The Can I Swim Here water quality monitoring has come to a close for the 2023/24 summer. Over the past five months, we took more than 850 routine water samples from 41 swim spots at rivers, lakes and beaches – with the results shared weekly on the Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) website. The Taranaki pages had more than 28,000 views, which was awesome. A few reminders, especially for those hardy souls still heading out in the water: Stay alert for thick brown or black mats growing on rocks in
provisions of the Local Government
Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and in accordance with section 79 of
the Act, determines that it does not require further information, further assessment of options or
further analysis of costs and benefits, or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision
on this matter.
Hughes/Walker
page
Freshwater Implementation February Update
L Hawkins provided a freshwater Implementation update for
keep a watching brief on the situation and be prepared for restrictions if the dry conditions continue or get worse. Fred McLay, the Council’s Director – Resource Management, says a combination of the La Niña weather system which emerged at the end of last year and the impacts of climate change, which is altering rainfall patterns, means restrictions may be needed on how much water can be safely taken from rivers and streams. “We’re keeping a close eye on rivers and streams in the region,
Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020 (NES-FW) as part of the Government’s Essential Freshwater reforms and came into effect on 3 September 2020. As of 1 January 2025, these regulations were revoked and no longer apply. This means that resource consent is no longer required under the NES-FW for the conversion of non-dairy land to dairy farmland, however a consent may still be required under our Regional Freshwater Plan. If you are unsure or require clarification, please seek advice from Council on
spread by wind. We went downwind checking dozens of gardens and inspecting cracks in driveways, where small vines and seedlings can hide away. Already this year we’ve logged at least 45 new moth plant sites, ranging from a plant with 188 fist-sized pods to a single seedling. Secondly, now is a great time to act. Plants are podding so they are easier to spot. In another month or so the pods will split open and the seeds will spread, which we want to avoid. So what’s so bad about moth plant? Similar to
incredible event attracting people from all over New Zealand. We wanted to help make it more accessible for people in those communities without transport and encourage others to ditch their car for the night. “We’re expecting a festive, family-friendly atmosphere on the buses, which will drop off and pick up at the Fillis St gate meaning no parking worries or long walk back to the car at the end of the night.” The Saturday services began on 2 December and will run again on 9 and 16 December. The usual
WITT Students - Make sure you have your current student ID or course confirmation letter to enjoy free bus travel on the Connector (Hāwera to New Plymouth) bus. Important update for WITT students – Changes to free bus travel From 1 January 2025, WITT students travelling on any Citylink (New Plymouth urban, Bell Block and Waitara) or Southlink (Waverley to Hāwera and Ōpunake to New Plymouth) bus routes to and from WITT will need to pay for their fare using a Bee Card or cash. To purchase a Bee
prone to pollution. The results were similar to the previous year. Council Director - Environment Quality, Abby Matthews, says that while water quality is generally good in Taranaki lakes, some do occasionally experience cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae or algal blooms. “While bacteria levels are generally low, some of our lakes experience potentially harmful algal blooms, which can make people and dogs sick if they come into contact with or ingest the algae. It’s important lake
Taranaki Regional Council is now livestreaming all of its meetings, giving the public more opportunities to get involved in local democracy. The public can already attend meetings but will now be able to watch decisions being made by the elected members from their home or office. Chair Charlotte Littlewood urged members of the public to go online and find out more about the work being done around Taranaki by the Council. “Our region is a special place and your elected members are making some
boats which must have properly fitted lifejackets or personal floatation devices on board include yachts, sailing dinghies, power boats, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and waka ama. “It’s important to remember this isn’t just for boaties using the harbour at Port Taranaki. We want everyone on the water across Taranaki to please keep safe including those exploring estuaries and inland waterways.” As well as having a lifejacket on board, Mr Parr also recommends: Having at least two forms of