Taranaki Regional Council news

Going to seed for what we need

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 09:55:00 +1300

Some of the veggies at Hollard Gardens, Kaponga, have been allowed to go to seed — all in a good cause.

The lettuce, silverbeet and beans may no longer be fit for the pot but they will provide much of the material for a free workshop on saving and swapping seeds, to run from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday (21 March).

Flower seeds from the ornamental garden will also be harvested during the hands-on session.

"Harvesting and keeping seed is a simple, economical and productive way for people to enjoy their favourite annual plants year after year," says the Taranaki Regional Council's Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine.

"We'll have good material on hand to show home gardeners how to go about it. We'll also demonstrate how to save tomato seed for the following season.

"As always, it's always more productive when we can share our experiences and learn off each other."

Participants can also bring their own seed to swap.

The workshop is part of a year-round programme of free public events at Hollard Gardens and at New Plymouth's Tupare, another heritage property owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.

"One of the year's highlights at Hollard Gardens will be the Not the Biggest Pumpkin Festival on 16 May," says Mr Rine.

"This is all about discovering the value of heirloom pumpkin varieties. Rather than just trying to grow huge, impressive looking pumpkins, we've aimed to give people an opportunity to explore the interesting flavours, shapes and colours available with heirloom pumpkins."

Seeds from 10 heirloom varieties were given to around 200 people last spring and Mr Rine hopes they'll all turn up on 16 May to show off what they've grown, and what they've cooked or baked with it.

The Editor of NZ Gardener magazine, Lynda Hallinan, will be the guest judge at the festival.

For more information, see www.hollardgardens.info and www.tupare.info.

Hollard Gardens and Tupare are open from 9am to 8pm daily (closing time 5pm after 31 March). Entry is free.

Text system passes tsunami test

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:39:00 +1300

Last month's tsunami may not have had much of an impact in Taranaki - but Civil Defence says the event certainly proved the worth of the region's text alert system.

A mid-morning text alert was sent to nearly 3,200 Taranaki subscribers on Sunday, 28 February, advising them that a national tsunami warning was in place and that they should listen to their radios or go to the Taranaki Regional Council website, www.trc.govt.nz, for more information.

Taranaki people can subscribe to the alert service for free by texting OPTN TCD to 2678.

One result of the 28 February alert was that website traffic more than doubled as people checked prominently displayed bulletins that were updated during the day. Updates were also fed to the local studios of the two main commercial radio networks, which broadcast them as regional break-outs from normal programming.

"We're confident that between the text alerts and the great co-operation of the radio networks, we got our message to as many people as possible," says the Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller, David Lean.

"While the main focus of the tsunami warning was the eastern seaboard, it was important for Taranaki people to understand that at the very least, our coast may also experience unusual surges and currents that could easily take swimmers and boaties unaware.

"It was a sunny Sunday morning and many people would have been drawn to the coast. In the initial stages, when it was unclear what impact the tsunami may have, it was responsible and prudent to advise caution rather than allow people to unknowingly put themselves at potential risk," he says.

"As the event unfolded and it became clearer that the risk to Taranaki was minimal, we changed our messages to reflect that."

Mr Lean says the Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group's text alert service has 3,188 subscribers "and many of those would have forwarded our alert to their own contacts".

Website hits for the day totalled 1,546, well above normal weekend traffic. "On the previous Sunday, for example, there were 643 hits."

He says the text service proved its value as a "heads up", alerting people to a potential danger and telling them where to find more information.

"That's exactly what it's intended to be. It doesn't mean anyone - Civil Defence workers or the public - can be relaxed about preparing for the prospect of an emergency. People still need heed those Get Ready, Get Thru messages and prepare now, not when the warning comes."

To subscribe to the alert service, text OPTN TCD to 2678. There is no charge.

Anniversary Day jam and stew sessions

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:07:00 +1300

Cheap cuts and preserves may not seem much of an anniversary present but they're on the menu for next Monday (8 March) and plenty of interest is anticipated.

Tupare, one of New Plymouth's premier heritage properties, is putting on an Anniversary Day Farmers Market from 9am to noon, with the addition of free workshops on using meat off-cuts and preserving fruit and vegetables.

"It's an ideal opportunity not only to sample and buy local produce, but also to learn how to make the most of it and, in the case of preserves, how to enjoy them even when they're out of season," says the Taranaki Regional Council's Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine.

Besides the Farmers Market stalls, there will also be a growers stall where local producers will be selling their excess harvest. Growers wanting to take part can all 0800 736 222 and ask to be put through to Tupare.

The meat workshop will run from 10am to 10.30am. "We'll learn how economical cuts of meat can make substantial and healthy meals," says Mr Rine. "You don't need to live on fillet steak - there are plenty of good lean cuts of meat to eat. In some ways you have to relearn the way your grandma cooked."

The session will cover meals such as slow-cook casseroles soups, stir-fries and more.

The preserving workshop will run from 11am to 11.30am, covering goodies such as fruity jams, bottled fruit, tasty pickles and chutneys.

"There's growing interest in healthy, economical and authentic food, and these workshops will sit nicely alongside the Farmers Market and local growers stall," says Mr Rine.

The Anniversary Day market and workshops are part of a year-round programme of free public events at Tupare and at Kaponga's Hollard Gardens, another heritage property owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.

For more information, see www.tupare.info and www.hollardgardens.info.

Tupare and Hollard Gardens are open from 9am to 8pm daily. Entry is free.

Tsunami notice lifted but vigilance still urged

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:51:00 +1300

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has lifted its tsunami advisory notice but boaties and others are still being urged to exercise caution.

The Ministry says people should still be aware of the possibility of unusual currents and strong surges.

The Taranaki Civil Defence Controller, David Lean, says Taranaki people generally reacted well to Sunday's tsunami warning, with many heeding the precautionary advice to stay away the coastline, and understanding the need to be vigilant even if the likelihood of danger was small.

"In the event Taranaki was not affected but it's still important to take notice of Civil Defence advice when it's issued. Although we're on the west coast, it was still possible for us to have been affected after the tsunami passed through Cook Strait and around North Cape.

"It was certainly quite an eye-opener to watch the big surges showing on tsunami gauges on the east coast.

"We may have been lucky this time but it's better to be safe than sorry."

The Taranaki Emergency Management Office in New Plymouth was activated on Sunday, with Civil Defence personnel on a watching brief throughout the event from midnight Saturday.

Taranaki threat considered low but boaties urged to be vigilant

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +1300

It has now been confirmed by the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management that the Chilean earthquake tsunami is likely to have little effect in Taranaki, but boaties are still urged to exercise caution for the next 12 hours.

Monitoring by the Ministry has indicated that tsunami activity on the East Coast is at the lower end of predictions, and that the west coast will be even less affected.

However, boaties should be aware of the possibility of unusual currents and strong surges in the next 12 hours.

The Taranaki Civil Defence Controller, David Lean, says Taranaki coastal areas are now considered safe but boaties should remain vigilant.

A national tsunami alert remains in force until any further notice.

The Taranaki Emergency Management Office in New Plymouth is still activated and Civil Defence personnel are on a watching brief. Taranaki people are advised to listen to their radio for updates.

Issued 12 noon, Sunday 28 February 2010

Taranaki advice remains as waves in east increase

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:50:00 +1300

Tsunami waves have increased in size at the Chatham Islands and North Island East Coast, and Taranaki people are being advised to continue to stay away from the coast - including New Plymouth's Coastal Walkway - today as a precautionary measure.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has issued a tsunami alert after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile.

"The Ministry's primary concern is the East Coast, but until further notice, people in Taranaki should follow the Ministry's advice, and should NOT to go to the beach, NOT to go boating and NOT go sightseeing," says the Taranaki Civil Defence Controller, David Lean. "People are also requested to stay off the Coastal Walkway in New Plymouth."

The Ministry stresses the alert remains in force until any further notice.

The first wave generated by the earthquake is expected to arrive in New Plymouth around 11.30am today - earlier in South Taranaki. It may arrive later and the first wave may not be the largest.

Strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours. There may be observable sea level changes in some places.

The Taranaki Emergency Management Office in New Plymouth has been activated and Civil Defence personnel are on a watching brief. Taranaki people are advised to listen to their radio for updates.

Issued 0950, Sunday 28 February 2010

Taranaki advice remains 'stay away from coast'

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +1300

Tsunami activity has been detected at the Chatham Islands and Gisborne, and Taranaki people are being advised to stay away from the coast today as a precautionary measure.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management has issued a tsunami alert after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile.

The Ministry stresses the alert remains in force until any further notice.

The first wave generated by the earthquake is expected to arrive in New Plymouth around 11.30am today - earlier in South Taranaki. It may arrive later and the first wave may not be the largest.

Strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours. There may be observable sea level changes in some places.

The Taranaki Emergency Management Office in New Plymouth has been activated and Civil Defence personnel are on a watching brief.

Issued: 0900, Sunday 28 February 2010

Stay away from coast, Taranaki people advised

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 07:30:00 +1300

Taranaki people are being advised to stay away from the coast today as a precautionary measure following a tsunami alert.

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management issued the alert after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile.

"The Ministry's primary concern is the East Coast, but until further notice, people in Taranaki should follow the Ministry's advice, and should NOT to go to the beach and NOT to go boating," says the Taranaki Civil Defence Controller, David Lean.

As of 7.10am, no tsunami had been observed in New Zealand. However, the Ministry stresses the alert remains in force until any further notice.

The first wave generated by the earthquake is expected to arrive in Taranaki around 11am today. It may arrive later and the first wave may not be the largest.

Strong currents and unusual tidal effects may continue for several hours. There may be observable sea level changes in some places.

The Taranaki Emergency Management Office in New Plymouth has been activated and Civil Defence personnel are on a watching brief.

See the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management website.

Issued 0730, Sunday 28 February 2010

Border lines

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:37:00 +1300

You can see a plant on its own - in a book or at a garden centre - and think it's nice. That same plant, combined with others in a herbaceous border, can become something really special.

A traditional herbaceous border is comprised of artfully placed groupings of perennials (non-woody plants with a life span of more than two years). These herbaceous plants are usually at their peak through summer and go into dormancy in winter. Herbaceous borders are therefore seasonal. They also have a reputation for being hard work - another reason they are seen as a lavish statement.

In Victorian times, when there were enormous borders at some country homes and gardens, there would have been small armies of gardeners to take care of compost application and soil work, weeding, deadheading, staking, and so on. And of course, perennials need to be divided every three years or so for optimum health and attractiveness.

But it doesn't have to be so, Greg Rine told a herbaceous borders workshop at Hollard Gardens last weekend (21 February). For year-long interest and less work, try a mixed version - a herbaceous border that works for our times and lifestyle. You don't have to stick to just perennials - you can include evergreens, winter-flowering shrubs such as Viburnum, culinary herbs or colourful winter stems such as Cornus ... anything that tickles your fancy. Make it fun!

There are, however, a few things to remember: Take care of colour combinations, because they set the mood of your bed. Don't just think about the flowers, but also leaves, fruit and stems.

As a rule of thumb, up to five colours can be contrasted before it gets too much for the eye. But this needs careful planning - use a dominant 'theme colour' and work the rest round it.

Also think about size, texture and habit of a plant. Another rule of thumb: Tall towards the back and smaller at the front. Repeat the use of a plant to create rhythm and flow. Most importantly, Greg says, don't be scared to pull out and move something that does not look right. To avoid repetition, record mistakes and successes like this in a diary.

There is a new herbaceous border at Hollard Gardens with a colour range of yellow, red, brown, purple and grey. Right now, Achillias and Solidago are providing rhythm and movement, backed up by repeat plantings of Sedums, Rudbeckias and Euphorbia. Go check it out and see what you think.

'Pukeiti for the people' proposed

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:30:00 +1300

Taranaki's iconic Pukeiti gardens may be gifted to the people of the region under a plan approved in principle today.

Under the proposal, the Taranaki Regional Council would assume ownership and operation from the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, putting the gardens on a sound financial and operational footing. It would also result in free entry for the public.

The deal will be put to the public via the Council's 2010/2011 Annual Plan consulting process, and will also be voted on by Trust members.

The Council's Chairman, David MacLeod, sees the proposal as a natural progression.

"We've been supporting Pukeiti financially since 2002, and since 2003 we've owned, operated and enhanced two other heritage properties, Hollard Gardens and Tupare, on behalf of the people of the region," he says.

"Pukeiti is a unique and priceless regional asset, renowned nationally and internationally. It is part of our heritage and has been developed by hundreds of good citizens over many years. The proposal that it be gifted to the public and that the Council assumes ongoing responsibility for the asset is also a unique arrangement.

"The move will secure its future, and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing the property and its stunning plant collection.

"We would run it along the same lines as Hollard Gardens and Tupare, with free entry for the public and a programme of free events aiming to bring more people to Pukeiti to enjoy and to learn."

The Chairman of the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust, Lynn Bublitz, says the proposal is essentially a partnership agreement.

"There'd continue be a strong role for the Trust and its members, both in operational advice and in fundraising," he says. "As Chairman of the Trust I'm delighted that the Council is proposing to offer Pukeiti the secure future it deserves."

Ownership would be transferred for a "peppercorn" amount, taking effect on 1 July this year if the plan is approved.

A draft heads of agreement was discussed and approved by Regional Councillors today, with negotiations to continue.

The proposal will be included in the Council's Draft Annual Plan, which will go out for public consultation in May.

The Trust will put the proposal to its members next month.

Tupare puts one on for Cliff

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:28:00 +1300

It's not every day that Sir Cliff Richard comes to town, and it's not every day that New Plymouth's Tupare hosts the Taranaki Farmers Market.

But it's all happening this Saturday (27 February), with Farmers Market stalls at Tupare from 9am to 1pm, allowing Cliff Richard fans plenty of time to get to the concert in the evening.

As well as the popular Taranaki Farmers Market stalls, there'll also be a stall for local growers to sell their excess produce. Growers wanting to take part can call 0800 736 222 and ask to be put through to Tupare.

Market-goers will also be able to enjoy the summer splendour of Tupare's stunningly landscaped grounds.

Tupare and its sister heritage property, Hollard Gardens Kaponga, are open from 9am to 8pm daily over summer. Entry is free.

The Cliff Richard weekend Farmers Market is part of a year-round programme of events at both properties. For more information, see www.tupare.info and www.hollardgardens.info.

Border beauty without tedious toil

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:02:00 +1300

They have a reputation as high-maintenance good-lookers. But it is possible to enjoy the beauty without a lot of hard work.

Herbaceous borders, those often-spectacular garden collections of summer-flowering perennials, will this Sunday be the subject of a free Hollard Gardens workshop that aims to bust some myths.

"They're traditionally regarded as very work-intensive, but we want to show how herbaceous borders can work for you, rather than the other way round," says Greg Rine, Regional Gardens Manager for the Taranaki Regional Council, which owns and administers Hollard Gardens on behalf of the people of the region.

"We'll take workshop participants through the recently refurbished herbaceous borders on the main lawn at Hollard Gardens, looking at what's working well and what could be improved.

"There'll be plenty of ideas for people to take home"

The workshop will run from 2pm to 4pm on Sunday 21 February, with hot drinks served at the conclusion. Hollard Gardens is at 1686 Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga.

The workshop is part of a year-round programme of workshops and other free events at Hollard Gardens and the other Taranaki Regional Council heritage property, Tupare in New Plymouth.

For more information, see www.hollardgardens.info and www.tupare.info.

Hollard Gardens and Tupare are both open from 9am to 8pm daily. Entry is free.

Don't ride with me, Argentine ant

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:42:00 +1300

They may be hitching a ride in your car, or climbing the trees in your garden ... but whatever Argentine ants are doing, you can be sure of a destructive outcome.

Regarded as one of the world's most invasive and problematic ant species, they have established themselves in a number of areas in Taranaki, prompting a call for awareness and vigilance.

"We want people to keep an eye out for them - at 2mm to 2.5mm long they're smaller than our native ants, and a different light-brown colour," says the Taranaki Regional Council's Animal Pest Manager, Steve Ellis.

"And if you do spot them, it's important to understand that they can't be controlled with normal baits and sprays. Just one effective product, called Xstinguish^TM Argentine Ant Bait, is available so far, and the Council has worked with the manufacturer to ensure Taranaki people can get it at a discount rate."

The bait can be ordered by calling Flybusters Antiants on 0800 349 7378. There is a 15% discount if callers say they are from Taranaki.

The Taranaki Regional Council is also working with other manufacturers to identify and source other products that may be useful in controlling the pests.

Argentine ants have been found in Waitara (south of SH3 and east of Waitara River); Bell Block; Oakura; the New Plymouth suburbs of Fitzroy, Blagdon and Westown; and Patea and Waverley.

"We particularly want to hear if Argentine ants are found outside these areas. If you suspect they are on your property, call the Taranaki Regional Council on 0800 736 222 and we will arrange to have them identified," says Mr Ellis.

He says the ants can spread by hitching rides with vehicles. "Watch for them if you're putting potplants, compost and the like into the car boot to take somewhere else. As few as a dozen Argentine ants and a queen can start a new colony."

Besides their size and colour, Argentine ants are also distinctive because there is no strong formic acid smell when they are crushed.

Although not poisonous to people, Argentine ants are very aggressive and can completely eliminate other types of ant colonies, and other native insects and even lizards. They march in columns up to five wide, climb trees in search of food and can wreak havoc in household larders in their search for protein and sweet substances.

Besides being a major household pest and a threat to native biodiversity, the ants also pose a potential economic threat. They are not found in some Asian countries, so if they become established in New Zealand's horticultural areas or near export ports, they may impact on our trade with those countries.

For more information, see www.trc.govt.nz/Argentine-ants.

River revelations on Valentine's Day

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:46:00 +1300

The Waiwhakaiho River will yield some secrets on Valentine's Day - but of the scientific rather then the romantic variety.

A free public workshop at Tupare, on Mangorei Road in New Plymouth, will focus on the tiny insects, crustaceans, worms and snails that inhabit the river, and how they can reveal much about the health of the whole waterway.

The hands-on ecology session will be led by Taranaki Regional Council staff who will explain and demonstrate well-established techniques for assessing the quality of river water by studying the type and number of invertebrates living in it.

"Participants can expect to get their feet wet but their brains stimulated," says the Council's Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine. "As well as food for thought, there'll be sustenance for the body, as the morning workshop will be followed by a barbecue lunch.

"We ran a similar workshop last summer which attracted a big group ranging from kids to grandparents. Everyone enjoyed it."

Participants will need suitable footwear for the event, which takes place on the Tupare river flat on 14 February starting at 10am sharp, with a barbecue to follow at noon.

Tupare is a premier heritage property that features a house designed by James Chapman-Taylor and stunningly landscaped grounds developed by Sir Russell Matthews.

The river ecology workshop is part of a year-long schedule of public events at Tupare and at Hollard Gardens, Kaponga, another heritage property owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region.

For more information, see www.tupare.info and www.hollardgardens.info.

Wetland worth the wind

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:04:00 +1300

Sunday's strong winds didn't deter about 100 people from touring Umutekai near New Plymouth on Sunday to mark World Wetlands Day.

World Wetlands Day, observed internationally on 2 February, is designed to draw attention to the environmental and practical benefits of wetland protection.

Umutekai wetland covers almost 50 ha and is the largest remaining remnant of swamp forest that was once common on poorly drained but fertile land throughout the Taranaki ring plain.

The survival of such a large area of natural bush on private land is due to the foresight of the Rumball family who 'retired' half of the area they leased from the Crown in the late 1950s for dairying. The Rumballs began replanting the wetland and corridors of native species throughout the farm, after freeholding the property in the mid-1970s.

In recent years the Taranaki Regional Council has been working with the three landowners, including the Cowleys and the Zimmermans, whose properties also include parts of Umutekai, to protect and enhance this special wetland.

Wetlands generally have important indigenous biodiversity values. The Council works with the landowners of wetlands such as Umutekai, that have been identified as Key Native Ecosystems, to develop biodiversity plans to c-oordinate actions to protect and enhance their biodiversity values. Typically, the work involves possum and predator control, invasive weed control and wetland fencing and planting.

As well as a tour of the property, Sunday's open day included presentations from representatives of QEII National Trust, the Taranaki Tree Trust, the Taranaki Regional Council, Department of Conservation and Fish and Game Taranaki.

Plenty cooking at Hollard Gardens

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:54:00 +1300

Hollard Gardens in Kaponga will host a market day with a difference on Waitangi Day.

As well as the popular Taranaki Farmers Market, attractions at the Taranaki Regional Council heritage property will also include a local growers' stall and two summer food workshops - including one aimed specifically at men.

"Taranaki Farmers Market is always a popular attraction at Hollard Gardens but this time we're adding a couple of extra dimensions," says the Council's Regional Gardens Manager, Greg Rine.

"The local growers' stall will be an opportunity for South Taranaki people to market their excess produce, with buyers assured that it will be freshly harvested.

"And the two workshops are well-timed and should be a hit - there's one for men on cooking a great barbecue, and another on preparing dressings and condiments for summer dining."

The Taranaki Farmers Market will be open from noon to 3pm, with stalls selling seasonal vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis and courgettes as well as fresh spuds, blueberries, passion fruit, plums, nashi pears and garlic. There'll also be nuts, jams, honey, dips, chutneys and sauces, bread and baking, meat, seedlings and lavender products.

Garden visitors will be entertained by Guitarra and the quartet Six by Four playing Latin and classical music. Visitors can also enjoy the free barbecue and children's play area at the gardens.

Hollard Gardens and its sister heritage property, Tupare in New Plymouth, are open from 9am to 8pm daily over summer. Entry is free.

Local growers' stalls will also be held at market days at Tupare on Saturday 27 February and Taranaki Anniversary Day, Monday 8 March. To book please contact Greg Rine or Georgie Williams at the Taranaki Regional Council (phone 0800 736 222) by the Wednesday prior to the market.

For more information, see www.hollardgardens.info and www.tupare.info.

Is there something in the air?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:00:00 +1300

Air quality in New Plymouth is being continuously monitored for the next three to four months - and residents can check day-by-day results online.

It's the Taranaki Regional Council's fourth such monitoring programme but for the first time, results are being fed directly to the Council's website for public viewing.

"It is being presented in a user-friendly graph format, showing results over 24 hours compared with the national environmental standards," says the Council's Director-Environment Quality, Gary Bedford.

"We're anticipating a fair bit of public interest."

The national standards are set by the Government, which requires Regional Councils to demonstrate that they are being met.

"Taranaki has already demonstrated this in its three previous surveys, the last in 2003," says Mr Bedford. "Samples have never exceeded air quality guidelines, always falling into the Ministry for the Environment's categories of 'acceptable' to 'excellent'."

He says this means that general air quality monitoring is not a high priority for the Council. "We still carry out general surveys from time to time but our main focus is to regularly monitor industrial plants and the like to ensure their air emissions meet resource-consent conditions."

Monitoring equipment for the current survey is installed at the TSB Bank building in Devon Street, New Plymouth. Each air sample is analysed for the amount of tiny particles, known as Particulate Matter (PM), it contains. The focus is on particles with a diameter of less than 10 millionths of a metre, known as PM10. Such tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing illness or aggravating existing illnesses.

Under the Ministry for the Environment's National Environmental Standard, every cubic metre of air should contain no more than 50 micrograms (50 millionths of a gram) of PM10, averaged over 24 hours, and with only one breach allowed in a year. This standard is to be achieved nationwide by 2013.

There are many sources of PM, including motor vehicles (particularly diesels), wood and oil-burning processes and coal-fired power generation, incineration and waste burning (rubbish or vegetation), smog, and natural sources such as pollen, rock-dust and sea-spray.

The 2003 survey in New Plymouth detected:

Salt crystals (sodium chloride).
Mineral material (e.g. soil, silt, clay dust).
Other crystals - possibly calcium sulphate (gypsum).
Seeds, spores and pollen (mainly spores from fungi).
Combustion particles.

Results from the current survey can be seen on the Taranaki Regional Council website.

Go to www.trc.govt.nz/is-there-something-in-the-air/ for background information.
Go to www.trc.govt.nz/air-monitoring-results/ for daily monitoring results.

Field trip to explore Umutekai wetland

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:32:00 +1300

The links between water, wetlands and biodiversity will be highlighted at a public field day on Sunday, 31 January.

The event, marking World Wetlands day, will be held at Umutekai wetland, Umutekai Road (off Dorset Road), near New Plymouth.

Umutekai wetland covers almost 50 hectares and is the largest remaining remnant of swamp forest that was once common on poorly drained but fertile land throughout the Taranaki ring plain.

World Wetlands Day, observed internationally on 2 February, is designed to draw attention to the environmental and practical benefits of wetland protection.

The Taranaki Regional Council promotes wetland protection through education, advice and information and financial incentives. In particular, the Council focuses on protecting the 77 'regionally significant' wetlands identified in the Regional Fresh Water Plan for Taranaki which cover a land area of 2,819 hectares.

Through its Environmental Enhancement Grant scheme the Council assists with fencing, supplementary planting and covenanting the wetlands for their long-term protection.

Where possible, the Council advocates for 'formal protection' of wetlands through either a covenant (with either QEII National Trust or the Department of Conservation) or a management agreement (Memorandum of Encumbrance) with Council. Forty-nine of the 77 regionally significant wetlands now have some formal protection. All wetlands are also protected by rules in the Regional Fresh Water Plan.

Wetlands generally have important indigenous biodiversity values. The Council works with the landowners of wetlands, such as Umutekai, that have been identified as Key Native Ecosystems, to develop biodiversity plans to coordinate actions to protect and enhance their biodiversity values. Typically, the work involves possum and predator control, invasive weed control and wetland fencing and planting.

In recent years the Taranaki Regional Council has been working with the three landowners, including the Cowleys and Zimmermans, whose properties also include parts of Umutekai, to protect and enhance this special wetland.

The Council coordinates work, such as predator control, under a customised biodiversity plan, to further improve the biodiversity of Umutekai.

Sunday's field day begins at 10 am on Alison Rumball's property at the end of Umutekai Road. Visitors will be able to explore the unique wetland and hear presentations from representatives of QEII National Trust, the Taranaki Tree Trust, the Taranaki Regional Council, Department of Conservation and Fish and Game Taranaki.

Callers to have disaster in mind

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:00:00 +1300

Disasters commonly arrive unannounced but for the next week or so in Taranaki, the ring of the phone may serve as an advance warning.

A major telephone survey began yesterday (11 January) to give Civil Defence an indication of how well Taranaki people are prepared for a major emergency.

Responses from 1,240 people will be sought, to give the survey a margin of error of just over 2.2%

"There are no 'right' or 'wrong' answers for the purposes of the survey - we just need to get an idea of the level of understanding and preparedness that currently exists," says Gary Bedford, Director-Environment Quality for the Taranaki Regional Council.

"Information from this survey will help the Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group design and deliver the right sort of information and advice to ensure the region and its people are as ready as they can be for a major emergency."

Mr Bedford says that although the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management carries out preparedness surveys on a national scale, their Taranaki sample is not large enough to gain useful regional information.

"We need to see what sort of impact has been created by the 'Get Ready, Get Thru' messages that are promoted at national and regional level. Information from this survey will tell us whether, where and how we need to refine our approach.

"This is important stuff. Emergency services will be at full stretch immediately after any major event and most people will need to rely on their own resources for three days or more. We must deliver that message effectively - it's a lifesaver."

Mr Bedford says phone surveys can often draw a negative reaction but he's confident Taranaki people will realise that this one is important.

"It will only take 10-15 minutes to complete. That's not a lot of time when you think about the enormous impact of a disaster."

The Taranaki Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is a coalition of the region's four Councils. It is administered by the Taranaki Regional Council.

New Year treats for body and soul

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:59:00 +1300

A healthy but stylish start to the New Year is in store at Tupare, one of New Plymouth's premier heritage gardens.

Tupare will host the Taranaki Farmers Market on Saturday 2 January, with plenty of fresh produce on offer to help offset any New Year excesses that market-goers may have indulged in.

Market stalls will sell seasonal vegetables, with offerings likely to include tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis and courgettes, fresh spuds, blueberries, passionfruit, plums, nashi pears and garlic. There'll also be nuts, jams, honey, dips, chutneys and sauces, meat, seedlings and lavender products.

Live music and the stunningly landscaped grounds will provide food for the soul, and there'll be free tours of the property's distinctive Chapman-Taylor house.

Tupare and its sister property, Hollard Gardens in Kaponga, are owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council on behalf of the people of the region. Both are open from 9am to 8pm daily over summer. Entry is free.

For more information, see www.tupare.info and www.hollardgardens.info.