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Dress-ups for grown-ups at Tupare

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:20:05 +1200

Can’t afford a winter holiday? Try partaking of High Tea at Tupare for an afternoon of escapism, pretending you’re in another place, another era and another social strata.

For the fourth year, a series of Sunday afternoon High Teas is being held at Tupare’s Chapman-Taylor house, with participants encouraged to dress up and “put on the Ritz” for a couple of hours.

And the property’s founder, businessman and fervent royalist Sir Russell Matthews, would heartily approve. So says Greg Rine, Regional Gardens Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council which owns and administers the heritage property.

“Sir Russell and his family respected tradition but also hosted lively social occasions and knew how to have fun,” says Mr Rine. “Seven decades on, we’re encouraging people to bring their family and friends along to do likewise.”

The High Teas take place from 2pm to 4pm on the first Sunday of June, July, August, September and October, and proceeds from the $15-a-head entry fee go to Mangorei School PTA, which caters the events. Participants can round the afternoon off with a guided tour of the home.

The essential details

High Teas will be held at Tupare from 2pm to 4pm on:

Sunday 3 June
Sunday 1 July
Sunday 5 August
Sunday 2 September
Sunday 7 October

Bookings and pre-payment are essential and can be made at the Raised Eyebrow Art and Coffee House, 501 Mangorei Road (opp. Mangorei School), phone 759 8955.

As well as Tupare, the Taranaki Regional Council owns and administers Pukeiti and Hollard Gardens on behalf of the people of the region. For more information, see www.tupare.info, www.hollardgardens.info and www.pukeiti.org.nz. Social media users can also follow the Regional Gardens on Facebook (TaranakiRegionalGardens)and Twitter (@TaranakiRG).

Nil rates rise confirmed

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 +1200

The Taranaki Regional Council has confirmed a nil rates increase for the 2012/2013 financial year.

The confirmation came today as the Council adopted its Long-Term Plan 2012/2022, for which submissions were heard and considered last week.

The Council Chairman, David MacLeod, says the nil rates increase means the Taranaki Regional Council continues to have the lowest per capita rating in New Zealand.

20-year milestone for green awards

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:30:00 +1200

The Taranaki Regional Council made its 20th annual Environmental Awards today – to a dozen organisations involved in a range of activities as broad as the region itself.

The Council Chairman, David MacLeod, says the 20th anniversary of the awards is a time to reflect on the enormous contribution made by recipients and others over the past two decades.

“Taranaki has a generally excellent environment, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,” he says. “The awards remind us again that this is not an accident – it is the result of hard work in the community. It’s good to celebrate that work and hold it up as an example.”

Today’s 12 awards bring the total to 189 since they were inaugurated in 1993 – including 77 in the Individual/School/Community category, 61 in the Agriculture category and 51 in the Business/Local Authority category.

The Council’s annual awards recognise Taranaki projects or activities that contribute to or raise awareness of sustainable resource management, that are economically viable, and that are current or nearing completion.

Some of the winners of Taranaki Regional Council 2012 Environmental Awards.

The 2012 winners in the three award categories are:

Business/Local Authority

Contact Energy Ltd – for good environmental performance during construction and commissioning of Stratford Peaker Plant.

The plant opened in May 2011 after two and a half years of site preparation, construction and commissioning during which no environmental incidents were recorded. The plant’s two high-efficiency gas turbines have a highly flexible load output and nitrogen oxide emissions are low.

Methanex NZ Ltd – for adoption of on-site sewage treatment at the Waitara Valley Plant.

The installation of this plant, which treats effluent for discharge to land, allowed Methanex to surrender its resource consent to discharge treated wastewater through the Waitara marine outfall. This would have been the only ongoing discharge from the Waitara outfall after the completion of NPDC’s current project to divert the town’s municipal wastewater to the New Plymouth treatment plant.

South Taranaki District Council – for improving the health of the Mangawhero Stream by diverting Eltham wastewater

This $10.4 million project, which also included upgrades of the Eltham and Hawera wastewater treatment plants, addressed the last point-source discharge causing significant pollution of fresh water in the region. Since the diversion of treated Eltham wastewater, the Mangawhero Stream and the mid to lower reaches of the Waingongoro River have shown marked improvement in water quality.

Plasback New Zealand – for recovering used farm plastics for recycling

An estimated 44 tonnes of farm plastic was collected in Taranaki in 2011 through the Plasback recycling and re-use programme, which provides farmers with an easy and safe system to dispose of material that could otherwise cause environmental problems by being burned or buried on farms or sent to landfill. The programme has operated in New Zealand for six years and there are three collectors in Taranaki – Moratti Contracting, Inglewood; Riverlea Contracting, Kaponga; and Hinton Contracting, Stratford.

Agrecovery Rural Recycling Programme – for recovering unwanted agrichemicals and used farm plastics for recycling

The Agrecovery programme, established in 2006, provides an easy and safe system for farmers to dispose of chemicals and plastics that could cause environmental problems if disposed of on farms or in landfills. Taranaki’s four free collection sites for chemical containers are Coastal Wrapping Ltd, Okato; Elders, Hawera; Rick Coplestone Groundspray, Stratford; and the Waitara Transfer Station. In the two and a half years after it opened in August 2009, the Stratford site collected 2,362 containers for recycling.

Agricultural

BMW Farms – for riparian management and sustainable farming

The BMW Farm partners – Mark and Anne Bridges, Darrel and Amy Weston, and Graham Mourie – have achieved strong results in a short timeframe by programming their riparian work into farm budgets and engaging a contractor to do the work. All 8km of the farm’s streambank are fenced to exclude stock from waterways, and they have completed 83% of their Riparian Management Plan planting. They have also covenanted a 2.6ha block of bush.

Geoffrey and Polly Otterson – for riparian management and environmental enhancement

Since 2007, Geoffrey and Polly have fenced all 2.3km of streambank and planted 1.7km , to protect the tributaries of the Toko Stream that flow through their Toko drystock farm. The remaining 480 metres of riparian planting is scheduled for completion over the next three years.

Bruce Roberts and Nicola Murphy – for sustainable land management of Longreach Station

Since starting work in 2009 on implementing recommendations in their Taranaki Regional Council farm plan, Bruce and Nicola have, planted 54.3ha of exotic forestry, retired 49.7ha for native regeneration and erected 5.4km of fencing to protect erosion-prone land. They have embraced opportunities offered by the Afforestation Grant Scheme, the Permanent Forest Sink Initiative and the Council’s South Taranaki Regional Erosion Support Scheme (STRESS).

Individual/School/Community

Kahikatea Kindergarten – for environmental education and action

This kindergarten has a strong focus on sustainability and its children and community have been involved in activities including:

A sustainability audit of the kindergarten
Learning to sort rubbish.
The use of recycling and composting systems, and a worm farm.
Wrap-free lunch boxes.
Gardening projects.
Saving water and power, and improving energy efficiency

Moturoa Primary School – for environmental education and action

This is the school’s third Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Award since 1998, reflecting a strong and long-lasting commitment to environmental education. All students are involved in environmental activities, most notably a large native-plant propagation unit. Moturoa was the region’s first EnviroSchool and the first to join the Trees for Survival programme. Recycling is well established and the children also grow, harvest and cook fruit and vegetables at the school.

Mimi School – for environmental education and action

The school has worked with the local community, Puke Ariki, the Taranaki Regional Council, Department of Conservation and Rural Women to learn about blue penguins and to protect the colony at Wai-iti beach, which could be the largest in Taranaki, including construction of nesting boxes, laying traps for predators, educating beach users and offering guided tours to raise awareness. Other environmental education activities include riparian planting on nearby farms, recycling, and composting.

St Joseph’s School, Opunake – for environmental education and action

St Joseph’s strong commitment to environmental education includes recycling and composting systems, garden projects and involvement with the Trees for Survival programme. Native species grown in the school’s propagation unit are used in local projects such as Opunake Beach and Sandy Bay. Students have also produced penguin boxes and learnt about the conservation of local resources through the Puke Ariki 60 Springs Programme.

Note: School awards will be presented at the schools in coming weeks. Presentations to other winners were made at Stratford today.

Weed discovery puts boaties on alert

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:30:00 +1200

An invasive aquatic weed has been found in Lake Rotorangi, prompting a request for recreational users of the lake to help prevent it spreading.

Hornwort, also known as coontail, is highly invasive. Pictures courtesy of NIWA

Boats and other equipment should be well cleaned before departing Lake Rotorangi to help prevent the spread of hornwort, also known as coontail.

Hornwort is classed as an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act, and its sale, propagation and distribution is banned. It rapidly invades most freshwater habitats, crowding out native species and impeding drainage, irrigation and other uses.

“Hornwort is not listed in Taranaki’s regional pest plant strategy but it is banned nationally,” says the Taranaki Regional Council’s Compliance Manager, Bruce Pope.

“We’re particularly concerned about this discovery because many boaties who use Lake Rotorangi also use nearby Lake Rotokare, where the local community has put a great deal of effort into establishing a pest-free sanctuary.

“We’d also like people to watch out for it in other Taranaki waterways, and let us know if they see it.”

Hornwort is a submerged freshwater weed found in still and flowing waters, growing in depths of up to 16m in clear, deep lakes. Leaves are finely divided, with minute teeth which make the plant feel rough to the touch. It lacks roots but has modified leaves that anchor the plant in bottom sediments.

It is widely distributed in the North Island but until now there have been no confirmed reports of established infestations in Taranaki.

Mr Pope says its discovery here is a reminder that boaties and other recreational users should check and remove all weeds and unwanted material from boats and equipment before leaving any waterway.

For more information on hornwort, see www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests/hornwort.

Pampas deadline just weeks away

Wed, 09 May 2012 07:22:42 +1200

The clock is ticking for pampas grass in Taranaki – land holders will soon be required to completely eradicate the pest plant.

A five-year transition period, during which pampas could be retained only if it was being used as a shelterbelt and was prevented from flowering or seeding, ends on 1 July this year. The deadline was set in the Taranaki Regional Council’s Pest Plant Management Strategy in 2007.

“There’s been a generous lead-in time, and now the requirement is clear: All pampas must be eradicated,” says the Council’s Compliance Manager, Bruce Pope.

“That’s the message land holders are getting in our current round of inspections, and non-compliance after 1 July may result in enforcement action.”

Under the Strategy, all common and purple pampas must be destroyed.

Pampas threatens biodiversity by suppressing native plants along forest and streambank margins, in scrub and secondary forests, and wetlands and coastal areas. It also hinders horticultural production, particularly by strangling forestry seedlings in planted forests, and it can also be a nuisance on roadside verges.

Spraying with herbicides such as glyphosate or Gallant, or grazing or physical removal are the recommended treatments.

Mr Pope says alternatives for shelter include trees, flaxes and native toetoe. These provide shelter and enhance landscape values and biodiversity values.

“Pampas should not be confused with native toetoe, which is usually smaller with a waxy surface on the leaf base and droopy flower heads,” says Mr Pope.

For more information, call the Taranaki Regional Council on 0800 736 222 and ask to speak to a Pest Plant Investigating Officer, or go to www.trc.govt.nz/pest-plants/.

Full programme and zero rates increase

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:38:01 +1200

Value for money is a key theme for the Taranaki Regional Council as it finalises its Long-Term Plan for 2012-2022.

After deliberating on submissions today (Monday 7 May), the Council has:

Budgeted for a zero rates increase in the 2012/2013 year.
Satisfied itself that it is fully resourced to continue all its proven and successful programmes and carry out its environmental responsibilities under the Resource Management Act.
Reaffirmed its proposal to assume ownership of Yarrow Stadium, with Councillors confident the regional community understands that making an extremely small annual payment via rates secures the future of a highly valued regional asset.

The Council Chairman, David MacLeod, says it is particularly pleasing to amend the Long-Term Plan to allow for a zero rates increase this year instead of the 3% increase originally planned.

“It’s particularly good news in the current economic climate,” he says. “This Council’s per capita rates are already the lowest in New Zealand and it’s our firm intention to keep it that way.”

He says the Council’s budgets for the next year and 10 years secure the future of its varied and successful programmes and activities. These include:

The Citylink bus network in New Plymouth, where passenger numbers are increasing as services are enhanced.

The Riparian Management Programme, one of New Zealand’s largest environmental enhancement programmes and one that is transforming the Taranaki landscape.

Completion of the Lower Waiwhakaiho Flood Protection Scheme, greatly reducing the flooding risk at what has become an important retail and social amenity in New Plymouth.

Protection and enhancement of the region’s indigenous biodiversity by identifying Key Native Ecosystems and working closely with landowners on predator control, planting and other work.

Stewardship of three premier heritage properties – Pukeiti, Hollard Gardens and Tupare – and ensuring their maintenance and development, and enhancing their value to the regional community.

Mr MacLeod says a number of submissions were made on the Yarrow Stadium proposal, and Councillors considered them carefully. “We’re satisfied that the cost is fairly distributed around the region – 78% North Taranaki, 17% South Taranaki and 5% Stratford. And we’re talking about a very small amount of money -- $11 a year for Stratford and South Taranaki ratepayers. That’s not much to secure the future of a regional asset that continues to prove its immense value.”

He says it’s important to remember that the New Plymouth District Council will still fund 100% of the Stadium’s operational costs. “Rates money from the Taranaki Regional Council will go into a depreciation fund to protect the future of this regional asset.”

Mr MacLeod also says that budgets and other resources allow the Council to continue its high performance in fulfilling its environmental responsibilities.

“The reality is that we are among the best in the country in this regard. Water quality is a prime example: Overall quality in our rivers and streams is being maintained and enhanced and is generally better than in 1995. This region’s good performance has been noted by outside agencies including the Office of the Auditor-General.”

The amended Long-Term Plan will be audited before going back to the Council for formal adoption on 15 May.

'Bugs' in for treat at Tupare

Mon, 07 May 2012 07:29:40 +1200

One of New Plymouth’s premier heritage properties is braced for an invasion of bugs this weekend.

But no need for panic. It’s shutterbugs that will descend on Tupare on Sunday (13 May) for a free photography workshop led by the New Plymouth Photography Club.

With the stunningly landscaped grounds offering plenty of subject matter, participants will get tips on lighting and composition, and on different techniques for landscape, portrait and close-up photography.

Please bring your camera’s instruction booklet or manual to the workshop, which will run at the earlier-than-usual time of 9am to 11.30am.

Sunday’s workshop is part of a year-round programme of free public events at Tupare, Pukeiti and Hollard Gardens, the three regional gardens owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.

For more information, see www.tupare.info, www.hollardgardens.info and www.pukeiti.org.nz. Social media users can also follow the Regional Gardens on Facebook (TaranakiRegionalGardens)and Twitter (@TaranakiRG).

'Tree-dom fighters' gather for free workshop

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:46:56 +1200

The ins and out of planting native trees for ecosystem restoration will be explained at a free public workshop at Hollard Gardens, Kaponga, on Sunday (6 May).

Representatives of the Taranaki Tree Trust, Taranaki Regional Council, the QEII Trust and Fish and Game Taranaki will offer tips and information at the workshop, which is aimed at all landowners, including home gardeners, lifestyle block owners and farmers, and community groups.

Items for discussion will include:

What to plant and where to plant it.
Where to get native plants.
How to create habitat for native wildlife.
Advice given to farmers in the Taranaki Regional Council’s Riparian Management Programme.
QEII covenants and how planting can improve their value.
How planting can enhance key native ecosystems in the region.

Workshop participants will also tour the comprehensive plantings of native trees at Hollard Gardens, and there will be seedling giveaways and a sausage sizzle.

Sunday's workshop runs from 11am to 1pm. It is part of a year-round programme of free events at Hollard Gardens, Pukeiti and Tupare, the three heritage gardens owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.

For more information, see www.hollardgardens.info, www.pukeiti.org.nz and www.tupare.info. Social media users can also follow the Regional Gardens on Facebook (TaranakiRegionalGardens)and Twitter (@TaranakiRG).

Everyone's a winner in E-waste initiative

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:15:19 +1200

Schools as well as the environment will be the winners as Taranaki gets its first network of recycling collection points for electronic waste.

Unwanted computers, television sets and other e-Waste can be taken to RCN e-Cycle drop-off sites in New Plymouth, Hawera and Stratford, from where they will be shipped for responsible recycling. And schools that show support for the initiative over the next two months will be in the running for prizes of tablet computers and PCs.

“People taking their e-Waste to any of these sites can nominate the school they support, and the schools achieving the most recycling per pupil in May and June will be in the running for prizes of Samsung Galaxy Tablets or Dell PCs,” says the Taranaki Regional Councillor Neil Walker, who chairs the region’s Solid Waste Management Committee.

“These drop-off sites are the first link in a chain that results in responsible and ethical recycling, and we’re sure schools and their students will be keen to promote the idea.”

The New Plymouth site is at Whitaker Engineering in Corbett Rd, Bell Block (Saturday mornings only, commencing 5 May) and the Hawera site is at Egmont Refuse and Recycling, Scott St (weekdays during business hours, Saturday by appointment). Egmont Refuse and Recycling will also provide a service in Stratford, from noon to 4pm on the first Saturday of each month at the car park in front of the War Memorial Centre (commencing 5 May).

Mr Walker says the recycling scheme is user-pays but the cost is subsidised by the New Plymouth, South Taranaki and Stratford District Councils.

Electronic waste is one of the world’s most toxic waste streams and is expected to increase further with the advent of digital TV in New Zealand and the continuing transition to flat-screen technology.

“Not only has New Zealand been passing on a toxic legacy by sending 30,000 tonnes of lead and other heavy metals to landfill every year, but we’ve also been losing rare and important materials from the manufacturing cycle,” says Mr Walker. “A few dollars is a small cost for a far better legacy.”

The Taranaki Solid Waste Management Committee is made up of representatives from the region’s four Councils, and is administered by the Taranaki Regional Council.

The Taranaki e-Waste recycling drop-off points are part of RCN e-Cycle, a national network developed by the RCN Group in partnership with the Community Recycling Network. RCN e-Cycle has received funding from the Waste Minimisation Fund administered by the Ministry for the Environment.

For full details of the Taranaki drop-off points, and the schools promotion, see www.trc.govt.nz.

E-waste poster (1.2 MB)

Confering on conifers

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:36:21 +1200

Back in the 1970s, conifers featured in the typical Kiwi garden as squat golden blobs parked in red scoria mulch. But a free workshop in New Plymouth on Sunday (29 April) will demonstrate that they have much more to offer.

The workshop, at Tupare on Mangorei Rd from 2pm to 4pm, will include a tour of the stately property to look at different examples of conifers, from graceful and tall trees to useful and subtle groundcover plants.

Arborist Richard Lambert, conifer specialist Pip McVicar and Tupare Manager Mitch Graham will also offer tips and advice on selecting and growing conifers in the home garden, and the different ways they can be used.

Branching out on the ring plain

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:33:50 +1200

Taranaki’s ring plain has a unique environment that suits some trees more than others – and land owners and home gardeners can find out more at a free workshop at Hollard Gardens, Kaponga, on Sunday (15 April).

The workshop will cover trees for different locations – from the coast to the cooler upper plain – and different purposes including aesthetic value, shelter or firewood.

The workshop will be led by the Taranaki Regional Council’s Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine, who says the focus will be on the practicalities of creating a planted area with minimal effort.

Workshop participants can bring a plan of their land if they are seeking ideas for specific locations.

Sunday's workshop runs from 2pm to 4pm. It is part of a year-round programme of free events at Hollard Gardens, Pukeiti and Tupare, the three heritage gardens owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.

Strong winds continue across coastal and north Taranaki

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:04:39 +1300

Emergency services are busy responding to numerous calls of damage from strong winds in coastal and north Taranaki.

MetService issued a strong wind warning for Taranaki at 9am today for severe gale southeasterlies, gusting 120 km/h, mainly about and north of the Mountain, easing Tuesday evening.

The Taranaki Emergency Management Office in New Plymouth is monitoring the situation and supporting the response of emergency services.

The Fire Service is responding to numerous calls in Oakura and New Plymouth of roofs off houses and buildings, and trees and vehicles blown over.

Many schools and kindergartens are closed for the day. And some residents have been evacuated from damaged houses in Brooklands, New Plymouth.

There have been no reports of injuries from the storm.

Okato residents are asked to conserve water as power has been cut to the water supply.

Powerco have advised that power had been cut to around 2000 customers, mainly in north Taranaki.

There has been significant damage to the network and further power cuts are expected as high winds continue throughout the day.

Powerco is working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. It is expected that the majority of supply will be restored today, although there could be a small number of customers without power overnight.

All power lines that are down must be treated as live at all times.

People should keep clear of damaged lines and poles, then contact Powerco on the emergency line 0800 272727.

Residents are advised to take sensible precautions around their property during the winds, including securing any loose materials or objects.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid driving in such windy conditions if possible. The use of high-sided vehicles and towing of caravans is discouraged.

Boat owners are advised to check their craft and moorings are secure when it is safe to do so.

Authorised by David Lean, CDEM Group Controller

Wild weather slows restoration efforts (Powerco)

Public advised to stay away from Pukekura Park (NPDC)

Police reiterate warning to motorists

Warning on parks and walkways in New Plymouth (NPDC)

Cautionary warning to motorists (New Plymouth police)

Severe weather causes power cuts (Powerco)

Widespread wind damage across coastal and north Taranaki

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:02:43 +1300

Strong winds have caused widespread powercuts and damage to roofs and trees across coastal and north Taranaki.

The Taranaki Emergency Management Office in New Plymouth has been activated to monitor the situation and support the response of emergency services.

The MetService issued a strong wind warning for Taranaki at 9am today for severe gale south-easterlies, gusting 120 km/h, mainly about and north of the Mountain, easing Tuesday evening.

Further information will be released as it comes to hand

Authorised by David Lean, CDEM Group Controller.

Police reiterate warning to motorists

Warning on parks and walkways in New Plymouth (NPDC)

Cautionary warning to motorists (New Plymouth police)

Severe weather causes power cuts (Powerco)

Unique setting for charity fun run

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:26:40 +1300

A charity fun run with a difference is planned for Sunday 1 April – taking competitors deep into the Pukeiti rainforest.

The “Pukeiti Puffer” is aimed at families with three courses ranging from a 2km children’s fun run to a 13km challenge for adults, all organised by Smiths Sport Shoes to raise funds for the Cameron Clow Trust.

The fun runs will be held in conjunction with a Pukeiti Explorer Club fun day featuring games, bouncy castle and barbecue.

Fun run numbers are limited and registrations are required by 28 March. The 2km event is free, while 6.5 km event costs $5 and the 13 km costs $10. See www.pukeiti.org.nz for more registration details, or call into Smiths Sport Shoes, 33 Currie St, New Plymouth.

“The rainforest environment will give these fun runs a special element,” says the Taranaki Regional Council’s Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine. “The two longer events will include stream crossings and good hill climbs. The 2 km kids’ event will be held on flat grass tracks.

“If Mum or Dad want to enter the 6.5 km or 13 km events, there’ll be plenty of fun activities on the main lawn to keep the children occupied.

“But it’s important for people to register in advance – we need to keep tabs on numbers.”

Entry to Pukeiti is free and visitors are advised to bring a picnic lunch, drinks, sunblock, hat and gummies. The event will take place regardless of the weather.

Cameron Clow Trust website

Savvy gardeners think before they plant

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 07:58:06 +1300

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the old saying goes – and it applies to gardening as much as anything else.

Home gardeners can learn more at free workshop at New Plymouth’s Tupare on Sunday (25 March), when the focus will be on maintaining healthy plants and managing pests and diseases.

Preventing diseases and pests is easier and cheaper than curing them, and Tupare Manager Mitch Graham will explain how this can be achieved with good horticultural practices such as:

Buying healthy plants.
Avoiding the mass-planting of vulnerable species.
Finding the right place for the right plant.

Sunday’s workshop runs from 2pm to 4pm – meet at the Gatehouse by the carpark.

The workshop is part of a year-round programme of free public events at Tupare, Pukeiti and Hollard Gardens, the three regional gardens owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.

Ngaere water is good, final tests confirm

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:07:00 +1300

A second round of water sampling at Ngaere has confirmed the good quality of spring-water, surface water and groundwater surrounding Tag Oil (NZ) Ltd’s Cheal sites, the Taranaki Regional Council says.

The second round of sampling, from a spring and from a stream flowing beside the Cheal B exploration and production site, completes a testing programme designed to investigate concerns raised regarding a particular spring in the area. Earlier results were reported in February,

The Council’s Director-Environment Quality, Gary Bedford, says sampling sites and testing parameters were carefully selected in consultation with GNS Science (the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science) to determine whether exploration or well development activities had indeed caused contamination. No trace of such contamination has been found.

Water from two bores, two shallow wells, three springs and the stream has been analysed, and found to be of high quality. Every single chemical parameter was found to meet New Zealand Drinking Water Standards, and no parameter showed any result out of the ordinary for typical Taranaki shallow groundwater.

“The only issue was that bacteriological counts, indicating faecal contamination from agricultural sources, didn’t meet the standard,” says Mr Bedford.

The analysis covered almost 50 parameters, including a wide range of compounds commonly associated with hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) and other processes used in oil and gas exploration and well development.

The parameters included:

The “BTEX” range of compounds – benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene
Methanol
Dissolved natural gas
Aldehydes, which can be used as biocides (disinfectants)
Glycols
Total petroleum hydrocarbons
Trace metals
Conventional parameters widely used to characterise fresh waters

“In all cases, no contamination and nothing unusual was detected,” says Mr Bedford. “There was a trace of methane in a sample taken from one spring, where we had been expecting more given that the Ngaere area was originally swampy. But even that was dozens of times lower than natural levels of methane we’ve detected elsewhere.”

Mr Bedford says the analyses included tests for compounds which aren’t used by the industry in New Zealand, but which are the subject of concern overseas.

Laboratory results

Round 1 sampling results (154 KB)

Round 2 sampling results (151 KB)

Bacteriological results (49 KB)

Anniversary day action at Hollard Gardens

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:19:14 +1300

An age-old festival with a fairytale twist will give home gardeners an opportunity to strut their stuff on Taranaki Anniversary Day (Monday 12 March).

There’ll be great prizes for keen veggie growers at the free Harvest Festival at Hollard Gardens, Kaponga – and much more, including live music, Market Day stalls and entertainment for kids courtesy of the Magical Flower Fairies.

“We’ve put together a huge range of entertainment and activity, and there’s something for all the family,” says the Taranaki Regional Council’s Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine. “It will go ahead whatever the weather, as we’ll have a marquee to keep any rain at bay.”

For home gardeners, there’ll be prizes for the biggest, cutest, most unusual and most perfect vegetables, and for the best vegetable creation. “The more the merrier, so bring along any of your garden produce that’s tickled your fancy,” says Mr Rine. “The contests are open to anyone, including those who got free Egmont Seeds packets at Regional Gardens workshops and events in spring and early summer.”

Entries will be accepted between 11am and 12.30pm, with judging at 12.45pm. Prizes include a “chook tractor” (mobile chook run), gardening books and herbs.

The day’s activities begin at 10am when Gardener Annetta Scott will lead guided walk through the 4.5ha gardens and their world-renowned collection of plants.

The Festival proper will begin at 11am with a performance of Morris dancing, and run until 3pm. Besides the veggie contests, highlights will include:

Art and craft from Taranaki craftspeople
Fresh seasonal produce from Farmers Market Taranaki.
Coffee and French baking from Petit Paris.
Devon Sweets, with handmade confectionary from yesteryear and premium ice creams.
Demonstrations on seed-saving and edible ornamental plants.
American roots music (country and bluegrass) from Taranaki trio The FEDZ – Frank John, Erin Manu and Dusty Burnell.
Face-painting, stories and games with the Magical Flower Fairies – kids in dress-ups welcome!

Mr Rine says the Hollards team is excited about the festival. “It’s going to be one of the biggest days ever at Hollard Gardens.”

For more information, go to www.hollardgardens.info.

Civil Defence welfare centre open for Patea residents

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 15:27:13 +1300

High winds have caused widespread damage to trees and buildings across South Taranaki. Houses in Hawera and Patea and other small towns have suffered damage. A number of houses are without roofs and have broken windows.

Many parts of South Taranaki are expected to remain without power overnight.

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management has opened a welfare centre at the Patea Old Folks Hall, Egmont Street, to provide accommodation and information for residents who cannot stay in their homes.

Residents are advised to turn off the power at the mains if buildings are damaged and open to the elements to ensure their safety when power is restored.

Severe winds forecast for Taranaki

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:07:50 +1300

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management advises Taranaki residents to take sensible precautions to prepare their properties for high wind.

The New Zealand Met Service issued a severe weather warning earlier today.

The severe weather warning includes a forecast of heavy rain and north-west gales with severe gusts of around 140kph for the period 5am to 9am tomorrow Saturday 3 March.

People are advised to:

Secure any loose items such as outdoor furniture, trampolines, rubbish bins or debris around the house that could become airborne.
Avoid any unnecessary travel and stay at home during high winds.
Clear drains on your property that may become blocked and cause surface flooding.

Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller David Lean says that it’s wise for people to check their properties in preparation for the forecast high winds.

“By taking a few simple precautions now people may avoid any damage to people or property.

“Events such as this also serve to remind us that it’s wise to regularly check our household emergency plans and survival kits. The simple message is that people should be able to look after themselves and their households for at least three days or more,” says David Lean.

To find out more on preparing for an emergency go to www.getthru.govt.nz

Consent check urged before stream work

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:24:52 +1300

Taranaki landowners are being reminded that they are very likely to need a resource consent if they plan to pipe or realign a stream on their property.

The Taranaki Regional Council’s Consents Manager, Colin McLellan, says a quick phone call could prevent a lot of hassle.

“If you’re planning any work with a digger near a waterway, it’s a good idea to talk to the Council,” he says. “This is especially the case if you’re wanting to realign a stream or divert it through a pipe.”

Mr McLellan says some minor work is permitted without a consent but in most cases a consent will be required, even for streams that do not flow all the time.

He says streams are of ecological value and in many cases provide habitat for endangered species. Without appropriate controls, piping and realignment may damage this habitat.

Piping a stream may also raise flood levels upstream, affecting other landowners. And erosion control may be needed downstream of the pipe.

The consenting process also ensures that the correct size and type of piping is used.

“The strong message is to get information from the Council’s Consents staff,” says Mr McLellan. Call the Council on 800 736 222 and ask for the Consents section.