Horizons - News

Kopane to celebrate increased flood protection

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:36:42 +1300

This Saturday will be a time of reflection and celebration for Manawatu residents as, almost eight years on from the devastating floods of February 2004, a new Kopane Bridge is officially opened.

A $4 million plus project, the new bridge will ultimately help protect the community from a 100 year flood by alleviating pressure on the Kopane section of the Oroua River and replaces the original bridge built in 1945.

Members of the Kopane community, local iwi and MP Ian McKelvie will join representatives from Horizons Regional Council and Manawatu District Council at the official opening which kicks off at 9.30am with a bridge building competition between Kopane School students and Horizons engineers.

Formalities will then be held on the bridge itself at 10am with an opportunity for people to walk across once it is declared officially open.

Kopane School principal Neal Duff described the bridge opening as significant in allowing the school to move on from the flood.

“The flood of February 2004 had a devastating impact on this school. Water reached up to a metre high throughout classrooms and the hall was badly damaged.” Mr Duff said.

“At one stage there was uncertainty as to whether Kopane School would even continue to exist, but now our roll sits at between 40 and 50 pupils and we’re looking to the future.”

Horizons operations manager Allan Cook said that while the bridge was primarily required for flood protection, Manawatu District Council also contributed $500,000 to the project in recognition of the additional life and safety features of the structure.

“As well as reducing the flood risk we are improving road safety for commuters who use the bridge. The new bridge is significantly wider making it safer for motorists and cyclists alike,” he said.

All are welcome to attend the family-friendly opening and parking will be available at the gun club alongside the bridge.

Horizons gets behind community initiatives

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:32:04 +1300

Applications are now open for Horizons Regional Council’s community grants programme, aimed at supporting community groups undertaking projects benefitting the region and its environment.

Community groups, schools, early childhood centres and iwi/hapu groups are all eligible to apply for a grant from the $20,000 pool which will be awarded to community-led projects that enhance the region or encourage more people to engage with the natural environment.

Horizons communications manager Caroline Rowe describes the new community grants programme as a great opportunity for Horizons to get in behind the community groups that are doing their bit in making the region a great place to live, work or play.

“We want support projects that are having a positive impact on our region. We want to work with the community to look after our region and its resources. I’m sure there are a number of great projects and ideas out there in the community that we can lend a hand to,” said Mrs Rowe.

Horizons has been supporting landowners with sustainable land use through environmental grants since we were formed in 1989. The community grants programme is a way of supporting those groups who are making a difference but who may not necessarily meet environmental grant criteria.

Further information and application forms are available from Horizon Regional Council offices or online via the community grants page. Groups have until 4pm Friday March 30 to get their applications in.

Slow down, children around

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:21:31 +1300

With the new school year beginning next week, Horizons Regional Council is urging motorists to take care and encouraging parents to remind their children about road safety.

Horizons road safety coordinator Debbie Webster says children returning to school are likely to be excited and easily distracted, increasing the need for drivers to remain vigilant and adhere to speed limits.

“Many children find it difficult to judge the speed of traffic and with so much going on around them they may become distracted by friends or their surroundings,” Mrs Webster says.

“By keeping to a speed limit of 50km/h or below and remembering the speed limit is 20khm/h when passing a stationary school bus, drivers can increase their chances of stopping in time and make the roads safer for all users.”

She also recommends parents take some time to go over safe walking and biking practises with their children and says the best way to teach safe practises is to demonstrate them by making the journey together.

“Even if your child has made the trip before it’s a good idea to take some time to practice and talk about things like safe places to cross the road and watching for cars that might be backing out of driveways,” she says.

More information about safer journeys to and from school can be found on the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website

Blue/green algae found in Mangatainoka River

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:11:29 +1300

Horizons Regional Council is advising people to steer clear of the Mangatainoka River near the Tui Brewery this weekend following the discovery of a large amount of blue/green algae in the area.

Toxins produced by the algae, also known as cyanobacteria, have been known to cause animal deaths and can cause skin irritation in humans. Dogs and young children are particularly susceptible.

Horizons science manager Jon Roygard says it is not yet known whether this particular strain of cyanobacteria is toxic, however testing at the site in 2011 showed the algae to be toxic in most cases.

“The slimy, black algae can bloom very quickly in warmer weather and will appear as a shiny black mat on the rocks. Warning signs have been erected and if you see it, it is best to stay away,” Dr Roygard said.

“If you are concerned your dog may have ingested the algae it is recommended you contact your veterinarian immediately,” he said.

The Mangatainoka site near the Tui Brewery is one of 10 sites tested weekly by Horizons Regional Council. This testing is being carried out to help Horizons understand the causes of cyanobacteria to assist in management and prevention.

Proposed flood protection work gets people talking

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:18:44 +1300

Horizons Regional Council’s document regarding proposed flood protection for the community has only been in households for a matter of days, but already around 400 feedback forms have been received via post and online.

There are a range of opinions on the future of the protection works with no options clearly favoured by the community at this point. Option 1 is to put the capital works to protect the Putiki and Anzac Parade flood risk areas, on hold and manage the risk through town planning and emergency response measures, option 2 is to complete the proposed works, within two years and option 3 is to carry out the proposed works over a longer period of five years.

Allan Cook, Horizons Group Manager, Operations, is pleased with the response rate to date, “It is good to see that the public are concerned about this issue and are taking the time to provide us with their feedback.

“With this information we can make an informed decision on the preferred proposal for inclusion in our draft Long Term Plan.”

The deadline for all feedback is Friday 3rd February 2012; however the public will have a further opportunity to submit on the Long Term Plan in April this year.

Public meetings have also been set up to provide Wanganui residents with the opportunity to hear further information on the proposed works, ask questions and have a say on how the works should be shaped.

A meeting with Putiki residents has been scheduled for Wednesday 25 January, 6.30pm at Putiki Parish Hall. The following day, Thursday 26 January, two meetings will be held at Wanganui Girls College. The first at 6.00pm will be a chance for residents from the Anzac Parade/Kowhai Park area to hear further information on the flood protection works that could directly affect their households. This will be followed by a meeting at 7.00pm which all members of the public are invited to attend.

Safety tips for a happy anniversary

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:39:27 +1300

Horizons Regional Council is encouraging holiday-makers travelling by car this long weekend to check the safety of their vehicle and ensure they’re well rested before hitting the road.

Horizons road safety coordinator for Wanganui Glenda Leitao says tyre pressure and tread top the list of things to be examined before driving, with some showers expected in and around the region this weekend.

“Well maintained tyres provide good grip, reduce road noise and have a longer lifespan. Keeping an eye on tread depth and ensuring the correct tyre pressure can lessen the risk of losing control,”

In addition to keeping you safe, the correct tyre pressure can also save you money. Tests conducted by the Automotive Association (AA)* in 2010 found that tyres underinflated by 7psi used 8 per cent more fuel overall – that’s around 16 cents extra per litre.

The minimum legal tread depth for tyres in New Zealand is 1.5mm across three quarters of the tyre width and around the entire circumference.

Mrs Nilsen says most modern tyres have a wear strip set in the central grooves to help identify when they need to be replaced, but recommends checking with a mechanic or tyre expert if you are unsure.

Driving in the summer heat can also be a factor in driver fatigue making it important for drivers to keep well hydrated and ensure they have had enough sleep before leaving home.

“A little tip to prevent fatigue when you are driving in the heat and using your AirCon is to remember to ensure air is circulating in from outside and not recycling from within the vehicle. This will help keep fresh cool air flowing and help keep you alert,” Mrs Nilsen says.

Other precautions people can take to stay safe on the roads include: planning to stop every two hours; checking the weather and anticipated driving conditions; packing an emergency kit with water, snacks, warm clothing and a first aid kit in case or a breakdown; packing activities to keep children entertained; and sharing the driving if possible.

*Statistics sourced from AA website http://www.aa.co.nz/motoring/maintenance/tyres/use-the-right-tyre-pressure/

Motorcyclists practice safety in numbers

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:05:31 +1300

It’s easy to spot a safety conscious motorcyclist and Horizons’ road safety coordinator Alane Nilsen hopes to see even more on our roads following the weekend’s Summer Series events at Manfeild.

Around 200 motorcyclists participated in a track day on Saturday where they honed their skills and enjoyed the opportunity to race in a safe and controlled environment under the guidance of the Pacific Motorcycle Club.

Mrs Nilsen praised the club for helping riders gain the skills required to ride safely on the road and described the event as a great way to encourage racing in an appropriate context.

“Motorcyclists are overrepresented and often under protected when it comes to fatal and injury crashes on our roads. Events like this are a great way for riders to safely blow off steam, learn more about safe riding practices and discuss the merits of Hi Viz gear,” she said.

As well as taking to riders about their riding gear and habits, Mrs Nilsen also handed out entry packs to the first 100 riders which included information about drink driving, cornering advice, earplugs to reduce road noise and water to rehydrate.

As part of the Be Safe, Be Seen initiative, a Hi Viz motorcycle jacket was also awarded to novice rider Jamie Pedersen for showing great improvement throughout the day and Hi Viz vests presented to two riders who correctly answered questions on safety gear and practices.

The next Summer Series motorcycle event will be held February 11/12^th in Taupo.

Lower North Island Regional Councils and DOC unite

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:33:27 +1300

Lower North Island regional councils and the Department of Conservation are developing an action plan to look at a more collaborative approach to the management of natural resources and hazards.

Representatives from the Hawke’s Bay, Horizons and Greater Wellington Regional Councils and the Department of Conservation met recently to consider opportunities for strategic alliances to improve natural resource and natural hazard management in the lower North Island.

The group agreed to identify initiatives where they could work together on gaps and opportunities that would benefit from a combined approach. The initial areas being looked into include science and technical information and capability sharing, biodiversity and biosecurity, regional park management and community engagement.

“The aim is to make it easier for all involved in natural resource management to act collectively in the best interests of the region and New Zealand as a whole, “says HBRC Chief Executive, Andrew Newman.

“The group believes effective strategic alliances will deliver better results and more value to the community with increased social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits across the region.”

Those attending the meeting say they recognise that investment in caring for the natural environment underpins the overall state and wellbeing of the economy. But they are also aware natural resource management is complex and expensive, and solutions don’t always fit within administrative boundaries. Therefore they believe they need to look more closely at ways they can solve problems together that can’t be solved separately.

The discussions come after comments to the Chief Executives’ Forum from DoC Director General Al Morrison highlighting the opportunities and benefits for natural resource and natural hazard management from a more collaborative approach between Regional Councils and DoC.

He sees the initiative as an exciting step towards greater cooperation between regional councils and DoC, leading to better conservation and environmental outcomes.

“Together we can work more effectively and efficiently and achieve better results and we need to explore every potential avenue to do so,” says Al Morrison.

“This partnership plan signals recognition that all our land and water, whoever is the steward of them, need to be managed in a way that acknowledges that our prosperity depends on our ability to live in harmony with nature. Nature does not respect boundaries, and that means we have to manage our precious and scarce natural resources together for the best outcomes,” Mr Morrison concluded.

Wanganui asked for views on flood protection

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:17:49 +1300

Residents of Wanganui are being asked for their thoughts on the next stage of flood protection for their community.

In 2009, following extensive consultation with the community, Horizons Regional Council began a staged programme of works to protect Wanganui from a 200-year flood. Estimates put the flood damage cost of this scale of event at $141.4 million.

Last year saw the completion of the first stage of work in the Balgownie area, which protects the industrial hub of Wanganui. The Balgownie works have taken two years to complete and consist of 3.3 km of new stopbanking, flood walls and temporary barriers.

Horizons is now seeking the community's input prior to putting a formal proposal in their long-term plan due to be released in March this year. The Kowhai Park/Anzac Parade and Putiki areas are the next in line for flood protection.

This stage involves new stopbanks at Putiki as well as through Kowhai Park and the arboretum area between Young Street and Georgetti Road.

Horizons operations manager Allan Cook said that the works would be carefully designed to minimise impacts on the arboretum and park.

This stage would reduce the flood risk and consequent social and economic disruption to the community’s park, arboretum, Putiki, and more than 100 homes at a cost of around $4.8 million.

Horizons’ Chair of Catchment Operations, councillor Murray Guy said that now is an important time for residents to voice their views on what the community's priority for further work is.

"We want to hear Wanganui residents’ views on the next stage of the flood protection work, how quickly they want us to complete it, or if they even want it completed," said Cr Guy.

Cr Guy said that Wanganui ratepayers would soon be receiving a newsletter outlining the next possible steps.

"We have an opportunity going into our 10 year plan to modify the proposed protection works for Wanganui. As such we are asking for feedback on whether the community wants us to continue with the programme, at what pace and how this should be funded," said Cr Guy.

“The feedback we get from the community will shape the proposal that is put forward to council as part of the long term plan.”

Wanganui’s Mayor Annette Main said: “The risk of flooding in these areas from the Whanganui River is well-known and many Wanganui residents will remember the floods that inundated houses on Anzac Parade and prevented access to parts of our city.

“Please take the time to read the newsletter when you receive it, to ask your questions at one of the public meetings, and to provide your feedback on the proposed works.

“Wanganui residents’ input will be important to help Horizons to decide when, or whether, this protection work should be undertaken.”

Horizons will be holding community meetings in the Anzac parade and Putiki areas. Anyone wanting more information should click here or call 0508 800 800.

Check the quality of water at your swim spot, before you jump in

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:47:10 +1300

With only three more sleeps until Christmas and the promise of sunny weather ahead, our region’s popular swim spots will be in hot demand. To help people to decide where to go, Horizons Regional Council’s annual water testing at swimming and recreational spots is well underway.

Horizons monitors water quality at 13 swimming spots and based on the results the spots are given a green light when it’s good to swim, amber when precaution should be taken, and red if its best not to swim. While Horizons carries out weekly testing at 13 spots, there are 29 popular swimming areas that have a permanent grading system, based on knowledge of the water quality at the sites.

“Popular swimming spots at local rivers such as the Pohangina, Kahuterawa, Tokomaru, Oroua, and Manawatu Rivers should be great for recreation over the holiday period if forecasts of settled weather are accurate.” says Horizons’ Barry Gilliland.

“But even if the weather doesn’t co-operate anyone can easily figure out if water quality is ok to use. All it takes is knowing a basic rule of thumb and some common sense.”

“If it hasn’t rained for a couple of days and the water looks clean and clear it should be safe to swim.”

However river users should watch for possible growth of blue-green algae. Blue-green algae mats are sometimes found in stony bed rivers after a couple of weeks of low flows. These algae can carry toxins that that are a health hazard to people and animals.

Horizons checked local rivers earlier this month and saw none of these algae, but if there is a long spell of fine weather it might make an unwelcome appearance.

“If the river bed is stony, and earthy/musty smelling black mat-like growths cover most of the stones, then my advice is to go somewhere else,” Mr Gililand said.

He suggests people check the Horizons website (www.horizons.govt.nz) from time to time to see if there are any warnings posted.

Alternative swimming spots are the coastal beaches which meet water quality guidelines no matter what the weather brings or Duddings Lake which usually has good water quality.

The greatest risk for swimmers at beaches and swimming spots is drowning. Please be very cautious when using them.

Turitea Campus Flood Protection Works given support

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:16:53 +1300

Proposed Lower Manawatu flood protection works at the Turitea Science Campus will be included in Horizons Regional Council’s draft Long Term Plan, after agreement was reached between Horizons Regional Council and owners of the Science Campus properties.

The flood protection works would provide the same standard of flood protection to the Science Campus as will be provided to the main Palmerston North ‘City’ area on the right bank of the Manawatu River, at the conclusion of the City Reach Project in 2013-14. Furthermore the proposal would also provide 200-year level flood protection from the Turitea Stream.

Owners and lessees of the Science Campus properties; Massey University, Fonterra, Ag Research, LASRA and Plant and Food Research have expressed their desire for the protection work to proceed due to the concern for property, valuable science projects and business disruption. So after negotiations with Horizons they have committed to an annual contribution, for up to 15 years, to the protection works.

“The five organisations will in effect be covering 50% of the cost for the flood protection works, while the wider community will cover the remaining 50%. This reflects the importance of the campus to the city, and the wider value of its protection,” said Horizons Operations Group Manager, Allan Cook.

“The institutes located on the campus bring considerable indirect benefits to the whole city and are amongst our largest employers.”

The Turitea flood protection work would involve building a 1.5 metre earth stop bank, together with short sections of concrete flood wall, around the campus and set back from the river. Adding on the work at Turitea would extend the targeted flood protection works rate for city ratepayers by one year, but would not increase the current level of rating for the City Reach project.

“This arrangement has now been supported by the Regional Council and the City Reach Working Party,” said Mr Cook.

The proposal will now be included in the draft long term plan to which the public can make submissions throughout April 2012. Subject to the outcome of that process, the work will be completed in 2014.

Progress underway on river clean-up

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:38:30 +1300

Last week dozens of Manawatu Leaders and senior officials came together to reflect on the year that was. But this was no end-of-year Christmas function, rather a report on progress made under the Manawatu River Leaders’ Accord.

The leaders, charged with the task of cleaning up the Manawatu River, met to review progress made against the Action Plan launched six months ago. Forum chair, Richard Thompson said that the meeting was very positive with a number of tasks now underway in each of the priority areas.

“I’m pleased to report to the public that we are well underway and a number of actions have taken place in a relatively short space of time,” said Mr Thompson.

The plan, which outlines over 130 specific actions was developed by forum members following the signing of an accord to clean-up the river in August 2010 and identifies six key areas that need to be addressed for the river to improve.

Sediment; nutrients and bacteria from point source discharges; nutrients and pathogens from agricultural run-off; physical changes from flood control work; protection of native fish and birds; and management of water allocation are the river’s main problems.

Projects underway by the regional council which brought the forum together, include land retirement, stream fencing and planting, and native habitat restoration.

“Horizons has continued its work in the Manawatu Catchment with programmes such as our Sustainable Land Use Initiative, compliance monitoring, stream fencing, rural advisory team and biodiversity projects,” said chief executive Michael McCartney.

“Point source discharges have also been a key focus for the team in the last few months and we are making some positive gains in partnership with the district councils who are seeking to improve their waste water discharges.”

Mr McCartney said although the council was making good headway, it was great to have the support of other organisations and “all be contributing to the same goal.”

Fish and Game along with the Game Bird Habitat Trust have improved six wetlands in the area and have been involved with a number of riparian planting projects with Fonterra and local landowners.

Federated Farmers, who became signatories to the Accord last year have been involved in a number of projects to reduce non point source discharges including establishing a code of practice for dairy effluent system engineers and establishing an industry-led advice group for sheep and beef farmers along with Horizons Regional and the Beef and Lamb Board.

Landcorp, which has dairy farms scattered throughout the catchment, has taken a number of steps to reduce the impact of its operation on the river.

“We have completed fencing on all our farms to exclude stock from waterways and have installed GPS trackers on our effluent irrigators to better monitor and control the amount of effluent that is spread on land. We also have all farms operating under best practice guidelines with nutrient management plans in place,” said Landcorp farm manager Brendon Stent.

There were also reports from iwi forum members who are involved in cultural health monitoring projects in different parts of the catchment.

Horizons’ manager of science, Dr Jon Roygard, attended last week’s meeting and said if progress against the Action Plan is sustained he is confident that the community will see improvements.

“There is no quick fix to water quality and we need to be patient before we will start to see a change. Although some actions such as stream fencing and point source upgrades will have immediate effect others will take time to demonstrate their effectiveness. I am confident that if we continue to work in this collaborative way across the catchment we will begin to see change,” said Dr Roygard.

The Manawatu Leaders’ Forum has applied for $6.7 million from the Government’s Fresh Start for Freshwater clean up fund. Mr McCartney said support from central government would help accelerate the progress already being made. Mr McCartney said the forum will most likely hear whether or not they are successful in the New Year.

Mr Thompson said that the forum is now preparing a report outlining progress to date which would be available to members of the public early next year.

Manawatu Gorge open to foot traffic

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:02:02 +1300

Despite the Gorge slip the Manawatu Gorge walk is open to foot traffic, so last week local government officials slipped into their walking shoes, and celebrated the successes of the Manawatu Gorge Biodiversity Project Group.

Representatives from Horizons Regional Council, Palmerston North City Council, Tararua Tourism, Tararua District Council, Destination Manawatu and the Domain Board heard from Department of Conservation (DOC) and Horizons staff about the progress and success of the Gorge project to date. They also discussed the impact the Gorge slip has had on biodiversity in the area, and the potential opportunities that have arisen around the site.

“The Manawatu Gorge Biodiversity Project is a 10 year plan to combine the enthusiasm and resources of the numerous organisations and communities associated with the Gorge area,” said Horizons Project Leader, Neil Mickleson.

“In some ways the Gorge slip has provided an opportunity for the project, as the access that has been created for contractors at the work site has meant we can develop a loop track at the Ashhurst end of the Gorge, which should be completed within the next 12 months.”

“We are also looking to set up a small picnic site at the worksite area which will have fabulous views of the Gorge and surrounding region. Plus once the work on the slip is completed we will revegetate the whole area.”

Led by DOC and Horizons, the project links all reserve areas, the river, road, rail line and some adjoining private land to be managed as one entity.

“The walking event last week was a fantastic chance to share the vision of flourishing biodiversity and to show the extensive options the Gorge has on offer for both passive and active recreation,” said DOC Programme Manager Community Relations, Margaret Metcalfe.

“We also talked about other potential developments for future multi-use tracks, including mountain bike tracks and pedestrian and bike clip-ons to the highway bridges at either end”.

The project team are always looking for volunteers to assist with planting and trapping projects. To find out more contact Horizons Regional Council on 0508 800800, or the Department of Conservation Palmerston North on 06 350 9700.

Bridge opening a cause for celebration

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:00:26 +1300

Kopane Bridge is now open to two-way traffic but motorists are advised to take care, says Horizons Regional Council operations manager Allan Cook.

“The bridge is open, but speed restrictions remain in place. This is to ensure the safety of road users as there is still work in progress. We’re now looking forward to the official opening which will be held on the 4^th of February 2012,” he said.

This opening will be a community affair, starting at 9.30am with a bridge building competition between Kopane School students and Horizons’ engineers.

“Kopane School was severely affected when flood waters swept through classrooms in 2004.We’re now able to involve the school in the opening of part of a system designed to protect the community from a one in 100 year flood. It’s a great outcome,” Mr Cook said.

The bridge building competition will be followed by formalities at 10am before the bridge is declared officially open by newly elected MP for Rangitikei Ian McKelvie.

The event will be held on site in Rongotea Road and anyone with an interest is encouraged to attend.

The construction of Kopane Bridge and the widening of the channel at that point is part of a wider project to upgrade flood protection within the Lower Manawatu Scheme. Work to raise stop banks up and downstream of the bridge will be ongoing.

Councillors vote to disband advisory group

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:40:22 +1300

Horizons Regional Councillors today voted to disestablish their prosecution advisory group which has been raising concerns over perceived political interference in the prosecution process.

Chief executive Michael McCartney said he felt the item needed to be brought before council following a high level of public interest in the role of the advisory group.

"The advisory group was formed three years ago and has been used to present prosecution cases to chairs of council committees. It is not nor has ever been the platform on which councillors determine the outcome of my decision to prosecute or not," said Mr McCartney.

"As we are dealing with cases that may end up in court we could not make these meetings public, and I accept the degree of transparency some in our community are seeking is not possible. Therefore I needed to get a clear steer from council as to the future of the advisory group."

Councillor Murray Guy who has been a member of the group since its inception explained to his colleagues what goes on at the meetings.

"We hear from staff about the rationale behind the prosecutions. We can provide a sounding board to the chief executive who, at the end of the day, must decide what course of action to take," said Cr Guy. "The group has worked well and I would be disappointed if the group was disbanded due to some bad press."

Councillors White, Rieger and Chettleburgh all indicated their comfort that there had been no political influence to date but accepted that there was an issue of public perception.

"My view that staff are taking a professional approach and the advantages of having this group are outweighed by the disadvantages the perception is having on the credibility of our organisation," said Cr Rieger.

Councillor Cox did not want to see a reactionary decision to disband the group but agreed it was timely to review council policy on prosecutions calmly and decisively consider the options.

Mr McCartney said the discussion around the role of the advisory group had detracted from the significant successes of the compliance record of the council.

"Prosecution is the last resort and not a path that we have to take very often. Over 95% of our compliance action is outside of a court process and has been commended by the auditor general as strong, fair and consistent," said Mr McCartney.

"In the past five years we haven taken 30 prosecutions, all but one successful. We have never once been challenged by the courts for the process followed in these cases."

Councillors in favour of disbanding the advisory group:

White, Sheldon, Plowman, McKellar, Rieger, Chettleburgh

Against:

Walker, Gordon (Chair), Guy, Cox, Barrow

Absent:
Burnell

Check, Clean, Dry gears up for summer

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:42:24 +1300

Horizons’ Check, Clean, Dry team is gearing up to prevent the spread of freshwater pests this summer, starting with the hooves of competitors in The Goat Alpine Adventure Run.

600 keen runners will traverse the western slopes of Mount Ruapehu this Saturday as participants in the 21 kilometre event and the team will be on hand to ensure athletes’ gear is clean.

Team leader Lisa Talbot said Horizons has been involved in the event for the past few years, working in partnership with Department of Conservation staff to check and clean runners’ footwear.

“It’s a really cool event. There are quite a few headwater streams that the participants go through so they’re asked to come with gear that’s been dry for at least 48 hours.

“We’re on hand to check their gear and make sure no one’s bringing anything in that could be hazardous to the environment. It’s about making it as easy as possible for people to check, clean and dry their gear between waterways,” she said.

Clean, Check, Dry cleaning stations will be set up at the start and end of the race and the team has some great tools on hand to communicate their message.

“Our set up includes examples of fake didymo. It’s all quite tactile and allows people to understand how terrible it would be if the weed got into our North Island rivers,” Ms Talbot said.

The Check, Clean, Dry team will be visiting fresh water spots throughout the Horizons region from next week right through until mid February 2012 with cleaning gear and giveaways for lake and river users . The team will also attend the T42 Mountain Bike/Trail Run event.

Check, Clean, Dry posters are available for local shops or groups and the team is happy to be approached to attend other events or speak to fishing, tramping and other outdoor and water sports groups.

To find out more about Check, Clean, Dry, visit the team on Facebook or give Horizons a call on free phone 0508 800 800.

Club receives helping hand from Horizons

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:17:08 +1300

Keeping people safe in the water this summer just got easier with Horizons Regional Council getting behind the Palmerston North Surf Lifesaving Club with some much needed funding.

The Palmerston North club had been struggling to secure enough funds to provide paid patrols during the week at popular Manawatu beach Himatangi but, thanks to the help of Horizons, the beach will be manned each day over the busy summer period.

The funding from Horizons tops up the annual grant the Club has received for many years from the Manawatu District Council to provide the Monday to Friday paid life guard service. This complements the volunteer patrols the Palmerston North Surf life Saving Club has been providing at Himatangi since 1959.

"The extra dollars from Horizons this year is a life-saver," said Alec Mackay from the Surf Club.

"It will ensure patrols continue over the very busy summer months while a long-term funding model for the paid life guard service is developed."

Beaches are part and parcel of the great kiwi summer but they also pose a risk with 18 people having drowned at New Zealand beaches in 2010.

In the 2010-11 year there were 13 rescues by surf life guards at Himatangi and 115 preventions. At the height of summer there can be 2500- 5000 people on the beach.

Horizons chairman Bruce Gordon said that the club provided a critical service to the Manawatu community and its visitors and he was happy his council could get behind them.

“Managing the region’s coasts is one of our roles as a regional council and part of that means making sure people can get out there and enjoy the great beaches our region offers,” said Mr Gordon.

“But it’s important that they can do so safely. Our life guards, both paid and voluntary, do a fantastic job of patrolling our local beaches and as a community we need to support them.”

Horizons monitors the quality of the water at seven popular swimming beaches throughout the region including Himatangi.

Samples are taken weekly and results are posted on the council’s website Himatangi has a permanent rating of ‘good’ but swimmers were encouraged to check out the website for the latest sampling results.

“Himatangi is a great beach and the quality of the water is consistently good," said Mr Gordon. "But like most beaches that have rivers which flow into them, if it’s been raining then silt and run-off can affect the clarity and quality of the water so it’s best to give it a day or two to clear before hitting the surf."

The paid life guard service funded by the Manawatu District Council and Horizons will start on the 19th December and run until the end of January. Each weekday three paid life guards will be on the beach from 11.00am to 6.00pm

Volunteer patrols at Himatangi start this weekend (3rd December) and operate between 12 noon and 5 pm each Saturday and Sunday through to the end of March. The life guards are organised into three patrol teams. Each patrol is made up of 9 lifeguards, with the range of skills, including first aid, IRB, board and tube.

In addition to the volunteers the club runs a junior surf program which also starts this weekend. Under 14s who are keen to become life guards are welcome to go along and find out more.

Swimmers are reminded to listen to the life guards and stay between the flags. If in doubt ask the life guards, they are there to help.

Council moves to improve bus service

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 17:08:53 +1300

Horizons Regional Council today adopted the Regional Public Transport Plan which maps out the strategy for maintaining and improving the region’s public transport network over the next ten years.

Included in Horizons’ strategy are a number of improvements the council plans on making to their Palmerston North services, subject to funding availability. In the short term these include extended weekday service hours; providing more services in the weekend; an improved service to the Summerhill area; and a late night service on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The council is also keen to investigate express routes in Palmerston North and Wanganui and increased frequency or adapting routes to encourage higher patronage.

Horizons made changes to the Palmerston north bus service in 2010, increasing service frequency to every 20 minutes during peak hours. The improvements resulted in an increase in patronage of around 27%.

Chair of Horizons' passenger transport committee Vern Chettleburgh said there was potential for further growth and he hoped the planned changes would encourage this.

“The strategy has been drafted in consultation with the public and we've had a lot of good ideas about how they think the services can be improved,” said Mr Chettleburgh.

“As users or potential users of our services their feedback is very important and I thank them for their contribution."

Public transport is funded through by those who use the service, Horizons Regional Council and the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA).

Section of Gorge closed to river users

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:20:32 +1300

Horizons Regional Council has advised that the stretch of Manawatu River 200 metres either side of the Manawatu Gorge slip will be closed from Monday 28 November until the land above is stable.

The closure follows discussions with the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA) and has been put in place to ensure the safety of all river users.

Habourmaster Evan Lloyd said “there is potential for debris dislodged by the earthworks to fall, putting commercial and recreational river users at risk.

“NZTA will take precautions to warn users and stop work if anyone does enter the danger zone, but it is important that people remain vigilant and stay away from the area until further notice,” he said.

The slip occurred approximately 2km upstream of the Pohangina River confluence and work is ongoing to clear this fall under the Emergency Works Provision of the Resource Management Act.

Horizons will continue to work closely with NZTA to ensure land stabilisation is carried out safely and will advise when the section of the river is reopened.

Other parts of the catchment remain suitable for recreational and commercial use. For more information visit the safe swim spots section of this site.

Research to help knock pest off its perch

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:46:26 +1300

Horizons Regional Council has successfully led a bid for $20,000 worth of Envirolink funding, allowing researchers to take the first step toward improving rook management nationwide.

Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Greater Wellington Regional Councils were also involved in the bid, which stemmed from workshops held in 2010 and a Landcare Research report developed earlier this year.

Horizons environmental manager Bill Martyn said current control techniques have significantly reduced rook numbers within the region, but research into better detection and surveillance will assist in “knocking off the remaining few”.

“This is a major step, but it’s just the first in a whole list of research items that will help us look at our needs and identify opportunities for improvement.

“Over the next six months Landcare researchers will work to review best practice and help plug any gaps in our knowledge so we can achieve our goal of total eradication throughout the region by 2017”, he said.

Landcare Research scientist Dr Phil Cowan said effective identification of the location of rookeries and birds is crucial to cost effective control.

“What impedes efforts to manage rooks is the need to be able to identify where every single one is. Current techniques are very good at finding most of the rooks, but there are still some turning up in unexpected places.

“This research will look at the success of current methodologies and identify cost effective ways in which we can locate more rooks,” he said.

Recommendations from this research will help shape rook control going forward.

Rooks are classified as an animal pest. The black crow-like birds feed in flocks and can cause significant damage to crops such as newly sown cereals, ripening peas, broad beans, potatoes, walnuts and fruit.

Since 2004, Horizons has undertaken an annual programme of aerial control to help prevent the birds’ spread.