Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Our Waitarakao: Waitarakao Washdyke Lagoon Catchment Strategy includes measures to increase natural hazard resilience, address poor water quality and improve biodiversity. As well as planning the long-term future for lagoon and surrounding areas, including adjoining creeks and nearby wetlands.
A small gathering of about 40 people took place on Sunday 9 March overlooking the lagoon, to witness the project partners signing the strategy and to celebrate its adoption.
It marked the culmination of 18 months’ work by the community and four partner agencies – Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua, Timaru District Council, the Department of Conservation and us.
Working together for the mauri of Waitarakao
Chair Craig Pauling said the adoption of the strategy signifies a shared commitment to working towards the long-term health and sustainability of Waitarakao.
Front – Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua Upoko Tewera King; Back row (left to right) – Tony Preston Department of Conservation, Craig Pauling Chair of Environment Canterbury, Nigel Bowen Mayor of Timaru District Council.
“Waitarakao is quite a rare coastal environment in this region, with unique ecosystems and important habitat for wildlife. The community and our partners are taking this restoration seriously – it’s a great example of collective action for the environment.”
That collaboration across the community was also highlighted by the other partners.
According to Timaru Mayor Nigel Bowen, “This strategy is an example of what can be achieved when multiple agencies come together and work as one.
“As a coastal town, it is important that we look after our environments, for our future generations. The success of the strategy can be credited to the high level of community engagement.”
Department of Conservation Geraldine Operations Manager Tony Preston is looking forward to getting stuck in.
“The genuine collaboration between partners and the community while developing the strategy has been fantastic, we look forward to working with the community and local businesses as we get stuck in to the planned work.”
Fiona Pimm, Chair of Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua reiterated the significance of the area.
“Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua are pleased to see the efforts and passion of many different interests come together in the signing of this strategy to protect Waitarakao.
“This is a special place with historic significance to our Arowhenua whānau and more recently a place of significance to Timaru settlers. It is a place where we share common values for protection of our environment.”
Next steps
Our Waitarakao is a collaboration between the community and the four partner organisations to deal with problems faced now in this unique coastal catchment, as well as planning ahead for a time when erosion may reduce the lagoon to a much smaller size.
The strategy includes actions to improve water quality, biodiversity and natural hazard resilience, as well as an ambitious long-term approach to create pockets of new wildlife habitat.
The strategy will be implemented through first steps and ongoing actions, which will be carried out with the help and involvement of the community.
Businesses, landowners and the community are invited to share resources and combine in positive actions in the catchment. Things like riparian plantings and pest control, sponsoring projects and donating resources and volunteer time.
Find our more about Our Waitarakao and how you can get involved.
