Keeping our streams healthy

Following on from the initiation of Project Maitai/Mahitahi in 2014, Council’s focus on freshwater is set to continue under a new umbrella brand across the region. Healthy Streams will maintain and further improve, the health of the region’s freshwater, alongside the freshwater work under Nelson Nature.

We’re also setting up continuous sediment monitoring in key stream locations to enable a timely response to sediment issues that could affect habitat and stream health.

This work is funded through our Long Term Plan, 2018 – 28, in recognition of the Council’s priority on the environment and commitment to a proactive approach to freshwater improvements. 

We’ve got a range of exciting projects for the 2018 – 2019 financial year. 

Sustaining and improving river flows
Maintaining good river flow lowers water temperatures, reduces cyanobacteria, reduces E.Coli, and improves habitat for freshwater fauna. The focus will initially be on water conservation for urban rain harvesting and storage in rural catchments.

Improving freshwater habitat for aquatic life
Funding will be targeted to improve freshwater habitat for ecological outcomes. This will include ongoing fish passage remediation work particularly in the rural catchments, further riparian planting on public and private land, instream habitat improvements, and improving inanga spawning habitat.

Reducing contaminants and pollutants
We’re initially focusing on working with our infrastructure team around green infrastructure solutions for the urban areas and monitoring both the source and the age of E.coli in the rural catchments. 

Reducing sediment through controlling erosion
Council was successful in securing funding from Ministry for Primary Industries Hill Country Erosion Fund and will be partnering with New Zealand Landcare Trust for a one-year project focused on controlling erosion on steep hill country under pasture.

Building community knowledge through education and advice
There are lots of opportunities to increase knowledge and provide advice and we will be working with landowners on erosion issues, trees in the landscape, water conservation and other issues.