On Friday 5 July 2024, Environment Southland, the Department of Conservation and Te Rūnaka o Awarua (Awarua Rūnaka) lodged a joint resource consent application to periodically open Waituna Lagoon to the sea.
The application seeks to maintain and restore the ecological health and cultural values of the lagoon by having a consent in place to manage openings for the next 20 years. It would replace the previous consent held by the Lake Waituna Control Association, which expired two years ago.
Background
Waituna Lagoon, part of the Awarua-Waituna wetland complex is recognised as a wetland of international significance, home to several species of native birds, plants, fish and insects and is a culturally important site for Ngāi Tahu.
In January this year, the lagoon was opened by Environment Southland using emergency powers under the Resource Management Act 1991, to provide flushing in order to address a serious algal bloom issue, however the lagoon can not be managed in this way long term.
Key elements of the proposed regime include a phased approach to applying trigger levels for openings to maximise the ecological health of the lagoon.
- For years 1-5, summer openings may occur if water levels are at or above 2.5m for 24 hours and winter openings may occur if water levels are at or above 2.3m for seven days;
- For years 6-15, openings may occur if water levels are at or above 2.5m for three days; and
- For years 16-20, openings may occur if water levels are at or above 2.5m for seven days.
Openings may also be considered for ecological, biosecurity, and water quality reasons, as well as fish passage in winter, providing it has not been opened in the previous 24 months.
As Environment Southland is a co-applicant and also the consent authority in this instance, processing and decision making will be delegated to external parties to ensure objectivity in the process.
The application will also request public notification by the consent authority, being Environment Southland. The application will be available to view online at this point.
Resource consent processing
Given community interest, full public notification of the consent application will be sought in the new year. Anyone will have the opportunity to make a submission and may request to be heard at a hearing. As ES is both an applicant and the consent authority, the application will be processed by external consultants and a decision made by an Independent Hearings Commissioner or Panel to avoid any conflict of interest.