Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Andrew Arps, team leader for water and land in North Canterbury, introduces his new monthly column: ‘Take two with Andrew’. This month, he discusses the pest plants broom and nasella tussock and offers tips for keeping effluent out of waterways.
Kia ora
You may be aware that we’ve recently undergone a few staff changes, including within our Kaikōura office.
As the new team leader of water and land for North Canterbury, I wanted to introduce myself in the first of what will be regular columns from me.
The aim is to ensure that we stay connected with the community – and to keep you across some of the topical issues that our team is working on.
Water and land North Canterbury team leader Andrew Arps
‘Tis the season for flowering pests
With spring well and truly upon us, it won’t come as a surprise that the war on unwanted plants is ramping up.
Broom
Broom is one of the pests that are now highly visible in both rural and urban parts of Kaikōura, thanks to its distinctive yellow flowers.
This pesky shrub outcompetes native vegetation and reduces pasture productivity.
Rural land occupiers are required to control broom within 10 metres of their property boundary, and those in the Hill and High Country Zone also need to control broom that covers 50 metres or less.
Nassella tussock
It’s also the flowering season for nassella tussock – and a great opportunity to spot any plants that may have been missed during your initial control (it’s a landowner’s responsibility to control nassella tussock).
This invasive grass has drooping, purplish flowerheads that are visible from October to December, and it’s spreading across Waitaha/Canterbury.
For more information about pest plants and what to do if you spot one, visit the ‘pest search’ section of our website –
Nassella tussock is now flowering and easy to spot
Keeping effluent out of waterways
In recent weeks, our staff have attended several cases of non-compliant effluent spread, resulting in seepage into drains or waterways.
When done right, applying effluent directly to land is a good and safe way to repurpose this waste as a nutrient source for soils. Done badly, it can be devastating to the environment – harming fish and other aquatic life, and turbo-charging weed growth.
The Kaikōura Flats area is particularly vulnerable to runoff, as it’s surrounded by drains.
If you are applying effluent on your land, effluent management must be covered in your Farm Environment Plan.
Other key tips include:
- ensure effluent stays at least 20 metres away from waterways and drains
- check weather conditions beforehand to avoid discharge during or shortly after rainfall
- stay within the capabilities of your soil, and the conditions of your consent.
We can advise you on how to do it right. Remember, breaking the rules could result in prosecution, including fines of tens of thousands of dollars.
Our Farmers’ hub page has more information about effluent spread and how to do it safely – or call our offices on 0800 324 636 and ask for Pete Bradshaw, one of our land management advisors in Kaikōura. Pete is happy to chat with you directly and answer any questions you may have.
‘Til next month,
Andrew
