WATER QUALITY Vs. HOUSING

Regardless of your views whether or not we need more housing in Wanaka - this month sees a real push by QLDC :

• to open new areas up for housing development: Spatial Plan 2024 Gen 2.0 - Call for urban growth sites: https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/spatial-plan-2024-gen-2

• and make district planning changes for the intensification of existing residential areas. Variation to Proposed District Plan - Urban Intensification

The question is: "Can this development be done in a way to ensure no further contamination of our precious Bullock Creek and Lake Wanaka?"

FOBC will be submitting on the QLDC Spatial Plan to ensure that our views regarding the importance of fit for purpose urban stormwater management are recorded. Submissions close on 16 July.

If you'd like to support our submission (or make your own) more details will be posted in this News Section of the FOBC website in the week 3 - 10 July. You can also make your own submission via the QLDC Lets Talk portal - click here.

Also coming down the line in mid July is a variation to the Proposed District Plan regarding Urban Intensification. Importantly many of the areas proposed for intensification are directly south of the headwaters of Bullock Creek and will impact the creek’s health if not managed well.

Further information

• Map showing areas in Wanaka affected - click here and go to Map 4

• Interesting news article from law firm Todd & Walker summarising some of the proposed changes

HAVE YOU SEEN OUR NEW ALL WEATHER NOTICEBOARD YET?

Thanks to the handy work of Roger Gardiner and Paul van Klink, we now have an all-weather noticeboard at the Stone St entrance to Bullock Creek. At the moment, we have our planting day information there, but keep your eyes for other information about our doings if you’re a regular visitor.

FOBC recently attended and gave their input to a workshop facilitated by Wai Wanaka and held at the Lake Wanaka Centre on 14 June. Over 50 people representing a broad range of environmental groups and government agencies (ORC and DOC) from the UC Catchment Area attended. An UC Community Board member, Linda Joll, also attended.

Overall the workshop was very well run, but at this stage, the Draft Strategy is in a very early stage of development. The most impressive aspect of the Workshop was the turnout and level of engagement of the attendees.

Further Background about the workshop:

An expert reference group, led by Emeritus professor David Norton, has produced a draft Biodiversity Strategy, and is seeking input and feedback from those working in the UC Biodiversity space. [ Also see a copy of the powerpoint presentation here.]

The overall objective of the strategy is to sustain and enhance our unique native biodiversity by:

• co-ordinating and prioritising the efforts of the many organisations and individuals restoring, maintaining, protecting and enhancing the indigenous biodiversity of the Upper Clutha,

• connecting residents and visitors to our unique biodiversity, increasing their knowledge and encouraging them to get involved,

• assisting with funding applications by connecting work in with larger strategy,

• and providing learning opportunities.

  By the end of this workshop the aim was to have:

• Feedback and input from a large number of the community involved in environmental activities,

• Agreed priorities for the management goals,

• Ideas for communicating the strategy once finalised.

FOBC is continuing to strengthen its connections with environmental groups and agencies, particularly those with expertise in the urban space. In accordance with our charter we continue to work and advocate for the restoration and enhancement of Bullock Creek and the preservation of its water quality into the future.

We are looking forward to seeing the next draft of the proposed strategy. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any input on this proposed strategy or you would like to be involved in the process.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY …FROM 30 YEARS AGO

NOTE from Andy : Please excuse the poor quality of the video production, I just took photos of the pages on the mobile phone and stitched them together!

Jenny Moss recently gifted Roger Gardiner with a couple of school project books detailing a school adventure down Bullock Creek in 1993.

Please let us know if you recognise any of the young people in the photos…now 30 years on! And while you’re at it please forward any worthy historical or recent images you may have of Bullock Creek and we’ll keep them in our archives!

There’s koura in the creek!

Freshwater koura in Bullock Creek

A note from Andy Oxley- our NEW Admin Assistant

“Bullock Creek never ceases to surprise! As the new gal on the block, I wasn't sure whether seeing a koura was a big deal, so I checked with Paul van Klink our Fish & Game expert and he confirmed that he had never seen one before.”

“A keen eyed resident on Bullock Creek spied this beauty and kindly sent FOBC some images and footage. Intrigued, i forwarded these images to Professor Gerry Closs - Zoology Dept. at the University of Otago to see what he thought and also to add the sightings to the Otago freshwater fauna database.”

From: Gerard Closs <gerry.closs@otago.ac.nz>
Sent: Monday, June 19, 2023 1:53 PM
To: FOBC Incorporated <info@fobc.kiwi>
Subject: Fwd: Kōura

 Hi Andy

Here are the records on the Freshwater Fish Database for koura in Bullock Creek. It does look like the koura in Bullock Creek are the only ones in the Wanaka area. Is that significant???  Hard to say, given that koura have been moved around quite widely. People keep them as pets and then let them go. Māori moved them around for food as well.

So, I’d say interesting, potentially a bit significant, but also not that surprising as they do turn up regularly in odd places. That said, nice to have a population in Wānaka.

All the best

Gerry

Begin forwarded message:

From: Ryan Easton <ryan.easton@postgrad.otago.ac.nz>
Subject: RE: Kōura
Date: 19 June 2023 at 11:30:41 AM NZST
To: Gerard Closs <gerry.closs@otago.ac.nz>
Kia ora Gerry,

 So there are only two records for bullock creek in the database, both in 2019, with ORC doing hand netting and Wildlands e-fishing. ORC recorded koaro only, and Wildlands koaro, brown trout and rainbow trout. No records of koura anywhere close to Wanaka

Cheers,

Ryan

“Interesting stuff - hey?!?”

Don’t hesitate to snap & send us a photo of anything that you think we might find interesting in and around Bullock Creek.

It’s been quite a week for FOBC in the press. Press coverage has been received from all the major local media outlets for our protest against the 7 year deferral by QLDC of the $6M stormwater remediation works for Bullock Creek. Here’s a wrap up of the articles - just click on the images below to read the full story.

Wanaka Sun 26 May 2023

Wanaka Sun 26 May 2023

ODT 23 May 2023

Crux 22 May 2023

ODT 20/05/2023

Wanaka App 22 May 2023

Wanaka App 24 May 2023

Source: F&G Council Facebook Post 19 May 2023

The Otago Fish and Game Council have added their voice to the FOBC calls for the promised $6M remedial works to be re-instated in the QLDC Annual Plan.

A media release by the Otago Fish and Game Council has been made today and should appear in the ODT. A full copy of which you can read here, but in summary:

Hearings on the QLDC Annual Plan are being held this coming Monday 22 May in the Armstrong Room at Lake Wanaka Centre. Nancy Latham will be presenting the FOBC submission. Please come and support her if you have a moment.

Stormwater remedial works deferred for 7 years!

As you maybe aware, FOBC recently submitted on the QLDC Annual Plan which has proposed the deferral of $6M Stormwater remedial works for a period of 7 years.    Please feel free to read our full submission here - QLDC Draft Annual Plan  But in summary, FOBC has submitted that:

"Deferring investment in the Stone Street stormwater upgrades as proposed in the QLDC Draft Annual Plan 2023 – 2024 is offloading past generational financial liability as a result of consented regulatory failure, to future governing bodies; and creates an unjustifiable legacy for future generations. 

The ecological health of Roy’s Bay and the tributary creeks will continue to decline with no redress, and the financial and social wellbeing of segments of our community will be impacted. Investment in upgrading the stormwater infrastructure now would enable protection of Lake Wanaka and Bullock Creek, and prevent another seven years of degradation. This timely investment would support the objective of being committed to Te Man o Te Wai, and complying with the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. 

Friends of Bullock Creek request that not only is this deferral of $ 6 million for the Stone Street Storm Water upgrade within the Draft Annual Plan 2023 – 2024 reversed, but a further $4 million is added to this sum to ensure that the upgrades are carried out in an expedient manner and supported by robust analysis to reflect the value we place on our environment and our dependence on our infrastructure for resilience."

Dear Friend of Bullock Creek,

breaking news!

QLDC Annual Plan submissions close on the 26th of April 5pm

Within the Draft Annual Plan, Stone Street Stormwater upgrades are being deferred by 7 years to YE 2030. Deferring investment in stormwater infrastructure so that Bullock Creek will continue to be contaminated for another 7 years will have dire consequences on the ecology of Bullock Creek and ultimately Lake Wanaka.  Submission forms are online at QLDC Lets Talk ( https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/annual-plan-2023-24) and this would be a great way to  support our mandate to protect Bullock Creek.

Now, back to the Newsletter….

Where does the year go? April already! 

Thanks as always to our dedicated band of hard working volunteers and committee members. We've been busy. Here's a snapshot:

New Committee

At the well attended AGM in March, a new committee was elected. Really not so much a new committee but rather a re-shuffle as we endeavour to share the workload. The committee is now:-

Office bearers

• President: Ben Irving

• Vice President: Sam Smoothy

• Treasurer: Charlotte Gardiner

• Secretary: Roger Gardiner

Committee members :

• Barry Mitchell

• Jacquie Staley

• Nancy Latham

• David Payton

• Maggie Domingo

Here's a copy of the AGM Minutes. 

New Admin Assistant

We welcome Andy Oxley to FOBC as a new Admin Assistant. Andy has been living in Wanaka since 2000 and moved to the Bullock Creek neighbourhood 6 years ago. As a local business woman, Andy has a wealth of general administration skills and local knowledge to offer to our group. She is also a keen environmentalist and a regular trapper with Forest & Bird in Mt Aspiring National Park. The committee in particular is looking forward to her contributions going forward.

Autumn Planting

Paul van Klink, our Wetlands manager and conduit with our partners Fish and Game has ambitious plans that are already well underway. 1000 plants in the ground this Autumn. Thanks to our native plant suppliers Corrections Otago and Te Kakano, our dedicated volunteers have been busy planting beech, carex, ribbonwood and comprosma. As at 20 April, Paul is well on his way to reaching his goal, with 345 plants in the ground

To make the most of the mild autumn weather, planting sessions are happening at the wetlands every Thursday in 2 sessions 10AM - Noon and 2 - 4PM. Nice short sessions that help all our busy helpers fit a session into their busy weeks. If you are keen to join the crew of volunteers, please don't hesitate to email us or call Paul on 021 056 9146

Evil Weeds

Joining Paul's weed "hit list"...morning glory or bindweed (Convolvulaceae) has appeared in the wetlands.

So why is it "weedy". This plant has a very fast growth rate, longevity, dense smothering habit. It climbs over all other species, ultimately killing them. Can replace forest with low weedy blanket, and is the last species in many cases when a bush area totally succumbs to weeds." (Source: Weedbusters.org.nz) Ably assisted by Eva Fernandez, Paul has been tracking down this beastie weed and Eva has been fanatical in her painstaking approach to its destruction.

As you wander through the wetlands....keep your eyes open. Let's keep these invasive weeds out.

The QE2 Covenant

As many of you will know, Fish and Game has applied to register the FOBC wetlands under a QE2 covenant. The covenant will protect the land in perpetuity against development. At the moment it is with LINZ and we will be sure to "shout" it from the rooftops when it is registered.

To find out more about QE2 Covenants - take a look at the website.

June 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friend of Bullock Creek,

Thank you very much for your continued support of Friends of Bullock Creek. Our last newsletter was in the spring and now that it is June, I would like to give you an update on what we have been up to.

Firstly, we held our Annual General Meeting in March at the barn in the Hatchery. Thank you for the great turn out.

We had a changing of the guard so to speak, Roger Gardiner and Andrew Waterworth have been absolute stalwarts in ensuring that FOBC is doing what we are mandated to do and also ensuring that we have the support to do what we are mandated to do.

Andrew has passed the baton on to me as President as he has other pursuits which he would like to follow at this stage. Andrew has been President of FOBC for the past four years, during which he has given his total commitment to progressing our vision for Bullock Creek – quite apart from sharing his experience and guidance with us as a committee, and being out there taking photos when we have had storm water issues, he has been fully engaged with local government and environmental bodies to advocate for what is important for Bullock Creek. On behalf of Friends of Bullock Creek, thank you Andrew, Bullock Creek is in a better space because of you and we wish you all the best with your future endeavours.

Roger has been the linchpin to the restoration project since it started. He, along with others such as Paul van Klink of Fish and Game and Andrew Penniket of Te Kākano, had the vision for restoring the Wetlands and for recognising how important environmentally, the Wetlands are to Wanaka. Over the years, Roger has coordinated us with Fish and Game, and has been the positive energy cell which has kept up the momentum of the restoration project.  Roger is stepping back from the executive role on the committee, and thankfully, will continue on as a member of the committee – and maintain an operations role.

Our elected Committee Members:

Nancy Latham, President                                       Barry Mitchell

Ben Irving, Vice President                                      David Payton

Charlotte Gardiner, Treasurer                               Magali Domingo

Roger Gardiner                                                         Sam Smoothy

Helen Howarth

Jacquie Staley

Our past seven months:

Celebration: It was 5 years ago in November since restoration of the Wetlands started and we, in conjunction with Fish and Game, had a BBQ in celebration. It was quite a mile stone as 20% of the 2.7ha site has been cleared of exotic bushes and weeds and replanted with over 5000 native plants. The plants are thriving - it is a natural wetland.

Back in 2016, the local resident association, Fish & Game and Te Kākano volunteers worked together on clearing the land in the Wetlands. Te Kākano also organised the plantings with plants from their community nursery and in 2018, FOBC evolved from this strong community initiative.

Fish and Game Otago: From FOBC’s point of view, and very importantly, what we have achieved over the past five years in working towards preserving the Wetlands as an ecologically important site and an iconic green space for Wanaka, is not through our (FOBC) efforts alone, but it has also been with the support and commitment to our shared vision by Fish and Game Otago who own the land. Their commitment is why we have been able to achieve what we have – thank you to Fish and Game and all your members.

Restoration of the Wetlands:  This is an ongoing project which involves the clearing of exotic bushes and scrub, and planting out in natives, as well as weeding. We do this with the help of our volunteers who come along on Thursday afternoons which is fantastic – thank you, we appreciate your support!

Stone Street entrance to the Wetlands 2016

Stone Street entrance to the Wetlands 2022

The Department of Corrections also plays a very important part in supporting us. People fulfilling Community hour requirements come along on Saturday and help with clearing, planting and maintenance. The Corrections facility in Milton also provide the seedlings for the restoration. On behalf of FOBC, thank you to all those involved for your support.

Both of these activities have been under the supervision of our contractor, Klaartje Van Schie (Claire) Unfortunately from our point of view, Claire was offered a contract with DOC and is now based in Te Anau. Claire made a huge contribution to the restoration project over the past 18 months by way of her commitment and enthusiasm. We thank Claire and wish her all the very best in her continued quest in looking after the environment.

QE11 Covenant: Our exciting news is that Fish and Game are working towards have the Wetlands registered as a covenant under the QE11 National Trust. This will legally protect the site into perpetuity which is great in itself, but it also means that having this certainty around future protection gives us more certainty for fund raising and restoration projects, so this is excellent news. QE11 will help fund the perimeter fencing too – in rabbit proof fencing which should help with our rabbit problems.

Advocacy: We have been very active in advocating for Bullock Creek. Bullock Creek is naturally spring fed, the water is pristine and the ecology is sensitive to contaminants such as storm water which is laden with sediment, hard metals and hydrocarbons. There is an ongoing issue with storm water breaching the boundary between the Alpha Series Development and the Wetlands on Fish and Game Land. We are engaged with QLDC asking why we have this ongoing issue with storm water – not just the quantity, but also the quality. We had an onsite meeting with QLDC in March so that we could better understand their logistics behind the current configuration of storm water assets south of the Bullock Creek headwaters.

FOBC are also very proactive in monitoring and trying to hold to account other infiltrations further down which have contaminated the creek.  

Boardwalk extension: Just in the last two weeks, Friends of Bullock Creek have extended the boardwalk so that during rain and flooding issues, people using the green space don’t need to walk through flood waters on the gravel path. The cost of materials was met by QLDC which we appreciate – although it would have been better if this boardwalk extension was not necessary due to the ongoing storm water flooding.

Going forward:

The restoration of the Wetlands continues to be a major focus. Having the site protected under an open space QE11 National Trust covenant will provide a baseline for fencing the perimeter and restoring the natural environment; and our restoration efforts will be protected for future generations under the covenant. We have a management plan in place so that our clearing and planting programme is measured, with the intent that we can manage weeding and maintenance of newly planted areas and develop the area within our resources.

We will continue to advocate for Bullock Creek including engagement with QLDC and ORC, and support this with good record keeping such as monitoring the health of Bullock Creek and the Wetlands.

Looking at the wider picture, we are supporting Wai Wanaka in developing an Integrated Catchment Management Plan for the Bullock Creek catchment; as well as engaging with ORC in their catchment management initiatives for Urban spaces, both for Bullock Creek and Lake Wanaka. Another initiative includes submitting to QLDC on a greater focus on Sustainable Water Management.

So thank you, Friends of Bullock Creek do appreciate your support, both as a member and financially, as well as out in the field. Your support is essential to what we can achieve.

If you would like to come along on Thursday afternoons to our volunteer days, or if you have a business where you would like to donate a work day to the wetlands, and you would like more details, do email me at info@fobc.kiwil  Or if you would like to renew your membership or support us by a donation, our website is: fobc.kiwi.

Kind regards,

Nancy Latham

President, Friends of Bullock Creek

Friends of Bullock Creek Charitable Trust is holding their AGM is on Tuesday 15th of March at 4.00pm.

The AGM will be held at the Fish and Game site, Lower Stone Street, in the open air barn. There is plenty of parking at the entrance to the site on the corner of Lower Stone Street and Tenby Street.

 

In keeping with Covid safety requirements, Claire has an app on her Phone to scan your vaccine pass. Your vaccine pass is required so that everyone is comfortable  being in a shared space - many thanks.

All are welcome. If you would like more information or wish to send an apology,  please contact FOBC at: info@fobc.kiwi

We have available 150-200 plants of Carex virgata, that we couldn't plant these season. They are medium sized and have a beautiful green foliage. If someone is interested and needs them for a wetland- riparian area, please email info@FOBC.kiwi for more information.