata whenua, community groups, businesses and individuals. At Horizons, we see our role as facilitating and directly contributing to an effective, constructive response to climate change in our region.

Our Climate Action Strategy considers both mitigation (avoiding and reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (taking action to prepare for the effects of a changing climate) responses to climate change. Horizons examines the effects of climate change on all of our programmes, and initiates research to help plan for the resilience of our communities into the future.

We aim to:

• Build the resilience of communities and our environment to the effects of a changing climate.
• Support the transition to a sustainable, carbon-neutral regional economy by 2050.
• Ensure central and local government efforts are aligned to the needs of our region.

The eight councils in the Horizons Region have developed a Manawatū-Whanganui Climate Action Plan. It includes priority areas for mitigating and adapting to a changing climate. You can find the Action Plan, along with more information about our activities, at the link below.

BIODIVERSITY AND BIOSECURITY AT HORIZONS

The Horizons Region is home to forests, wetlands, dunes and waterways unique to New Zealand. We work in partnership with our communities to protect and enhance a number of these habitats, including incredible examples such as Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge and the Manawatū River.

With an array of diverse habitats to protect, Horizons biosecurity staff have a huge job controlling over 300 pest plant and animal species that can be found here. Our scientists identify special habitats that support many indigenous (native) species. Our biosecurity and biodiversity teams work to improve the health of some of these unique places. We implement pest management plans, fund research into the development of biological control agents, and support the community to protect and enhance biodiversity across the region.

Check out some local biodiversity gems this summer in each district:

Tōtara Reserve (Manawatū)

Nestled in the Pohangina Valley is Tōtara Reserve Regional Park; a treasure of the Horizons region. Covering 340 ha of bush, the reserve offers walking tracks, swimming holes, and native wildlife that can be found throughout the park. Horizons also manages a campground at the site. Make a booking at Tōtara Reserve.

Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge (Palmerston North and Tararua)

Nestled between Palmerston North and the Manawatū & Tararua Districts, Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge is one of our country’s most iconic natural playgrounds. Discover the many walks, bike tracks and activities at Te Āpiti.

Bushy Park Tarapuruhi (Whanganui)

A short drive north of Whanganui on Rangitatau East Road, you will find an array of walking tracks set in stunning lowland forest. Bushy Park is a haven for a number of rare native bird species such as North Island robin, tīeke and hihi. The sanctuary is free to visit and can be accessed during daylight hours.

Pureora Forest (Ruapehu)

The 78,000 ha Pureora Forest reserve in the central North Island is renowned as one of the finest rainforests in the world. Choose one of the many walking and mountain biking tracks within the park and discover ancient trees including rimu, mataī, miro, kahikatea and towering tōtara, as well as a chorus of abundant native bird life. 

Lake Papaitonga (Horowhenua)

Within Papaitonga Scenic Reserve is Lake Waiwiri, a dune lake that provides an important sanctuary for wetland birds. Take a short, easy walk around the lake with some great spots to enjoy views and look and listen for birds – it’s a good option for kids. Take care as tracks can get slippery.

Koitiata (Rangitīkei)

This coastal reserve near Turakina is at the midpoint of one of the longest sand dune systems in New Zealand. The Te Araroa Trail – the 3000km walking track stretching the length of Aotearoa – also runs through the village. The local campground is open all year round.

HOW IS HORIZONS' SCIENCE USEFUL TO ME?

Horizons has an extensive monitoring network that automatically sends information to our scientists; combined with the information methodically collected by staff following national standards, we pull together millions of data inputs each year! We strive to make reliable scientific information available within and outside Horizons, for the benefit of the wider community, universities, government organisations and research institutes nationwide and globally.

This information is available through our website, on lawa.org.nz and is often highlighted in our publications.

There are many types of data available that can help you, whether you are a farmer, fisherman, kayaker, swimmer or you are just interested in your nearest picnic spot. You can access a range of information including:

• Rainfall data;
• Webcam pictures showing real time river conditions;
• Information to support consent applications;
• River flood warnings – you can sign up to our automated warning system; and
• Maps showing rising and falling river levels, soil information, rating schemes and more.

Every five years, we summarise all our scientific information in a State of the Environment report that explains the different aspects of our work, what actions we are taking to help the environment and examples of success or concerns within the region. The last edition was published in 2019 and is available on our website. We create summaries each year too, for every part of the region.

We are constantly collecting new information and updating results. The more information we have, the clearer picture we can create of what is happening in our waterways, the better our future decision making will be. We all want to improve and maintain our regional environment for the generations to come.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS & EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2022

• Strategy and Policy Committee 9 February, 10am
• Regional Council Meeting, 22 February, 10am
• Environment Committee, 23 February, 9.30am
• Climate Action Joint Committee, 28 February, 1.30pm

MARCH 2022

• Regional Transport Committee, 1 March, 11am
• Passenger Transport Committee, 2 March, 10am
• Strategy and Policy Committee, 8 March, 10am
• Catchment Operations Committee, 9 March, 9.30am
• Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games, 11-17 March, The Square, Palmerston North
• Central Districts Field Days, 17-19 March, Feilding
• Regional Council Meeting, 29 March, 10am
• Audit & Risk Committee, 29 March, 1pm (to follow Regional Council) 

Under the red and orange settings of the Covid-19 Traffic Light System, Council and Committee meetings are not open to the public to attend. Most meetings will be recorded and will be available to watch on our website within 24 hours of their conclusion. Strategy and Policy and Regional Council meetings are also live-streamed on our Facebook page.

Please note all details were correct at time of sending. Check our website for the most up-to-date dates and times for council meetings.