Top of the south survey aids efforts to keep Pelorus waterways clean

Tuesday, 21 December 2021

Karen Morrison (second from left) at Murray and Tanya Frost’s Linkwater farm earlier this month to help release dung beetles. Also there were (from left) catchment coordinator Rachel Russell, Jason Templeman, Murray Frost, Nigel Morrison and children Max, Matt and Katie Templeman.

Results of a catchment condition survey will help keep waterways clean and clear, says Linkwater farmer Karen Morrison.

The survey covers Rai Valley, Upper and Lower Te Hoiere/Pelorus, Wakamarina, Kaituna, Ronga, Opouri, Tunakino and Cullen Creek catchments. All are part of Te Hoiere/The Pelorus Catchment Restoration Project, aimed at enhancing and protecting the natural environment while providing social, cultural and economic benefits.

Morrison recently sat down with Rachel Russell and James Mills-Kelly of Marlborough District Council to talk through catchment condition survey results for the family farm alongside Cullen Creek that she manages.

“I found their visit very useful,” she says. “They gave me a set of maps giving an in-depth view of waterways along with advice on how to fix any problems.”

Dung beetles speed up the processing of manure into pasture which reduces pollution of rivers and streams.

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Feedback included a recommendation to plant native species in a wet area of the farm and along the edge of Cullen Creek.

That work has already started and completion will now be prioritised.

Morrison co-ordinates the Linkwater Catchment Group of farmers who welcome research identifying what is happening in their streams and drains and why. Members all have a voice, brainstorm ideas and access expert information.

“This avoids individuals carrying the load and stress of complying with new freshwater rules.”

Te Hoiere dairy farmers already have Farm Environment Plans, required by Fonterra, that identify water quality issues, says Morrison.

Dung beetles might be tiny, but they can make a world of difference to the biodiversity of the area they live in.

The catchment condition survey takes the next step of suggesting how to fix problems to comply with new national freshwater standards.

MDC environmental scientist, Matt Oliver, anticipates quick wins from the catchment condition survey such as simple fencing or stock-crossing improvements.

With expert support, more complex issues could be worked through by catchment groups towards long-term solutions.

“Helping our farmers meet new National Environmental Standards for Freshwater is a key driver of this work.”

It’s not only farms being surveyed, says Oliver. Urban waterways too were walked from bottom to top, including streams flowing through Rai Valley and Havelock.

“The aim is to get a complete picture of what’s going on so money can later be spent where benefits will be greatest.”

Limited council funding will be available towards fixing the worst problems in catchments where water quality is poor, says Oliver.

Depending on potential benefits for waterways, there could be additional support through Te Hoiere/the Pelorus Catchment Restoration Project.

The Council has a “no surprises” policy of talking through findings on individual properties with farmers ahead of public release of total catchment results.

To find out more about the catchment condition survey or arrange a visit, contact Te Hoiere Catchment Care Co-ordinator Aubrey Tai Aubrey.Tai@marlborough.govt.nz

Karen Morrison is the Linkwater catchment co-ordinator. This article is an updated version of one printed in a Te Hoiere/the Pelorus Project newsletter.