Water, water everywhere - and not a drop to drink
Low rainfall means Level 3 water restrictions for Kaitaia
Sustained dry weather over Christmas and New Year has seen flows in Kaitaia’s main water supply, the Awanui River, drop to worrying levels, prompting the Council to apply Level 3 water restrictions to the town.
From today, Kaitaia households and businesses connected to the Council water supply can only use a bucket or watering can to water gardens, and wash cars and buildings. The use of garden hoses, sprinklers or any irrigation device connected to the mains supply is banned, along with water blasting and the filling of swimming pools. Some commercial water use is also banned, such car washes on mains supply that do not have water recycling facilities.
Mayor John Carter says the decision to move to Level 3 was not taken lightly. However, with only moderate rain forecast for Kaitaia in coming days, the Awanui River will likely fall below minimum consent levels set by Northland Regional Council within a week.
“Kaitaia is still recovering from the 2019/20 drought and has not received similar levels of rain experienced in other parts of the district. This has seen flows in the Awanui River fall steadily, closely tracking levels seen at the same time last year.”
Level 2 water restrictions were applied to Kaitaia on 23 December, along with the Council’s Kawakawa-Moerewa supply. While flows in the Awanui River and Kawakawa’s Tirohanga Stream increased slightly following rain last week, low soil moisture levels in both catchments mean the recovery was short-lived.
Mayor Carter says plans to complete a second supply for Kaitaia should see the end of regular summer water restrictions. “Work on a new bore at Sweetwater near Kaitaia is progressing steadily and is due to be operational before next summer. This will permanently supplement supplies from the Awanui River, making Kaitaia’s water supply far more resilient to prolonged dry weather.”
Meanwhile, testing of a second bore drilled at Kaikohe’s Monument Hill is due to begin this month. It is projected the 120-metre-deep bore will access more sustainable groundwater supplies and could provide up to 45 per cent of the town’s summer water needs. Both Kaikohe and Kaitaia were particularly hard-hit during last year’s drought with both towns almost running out of water.
For more information on water restrictions in your area and tips on saving water, go to the Be Waterwise Whakanuia tō Whakaaro ki te Wai website at bewaterwise.org.nz/. To tell the Council about water leaks or breaches to water restrictions, phone 0800 920 029.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
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?
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4.8% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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32.8% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
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?
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82.5% Yes
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14.6% No
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3% Other - I'll share below