As Rex pointed out, it would have required too much land to be taken away and he didn’t think it was the best solution on his stretch of the creek.
Rex says he’s happy to share his experience with others. “We’re happy to open our property to other locals so they can see the issues and work done.”
“Erosion is a key issue in the catchment and we need to know which sites need to be fixed, and the best method. The creek is different from the top to the bottom, and different techniques will always be needed.”
Environment Southland catchment integration manager Fiona Young says the increased likelihood of flooding due to climate change means we have to adapt and think differently.
“That’s why we’re creating a Waituna Creek Erosion Management Plan, which will cover the creek from top to bottom.”
“We need to think about why erosion is occurring, and use everything in the tool box when it comes to erosion management.”
“The natural meandering of the Waituna Creek is long gone,” Fiona says. “Whenever we have big rains, the faster moving waters in these straightened waterways take out banks and flood farmland along the way. We need to come up with a plan that allows a return to a more natural meandering, prevents flooding and damage to fish and plant habitat, and does not affect water quality.”
This work aligns with the goals of the Whakamana te Waituna Trust, of which Environment Southland is a partner. This trust was set up to restore the mana of the Waituna Lagoon and catchment.
“In our commitment to Whakamana te Waituna, we’re taking a ki uta ki tai approach – from the mountains to the sea, or a whole of catchment approach. We know that fixing erosion issues along the Waituna Creek and its tributaries might take 100 years, because this is work that needs to be carefully planned and managed.”
“There will be some trial and error as we work to reinstate a more natural state to our waterways, while keeping the livelihoods of landowners top of mind.”
A draft plan is being developed with the community and iwi, and is likely to be available mid-year, with a view to beginning implementation next summer. The first part of the plan will take in Waituna Creek, and may also include the Jordan, Maher and Armstrong tributaries.
Rex agrees setting out the plan is important, and he suggests it will need to be ongoing, as flooding will continue to happen.
You can read the full Envirosouth magazine as a PDF online here.
