ACROSS THE REGION

August 2019, winter edition

Welcome to the winter edition of Across the Region. In this edition we are raising the profile of our recently released State of Environment (SOE) report and touch on one of our key winter activities - planting. 

This edition discusses some of the key findings from the 2019 SOE which is split in to the following chapters: Climate, Air, Land and Water. The Land and Water chapters break down further into sections such as productive land, biosecurity, water quantity and water quality. For those that are after more detail than what’s included in this newsletter, you’ll find the report in its entirety on our website. The full report also wraps up with a section to guide readers who are seeking even more information. 

The Climate chapter is a new addition to the SOE this year, and identifies some challenges the region faces in terms of changing weather patterns and increased river sedimentation. One way Horizons is working to mitigate the impacts of climate change is through its planting programmes, which have been in place for well over a decade now and resulted in over 18 million plants put in the ground. In addition to absorbing carbon these trees help keep soil on land and out of rivers, which contributes to maintaining flood protection levels of service downstream. 

There are many other benefits to planting and every winter Horizons, with the help of community groups, iwi and landowners, plant hundreds of thousands of trees across the region. We are currently profiling this work through our social media channels and focussing on the importance of planting the right tree, in the right place, for the right purpose. Included in this edition is a spotlight on a planting project in your district. Join the conversation online and if you’re interested in doing any planting on your property next winter, please get in touch with our land or freshwater teams. Also please share any planting you’ve undertaken with us via our #plantinourregion photo competition. 

Finally, normally this publication is introduced by Horizons’ chair and includes messages from your local councillors. Due to pre-election rules that they need to follow leading up to local body elections in October, I’m introducing this edition. More information about the elections can also be found inside. 

Michael McCartney
CHIEF EXECUTIVE

HORIZONS' 2019 STATE OF ENVIRONMENT

As the regional council, Horizons is tasked with managing the region’s natural resources – land, air and water. There are a number of ways that we aim to do this; from erosion control works in our hill country to native habitat protection on our coasts, and enforcing the Resource Management Act to monitoring of popular swim spots during summer. But how do we know if what we’re doing is making a difference? 

One of the ways that we can assess the impact of our activities is through science and monitoring. In May we released the 2019 State of Environment (SOE) report which provides a snapshot of the state and trends of our region’s natural resources. It is a synthesis of monitoring data and information, complemented by research and evaluation completed by Horizons in partnership with others. The purpose of the report is to provide information to our community on the current state and trends of our natural resources. 

Also included in the report are some case studies that highlight some of the work being undertaken to address key issues. This include examples of work underway through our Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) and freshwater programme, both of which include a lot of planting. 

The last SOE report was released in 2013 and since then Horizons has increased its science and monitoring programmes to provide new information on the region’s natural resources. The demand for science, and community interest in it, is increasing and state of environment monitoring and reporting is key. We encourage our communities to take a look at the report which is available on our website to gain an understanding of where we are at and use the detail, like we do, to make informed decisions. 

KEY FINDINGS

Here we have some key findings for the Horizons Region from the 2019 State of Environment report. Please see the full document for more information. 

DISTRICT CASE STUDIES

Every winter Horizons works with community groups, iwi and landowners on planting projects to improve trends in water quality and help the state of our environment. The benefits of planting include reducing erosion on hill country, filtering nutrient run-off, creating habitat for native fish, and regenerating biodiversity. This edition highlights some of the projects that we have been part of that are contributing to the hundreds of thousands of trees planted every year.

RUAPEHU - MAKOTUKU STREAM PLANTINGS CONTINUE

Over the past few years Donna Journeaux, Carina McNie and the Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust have been working tirelessly to clear and then plant along the Makotuku River Trail in Raetihi. 

Thanks to support from Horizons’ Whangaehu River Freshwater Improvement Fund, they received $6,000 in grant funding to carry out planting along the trail. Ably led by Donna and Carina, with support from Horizons freshwater team members Josh Penn and Scotty Moore, a series of planting days have been held with local schools, who have been encouraged to get involved with the project. So far Orautoha School, Raetihi Primary and Ruapehu College have all participated in planting days. 

“We want to create an outdoor space that is a valuable community attraction,” says Donna.

“A space where Raetihi locals, along with visitors to our town can appreciate the river in a beautiful spot.”

The Raetihi Promotions Charitable Trust have achieved just that. Since clearing the track along the river, it has become one of Raetihi’s most valuable recreational assets, and the perfect pit-stop for visitors travelling through the town. 

“Not only have we created a great community amenity, but the plantings help stabilise the river bank, preventing run-off and improving water quality.”

It has been a long, hard road and there is plenty more to be done, however Donna is thrilled with the community feedback so far. 

“People are just flocking to the walkway, its proving to be really popular,” she says. 

In the last 12 months, 14.1 kilometres of stream fencing has been completed and over 8,800 plants have been planted in the wider Whangaehu Catchment with help from Horizons’ freshwater team. If you have an idea for a project, Horizons is currently seeking applications for Whangaehu Catchment community grants which close 4pm Monday 9 August 2019. 

The amount granted depends on the merits of the applications and there is a total funding pool of $33,000. Eligibility information and application forms are now available on Horizons grants and sponsorship page.

WHANGANUI - PLANTING AT MŌWHANĀUSTREAM FOR WATER QUALITY

Earlier this year, Kai Iwi School students with the help of Horizons took part in a farm planting day to improve water quality in the Mōwhanāu Stream.

Thirty-three students planted around 700 plants on Hamish and Helen McDougal’s farm, just north of Whanganui. Horizons freshwater coordinator Scotty Moore was there to coordinate and facilitate the day. 

This is the fourth planting day carried out by the school on the McDougal’s farm and Hamish and Helen are pleased with the work that has been carried out to date. 

“The kids are getting to see tree growth from three years back and how that growth is improving biodiversity along the stream. With Scotty’s help we’ve been able to demonstrate the value of fencing and planting alongside the waterway to improve the overall water quality to the students,” says Helen. 

The Mōwhanāu is one of three small streams, along with the Kai Iwi and Ototoka, which are popular for recreation however face challenges with the water quality presenting consistently high levels of E.coli throughout summer.

The Mōwhanāu has been part of Horizons’ summer swim spot monitoring programme and non-regulatory efforts to improve water quality for many years. 

These efforts include a targeted exclusion of stock, with Horizons’ freshwater team working with iwi and landowners such as the McDougals to reduce sediment and nutrients through run-off. To date 17 kilometres of stream fencing has been completed along the stream, with help from Horizons’ freshwater and land teams. 

If you would like to know more about how you can contribute to the good work being done in the catchment, contact our freshwater team on freephone 0508 800 800 or email help@horizons.govt.nz to find out more.

MANAWATŪ-RANGITīKEI - HILL COUNTRY PLANTING TO MITIGATE EROSION

The Horizons Region has some of the most highly erodible land in the country. However thanks to the implementation of the Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI), landowners are working with the support of Horizons to keep soil on our hills and out of our waterways. 

In February this year Hunterville farmers Justin and Mary Vennell hosted approximately 120 people including Hunterville School and Waituna West School students at their farm Richcrest to showcase the work underway to mitigate erosion and improve water quality. The Vennell’s have had a SLUI Whole Farm Plan since 2007 and were winners of the Horizons Region Ballance Farm Environment Awards in 2014. 

Under the SLUI programme, Horizons’ grant assisted works include afforestation, riparian retirement, wetland establishment and poplar pole planting. Since 2007, the Vennell’s have planted over 35,000 trees on approximately 45 hectare of top priority land. Forestry has been planted in their steep gorge and the natural vegetation has been allowed to regenerate. Riparian plantings have also provided wildlife refuge, stock shade and shelter. 

The Vennell’s have a vision that each farming enterprise on their land is suitable use of that land. Essentially sticking to the mantra of “right tree, right place, right purpose”. 

“What we are doing here on farm with the assistance of Horizons and SLUI not only benefits the farm by keeping our soil on the hillsides, but also the wider community by reducing the runoff of water from the farm, and so reducing the amount of soil, nutrients and pathogens from entering the waterways,” says Justin Vennell.

“I also feel that we are doing our bit by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as well.”

If you are interested in finding out more about Horizons’ SLUI programme, contact our Land Management Advisors on freephone 0508 800 800 or email help@horizons.govt.nz. There have been some recent changes to the programme which now means works can be subsidised without farmers completing a Whole Farm Plan. Over the last 10 years the SLUI programme has planted 16 million trees and completed over 35,000 hectares of erosion control works.

PALMERSTON NORTH - HEI MANGA ORANGA, RESTORING URBAN WATERWAYS

In June this year, Nga Kaitiaki o te Rerenga Rauropi (NKRR) carried out three plantings days within a week along the Kawau Stream. 

Hei Manga Oranga is all about facilitating the Palmerston North community in restoring urban streams to functioning ecosystems, and reducing urban impact on the Manawatū River. This vision is supported by Rangitāne o Manawatū and Palmerston North City Council. The planting days complete year one of the two-year project thanks to the Manawatū River Leaders’ Acord Community Grants programme. NKRR successfully applied for $14,000 for their project and plan to plant 1,800 plants this winter.

A number of groups have been involved in the project so far including students from Te Kura Waenga o Tirohanga/Monrad Intermediate, students from Highbury Whānau Centre, community facilitators from Te Aroha Noa, along with interested members of the community. 

Project leader Siobhan Karaitiana is thrilled with how the project is progressing so far. 

“We are only starting our journey, yet we have so many interested groups willing to become involved,” she says.

“It just goes to show that together, we can make a difference.” 

Horizons staff have been available for support and participated in the planting days along the Kawau Stream. Funding for Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord Community Grants is provided via the Ministry for the Environment’s Freshwater Improvement Fund and administered by Horizons. 

“The Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord Community Grants programme allows us to move forward with our project, we are incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” says Siobhan. 

Applications for the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord community grants are currently open and close Friday 4pm, 9 August 2019. The amount granted depends on the merits of the applications and there is a total funding pool of $100,000. Application forms are available via the Manawatū River website or by contacting Horizons’ freshwater team on freephone 0508 800 800.

TARARUA - SOURCE OF THE MANAWATŪ RIVER PLANTING

Earlier this month, a group of keen volunteers headed to the Source of the Manawatū River, near Norsewood for a planting day. 

Approximately 40 people including Te Kauru, Eastern Hapū Collective and staff from Horizons Regional Council spent the day on the Drysdale family farm, carrying out riparian planting alongside the unique stretch of the Manawatū River.

The day is part of a three year project to restore the river at its source. 

“We want to ensure the protection and enhancement of this special stretch of the river, while also encouraging the community to connect with our awa,” says landowner Penelope Drysdale.

“We hope that hapū and community groups will come to the area for educational purposes, cultural health monitoring and water monitoring. If we are all better informed about our river, the more likely we are to work together to improve its health.” 

The planting programme has been achieved thanks to the Drysdale’s and Te Kauru, Eastern Hapū Collective’s successful application to the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord Community Fund. It will also contribute to the 8.2 kilometres of stream fencing and over 8,000 plants have been planted in the Upper Manawatū Catchment in the last 12 months.

Over the next two years further riparian planting will be carried out, along with fencing, a carpark area and safe roadside access for vehicles. 

“We are thrilled with how the day went, the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord Community Fund was instrumental in making it happen,” says Penelope.

“Also thanks to Horizons for their support in advertising the event and resources on the day plus the Norsewood Sock factory for their free merino hats for all planting volunteers. The biggest credit goes to all who turned up and got stuck in to get the job done.”

Further working bees are planned to carry out plant maintenance over the coming months. Please contact Penelope on 027 4086 583 to find out how you can get involved. 

Applications for the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord community grants are currently open and close Friday 4pm, 9 August 2019. The amount granted depends on the merits of the applications and there is a total funding pool of $100,000. Application forms are available via the Manawatū River website or by contacting Horizons’ freshwater team on freephone 0508 800 800.

HOROWHENUA - PLANTING FOR WATER QUALITY AND HABITAT PROTECTION

Koputaroa School students joined Horizons Regional Council at a Horowhenua property in June to plant alongside Koputaroa Stream to help improve water quality and habitat for native fish.

Landowners Dan and Kushla Okano were a recipient of a Horizons freshwater grant which covered 50 per cent of the plant costs and included advice around what to plant where.

2,000 native plants went in the ground to create a 20 metre wide riparian margin along 295 metres of the stream. These will help reduce soil run-off into the stream and establish a rich habitat for native aquatic life such as giant kokopu, banded kokopu, kōaro, redfin bully, tuna and kākahi. The mix of native plants put in will provide different sources of food for insects, which fish can eat as they drop onto the water surface, and birds. They also shade the water and keep it nice and cool for fish.

The Okanos had been planning the planting for over a year and were pleased to discover that Horizons could provide funding and advice.

“It’s been a huge task to get to here and we’re so grateful to Horizons and my employer Plimmer Plumbing who have co-funded the plants,” says Kushla Okano.

“We’re really lucky to be able to work with like-minded organisations whose environmental sustainability goals align with ours. We also wanted to provide the next generation with the opportunity to be part of change and so invited Koputaroa School to come along.”

In the last 12 months, 1.6 kilometres of stream fencing have been completed along the Koputaroa Stream with the help of Horizons’ freshwater team. Over 6,000 plants have also been planted. For anyone who would like to learn more about Horizons’ freshwater grants, please get in touch with the freshwater team on freephone 0508 800 800 or email help@horizons.govt.nz.

COMPETITION TIME

We want to see what planting you’re doing this winter – from a community planting day to planting on your property. Take a photo, use the hashtag #plantinourregion, tag it with your location and post it on one of our social accounts (Facebook, Instagram or Twitter) to go in the draw to win a $1,500 plant related prize. This prize will be the winner’s choice and can be anything from donating plants to your local school, planting on your property or even out enjoying our trees via a bush walk somewhere in the region. Last year’s winner received $1,500 worth of native plants for his farm which will be planted this winter and says:

On behalf of the Stewart family of Hiwinui, I would like to thank Horizons Regional Council for the trees we received as the winners of last year’s #plantinourregion photo competition. The trees will be put to good use to infill our two projects that we are involved in with the Stoney Creek Catchment Care Group. These will be planted in the Alan Greenhow Memorial bush restoration and at Stoney Creek itself. I congratulate Horizons for this initiative as it is rewarding to gain some recognition for our efforts.

Terms and Conditions are at www.horizons.govt.nz, enter as many times as you like! Entries close midnight 25 August.

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2019

Local Government body elections are being held this October. The Horizons Region comprises of six constituencies which are represented by 12 regional councillors; two from Horowhenua, four from Palmerston North, one from Tararua, two from Manawatu- Rangitikei, two from Whanganui and one from Ruapehu. If you love this region and have ideas for its future, then you should consider running for Council. Elected members come from all backgrounds and walks of life and you do not require any special qualifications to stand. Nominations close 16 August.

Also don’t forget elections are your opportunity to determine the make-up of Horizons Regional Council. Voting papers will be sent to all those on the electoral roll about a month before voting starts and must be returned by 12 noon on Saturday 12 October 2019. For more information about the elections process please see our website. 

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS

• Strategy and Policy Committee, 13 August, 10am
• Environment Committee, 14 August, 9am  
• Regional Council, 27 August, 10am 
• Audit, Risk and Investment Committee, 27 August, to follow Regional Council
• Regional Transport Committee, 3 September, 10.30am
• Strategy and Policy Committee, 10 September, 10am
• Catchment Operations Committee, 11 September, 9am
• Audit, Risk and Investment Committee, 24 September, 11am
• Regional Council, 24 September, 10am

Unless otherwise stated meetings are open to the public and will be held at Regional House, 11-15 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North. Please note all details were correct at time of sending. However, for the most up-to-date dates and times for council meetings please check www.horizons.govt.nz.