200 days ago

Canterbury wetland projects receive funding boost

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Eight Waimakariri environmental projects are set to receive a funding boost, including three wetland projects near Kaiapoi.

The Waimakariri Zone Committee has recommended eight projects receive a share of the remaining balance of $66,000 from its 2023-24 action plan budget.

Chairperson Carolyne Latham said 12 applications were received for projects totalling $150,000.

‘‘Nine of the projects met the criteria.

‘‘Some of the projects have only been allocated partial funding to meet the budget that we have, but we hope it will be enough to at least complete aspects of those projects.’’

Three wetland projects north of Kaiapoi are among those set to receive funding.

Two allocations of $15,000 have been recommended for a bittern and īnanga (whitebait) rushland project and for a fencing and planting project at nearby O’Kair Lagoon, on the side branch of the McIntosh’s Drain waterway.

A nearby Pohio Wetland project has also received $11,700.

A restoration project at Hunters Stream at Springbank, between Rangiora and Oxford, will receive $5285, and a wetland enhancement project at Ketchum Cottage, Fernside, near Rangiora, will receive $7210.

Other projects include a riparian enhancement project ($6000) at Whiterock Mains, near Oxford, and year three of monitoring by the Sefton Saltwater Creek Catchment Group ($2805).

The remaining $3000 has been allocated to the Waimakariri environmental awards, being run by the Waimakariri Biodiversity Working Group.

The Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group received $9000 towards its ongoing estuary shorebird monitoring in July last year.

Each of the 10 Canterbury water zones were allocated $75,000 from Environment Canterbury’s 2023/24 annual plan to distribute to projects which support the implementation of their local zone action plan.

The final decision on the funding will be made at the next Environment Canterbury water and land committee meeting next mopnth.

The Waimakariri Zone Committee is a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Waimakariri District Council.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.

What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?

Image
When should the tree go up? 🎄
  • 4.6% Second half of November
    4.6% Complete
  • 43.4% 1st December
    43.4% Complete
  • 17.6% A week before Christmas
    17.6% Complete
  • 33.2% Whenever you wish
    33.2% Complete
  • 1.1% Other - I'll share below
    1.1% Complete
2518 votes
2 days ago

Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.

When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?

Image
Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
  • 82.8% Yes
    82.8% Complete
  • 14.6% No
    14.6% Complete
  • 2.6% Other - I'll share below
    2.6% Complete
1338 votes
5 days ago

What's your favourite tomato recipe?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.

Image