M A R C H 2 2 , 2 019
Are you an
environmental champion? Entries are now open for Northland Regional Council’s new Environmental Awards, which recognise the people and groups working hard to protect our region’s environment. Caring for Northland’s unique and precious environment is a massive job and one the regional council simply can’t do by itself. But we are not alone. Amazing work is happening in our backyards, along rivers and streams, farms and forests, beaches, wetlands, schools and kindy’s, even underwater! People all around this beautiful region are out there, working tirelessly to protect and enhance our unique, but sometimes fragile, environment. Sometimes they work alone, creating minor miracles - and sometimes they join with likeminded people to achieve truly remarkable results. Whether your passion is ridding Northland of the pest plants invading our whenua, trapping pest animals so our native birdlife can survive, getting stuck in to fencing or planting our waterways, or protecting our coast – we thank you. These awards are a way of thanking people whose ongoing committment and dedication to our region have achieved truly remarkable results.
» We want to recognise the mahi and amazing results. » We want to recognise our role models and leaders. » We want everyone to understand what is possible when we all work together.
We need you to nominate the people and groups who are actively working to protect and improve Northland’s environment. For more information including full entry criteria visit www.nrc. govt.nz/environmentalawards Enter by Sunday 31 March.
Are you improving Northland’s water quality? Be recognised for the action you are taking to protect and enhance water quality and biodiversity values in Northland.
Enter Northland Regional Council’s new Environmental Awards 2019 today www.nrc.govt.nz/environmentalawards
The award categories cover environmental action in: » the community » pest management » education » water quality improvement » industry » leadership » innovation » kaitiakitanga
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Is it finally time to reflect on H2GO? our use and abuse of water? NIAMH McCARTHY
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oday, March 22, marks World Water Day, established in 1993 by the United Nations to highlight the importance of our planet’s most precious resource. With ever increasing challenges and threats to water quality and availability it should be moment of reflection on our attitudes toward water sustainability on an individual, national and international level. As residents of tropical and humid Northland it’s easy to become complacent toward scary global statistics; for example nearly two-thirds of the world’s population experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year. Northland isn’t exempt from the effects of global warming, experiencing drought five years out of the last eight as well as the associated economic costs. However Mother Nature isn’t always to blame for our water issues.
From a commercial perspective the growing number of international commercial interests seeking to bottle our water is a cause for concern, this has been highlighted by the local Poroti Springs case. No discussion in NZ around water can be debated without the mention of our dairy industry, undoubtedly there has been a huge push to improve practices but continued monitoring and a commitment by farmers to a more sustainable approach is essential to the health of our waterways. Then we have simple human behaviour, it’s very easy to flush something down a toilet or drain and forget about where it’s going or the repercussions down the line. Increased harbour pollution and our local wastewater treatment plant working overtime are the realtime consequences of the choices we make around water usage and sustainability. Fortunately, with the increased spotlight on water resources there are lots of positive initiatives
throughout NZ and our region to both monitor water usage and quality as well as creating awareness around sustainable water practices. Both Whangarei District Council and Northland Regional Council have done exceptional work and continue to make great progress in the protection of our drinking water and our recreational waterways. The future of our local drinking water supply has just been boosted by plans to build a brand-new wastewater treatment plan in Whangarei. The largest civil engineering project in the district, the plant will be equipped with the new filtration systems and latest technologies in expectation of coping with increased challenges around our drinking water supply here in Whangarei. WDC is also working hard on improving the local stormwater network with the aim of reducing spills and keeping our harbour and local rivers cleaner for users and preservation of vital marine and river aquatic life.
KERIKERI
Northland Regional Council plays a key role in maintaining our waterways and wetlands and examining water quality. Wetlands help prevent flooding and improve water quality and as we see the increased effects of climate change NRC has put the spotlight on wetland conservation thanks to its Top Wetlands Project. The project aims to work with local landowners to preserve their wetlands, assisting them with funding and biodiversity plans. Each year in conjunction with LAWA (Land, Air, Water Aotearoa) NRC surveys the quality of many of our lakes, rivers, beaches and coastal swimming spots and publishes its findings. These results are a critical gauge on our regional water quality and definitely keep us mindful of our water use and practices when it comes to keeping our favourite swimming haunts clean and green. The next generation of water custodians here in Northland are also learning about sustainable water practices through the Enviroschool
initiative, currently operating in over a third of our region’s schools. We most certainly need to applaud the many organisations and groups and their good work in educating us in sustainable water usage but ultimately the responsibility lies with us, the end user. We all need to do our bitreport any leaks or pipe blockages, check our stormwater drains and follow the rules about safe rubbish and chemical disposal. And the next time you turn on your tap or hose, take a moment to think about the hard work that’s gone into providing this unlimited precious resource and how very fragile it may be in times to come.
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W r in New
Zealand BY CHERYL BARNES, MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR WATER AND CLIMATE CHANGE
orld Water Day is a great time to reflect on something that many of us take for granted – clean, fresh, healthy water, but sadly we can no longer rely on our nearest river or lake being healthy. Last year, New Zealanders spoke up on the need for action to clean up our waterways. In fact, in a recent survey by the Ministry over 80 per cent of people said it is extremely important to improve freshwater quality. This year is going to be a big year for freshwater policy in New Zealand as we work to meet New Zealanders’ expectations. The Government has an ambitious vision, to see a noticeable improvement in freshwater quality in five years. At the core of our policy, practice and decision-making is Te Mana o te Wai, to guide the setting for a fair and enduring system for sustainably managing this precious resource for future Paul Sutherland Photography
generations. My team at the Ministry for the Environment is working hard, collaboratively with advisory groups representing a broad spectrum of New Zealanders and other agencies, to help make this vision a reality. Just this week I have been in meetings with our Maori freshwater forum, Kahui Wai Maori, which includes eminent Northland voices Hon Dover Samuels and Millan Ruka. We’re also hearing from other advisory groups that bring together scientists, farmers, growers, advocates, regional councils and other people who care about our freshwater. There is a general agreement that our health as a nation is intrinsically linked to the health of our waters. Later this year New Zealanders will get to have their say on proposed amendments to the National Policy Statement (NPS) for Freshwater Management and a new draft National Environmental Standard for Freshwater Management which together will direct councils to toughen up on freshwater quality. We are advising on potential direction around the use of farm management plans, good management practices including stock exclusion, and riparian
management. And we are proposing rules to control the adverse effects of particularly risky activities such as intensive winter grazing, hill country cropping, and feedlots. Protecting our freshwater resources will require us to set environmental limits as every catchment across the country has a limit to how much contamination, such as nitrogen discharges, it can carry before it’s damaged significantly. We have to come up with options for equitably sharing responsibility for staying within those limits. This means that everyone across a catchment– community, farmers, councils, point source discharges such as wastewater plants or freezing works – must be included in the discussion. Throughout this process, we must ensure that both the current and potential land use is considered. It is important that what we put in place this year doesn’t lock owners of underdeveloped land out from their aspirations for that land. Additionally, the Ministry is working through mapping the risks to water quality and ecosystem health in individual catchments as a start in considering where new measures could be targeted. However, policy and rules alone will not solve all of our water quality
issues. Already, communities, iwi, hapu and landowners are making a difference and will continue to deliver great results. Planting season is fast approaching and increasing planting along waterways can help the environment soak up contaminants that may be leaching through soils toward waterways. Planting, particularly native species, has the added benefit of providing habitat for all manner of small creatures. Organisations such as Dairy NZ have planting guides that will help people select the right plants for the right environment. We are supporting initiatives such as the Te Hika Dune lakes project near Kaitaia and improving water quality at Otiuhau/Whangarei Falls. On the Ministry for the Environment website, there is information about the Community Environment and Te Mana O Te Wai funds which help support community-led projects. For landowners, there are other funds, such as the sustainable farming fund and the 1 Billion Trees program that are there to support on ground work in rural communities. Many farmers are already doing good work, and we encourage all farmers to play their part. We all have a responsibility to be stewards of our natural resources.
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DairyNZ starts a WORLD WATER DAY MOVEMENT
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airyNZ is starting a World Water Day movement, asking New Zealanders to pledge to do something positive for our waterways. This movement is part of The Vision is Clear – let’s improve our waterways campaign, designed to get Kiwis celebrating and talking about their waterways and what contributes to water quality. There are 12,500 dairy farms in New Zealand and about 15 percent of waterways run through or past a dairy farm. As a result, what dairy farmers do on their farms to look after their streams, lakes, wetlands and rivers, makes a big difference. And the great news is that farmers have been working hard in this space for years. Old farming practices have been replaced with more sustainable ones. And thanks to the voluntary effort of farmers all across the country, 97 percent of dairy waterways (wider than a stride and deeper than a gumboot) have now been fenced so no cow can get near a stream or river.
The UN’s World Water Day on 22 March is a great opportunity for all people, rural and urban, to get out and celebrate waterways by doing something to help look after them. And it doesn’t finish there. We’re asking everyone to pledge to do small activities that can make a big difference – and you can do it anytime of year. If you do pledge for World Water Day, take a selfie of you taking action to improve our waterways and post to Facebook or Instagram with #thevisionisclear, you could go in to win $10,000 (Ts and Cs apply). There’s plenty you can do, so why not start by heading down to your local beach, stream, lake or river, and pick up some litter. Even better, challenge your friends, family, school, club or workmates to come along too – or get the whole neighbourhood involved via social media or your local website? Alternatively, you can sign up to help out at one of the many waterway clean-up projects happening regularly around the
country. Or better still, help plant lots of trees! Planting riparian areas along waterways helps improve water quality because plants function like a sieve, helping to filter out sediment and nutrients before they enter waterways, reduce land erosion and improving habitats for native wildlife. Dairy farmers have been hard at work planting trees on riparian strips along streams and there are loads of tree-planting groups and initiatives happening all over New Zealand. Did you know that Kiwis have planted over 23 million trees since 2016? And the goal is to plant at least a million more this year. Donating a tree (or many) is a really great way to help improve our waterways because trees help to reduce erosion, filter out sediment and attract native birdlife. So, if you don’t have the time or ability to get out and plant trees, donating them is a fantastic way to do your bit. For the past few years, dairy
farmers have been actively protecting, restoring and creating wetlands – which can remove between 75 and 98 percent of nitrate from the runoff they intercept, acting as ‘kidneys’ of the land. Wetlands trap sediment and phosphorus and can significantly reduce contaminants. They can also help protect land from flood damage by slowing, or holding surface water, and releasing it slowly over time – and provide a valuable home for native plants and animals. There are plenty of other wetlands around New Zealand that need help. To find out how you can help restore or create a wetland in your area, see thevisionisclear.co.nz. Why not pledge to put ‘nothing but rain down our drains’ and dispose of paint and other chemicals responsibly. Not all drains are treated, so
anything you put down the drain can affect our waterways. Avoid putting chemicals or cleaning products down the drain and don’t throw any unwanted medicines, antibiotics or vitamins down the sink either - as they can contaminate our waterways and affect aquatic wildlife. If you have leftover medicines, take them to your local pharmacy for disposal. The more we know, the better we can act. Encourage your kids to learn more about the science behind improving water quality online, or choose a water quality experiment for a school science project. All these things are small steps that could help look after a local waterway. We’re all passionate about our water, whether we swim in it, play in it, eat picnics by it or just admire it – and we all have a role to play in looking after it.
Pledge to support World Water Day this Friday, post a pic on Facebook or Instagram with #thevisionisclear - and be in to win $10,000! Ends 29/3/19. Ts&Cs apply.
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#thevisionisclear Powered by DairyNZ
We Kiwis love the water. That’s why DairyNZ has launched The Vision is Clear movement. It’s designed to raise awareness that farmers have been working hard to improve our waterways and to encourage every Kiwi to get on board and do their bit too. Check it out at thevisionisclear.co.nz and please support and share the movement. Because it all adds up to healthier waterways – for all of us.
Let’s improve our waterways
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Fonterra’s water commitments continue to drive action Water is precious and is a big part of our Kiwi identity
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programme, which is a 10-year partnership between Fonterra and the Department of Conservation (2013-2023) aimed at implementing game-changing and scalable solutions that demonstrate dairying and freshwater can thrive together. Located at the top of the Kaipara Harbour and spanning an area of 75,000 hectares, the Wairua catchment is surrounded by four main types of farming – dairy, horticulture, arable and forestry. Fonterra dairy farms make up 36% of the catchment. Through Living Water, a number of projects have been implemented to reduce sediment into the Kaipara Harbour, including using detention bunds to manage peak run off and reduce
onterra knows that as much as anyone. The co-operative is committed to helping protect and regenerate New Zealand’s rivers and lakes so that they’re strong enough to support nature and the many uses people have for them. Reversing the 99.6 per cent of permanent decline in water quality that’s waterways are now fenced happened over and 99.9 per cent of regular many years is a complex task. waterway crossings now As a country, we have to get it right have bridges or culverts because healthy freshwater and strong ecosystems sediment flow. are essential to the success of our Building on Living Water, communities and our economy. Fonterra has committed to help Whether it’s on-farm, at restore another 50 catchments across manufacturing sites or as part of the country, three of which are in collective action in catchments, Northland – Awapoko, Ruakaka Fonterra is working to accelerate the and Maungaturoto. national movement to rebuild the The 50 catchments initiative health of the country’s waterways. is about collaborating with local This includes in Northland. stakeholders to achieve communityThe Wairua River is one of five agreed goals. For example, in focus areas for the Living Water Maungaturoto, Fonterra is
■ Fonterra’s Kauri Site is self-sufficient for water thanks to two lagoons
supporting the Northland Regional Council, the Integrated Kaipara Management Group and others with their priority issues, including effluent management, erosion control and ephemeral streams. More broadly, farmers have already spent over $1 billion on environmental improvements and nearly all dairy cattle have been excluded from waterways on Fonterra farms – 99.6 per cent of permanent waterways are now fenced and 99.9 per cent of regular waterway crossings now have bridges or culverts. ■ Northland’s Wairua River is a focus area for the Living Water partnership between Now, the focus area is Fonterra and DOC implementing tailored Farm Environment Plans be 100% self-sufficient for water. In and improve wastewater quality for all farmer shareholders. These Maungataroto, water is routinely at manufacturing plants; build are comprehensive plans to improve reused, saving up to 1 million litres partnerships to improve waterway environmental outcomes, utilising per day through an evaporation health; invest in science and digital mapping tools and a suite system. A recent water recycling innovation to find new solutions; of good management practices. innovation at Pahiatua will save and make the products people Fonterra’s Sustainable Dairy about half a million litres of water a value most. These commitments day while new technology installed continue to drive action across Advisors work closely with farmers at the Darfield factory is set to the country, with collaboration to develop these, providing advice, tools and services. reduce the amount of groundwater key to accelerating progress. The co-operative has a 2020 drawn by around 70 per cent. Ongoing guidance is provided by target of reducing water use across Fonterra’s overall work to improve the co-operative’s independent its 26 manufacturing sites by 20 water quality is centred around Sustainability Advisory Panel, per cent. At Northland’s Kauri site, six commitments: farm within chaired by Sir Rob Fenwick. there are two large lagoons that regional environmental limits; are filled over winter and maintain encourage strong environmental Further information is available at levels into summer for Fonterra to farming practices; reduce water use www.fonterra.com/sustainability