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Envirocare July 2010
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Smart water use
Water is the Waikato region’s economic strength. It shapes our landscape and defines our cultural identity, fuels our agricultural sector, powers our electricity generators, provides recreational opportunities, carries away our waste and harbours valuable ecosystems.
While there is a perception that water is generally plentiful in our region, balancing the multiple competing demands for water is a constant challenge.
Two droughts in the past three years have clearly illustrated the economic and social hardship even short term water shortages can have on Waikato’s water-dependent industries.
The Waikato relies on abundant clean water and demand is increasing. This means Environment Waikato needs to place a high priority on monitoring and managing water resources for all users.
Our challenge as a community is to decide how best to allocate water to allow for key priorities including human use and agricultural and industrial requirements, while ensuring sufficient waterway flows to protect our precious freshwater-based ecosystems. Put simply, we have to use water smarter and in a way that reflects a clear understanding of the value of water to the Waikato community.
Currently, changes to the Waikato’s water allocation rules are in the appeals phase. The Environment Court will consider issues such as municipal and domestic water needs, the security of the region’s and nation’s electricity supply and the growing water demand from the agricultural sector.
As this process progresses, it is important to acknowledge the good work already done to strategically manage water for everyone’s benefit.
In the Waikato, water meters have been required on most consented water takes for nearly 20 years. These meters provide sound records from which to measure trends in water use and changes in water availability. The council already has rules in place for all rivers and streams, controlling the amount of water that can be allocated and the amount that must remain in streams to ensure their health.
Central Government has just introduced a national requirement for metering water use from rivers, streams and groundwater and the setting of minimum flows in rivers. Thanks to the work already done, this will have limited impact for the Waikato.
Looking ahead, the challenge lies in continuing to lead the way in setting standards to protect the Waikato’s waterways.
The implementation of Waikato River co-management agreements with iwi will lead to new ways of working as we continue to make progress on ensuring clean and adequate water supplies.
Regional collaboration will be key to achieving an integrated and fair approach to water management. Clearly it will be crucial for farmers, iwi, industry, councils and others to work together to develop water management strategies that provide for the essential needs of our communities, protect the environment and contribute to our region’s economic performance.
A new era in co-management
A new era in co-management between Environment Waikato and Waikato River iwi began with the recent passing of the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Act.
The Act establishes the Waikato River Authority, a statutory body consisting of 50/50 river iwi – including Nga-ti Tu - wharetoa, Te Aroha, Raukawa, Waikato-Tainui and Maniapoto – and Crown appointees. Its primary function is to guide the implementation and review of the Vision and Strategy/Te Ture Whaimana – the primary direction setting document for the river. Its focus is on restoring and protecting the health and wellbeing of the river for future generations.
The legislation requires Environment Waikato to form a number of agreements with Waikato-Tainui. Joint Management Agreements ( JMA) are the main vehicle for iwi input into resource management functions such as resource consent applications, hearings and processes, and policy and planning matters. They are also the main tool to give expression to Waikato-Tainui mana whakahaere (or authority of the tribe) to exercise control and management of the river.
Environment Waikato will be a partner in the Waikato-Tainui Integrated River Management Plan, along with central government agencies and territorial authorities. The agreement will provide an integrated approach to management of the river’s natural resources and includes conservation, fisheries, local government, resource management and biosecurity components.
The only remaining river iwi yet to sign a deed of settlement with the Crown is Maniapoto. Negotiations are ongoing with legislation expected by the end of the year. Settlement legislation for Te Arawa, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Raukawa river iwi is expected to be passed into law within the next few months.
Have your say on election day
9 October 2010 is local authority election day.
It ’s your chance to help shape our region, either with your vote or by standing as a candidate.
Candidates must be
- enrolled as a parliamentary elector
- a New Zealand citizen; and
- nominated by two electors whose names appear on the electoral roll for the constituency for which you wish to stand.
Environment Waikato’s electoral offi cer will be responsible for accepting candidate nominations and declaring results for the Environment Waikato election.
Key dates
| 23 July 2010 |
Nominations open. |
| 20 August 2010 |
Nominations close at 12 noon. |
| 17 to 22 September 2010 |
Voting documents delivered to electors by post. |
| 9 October 2010 |
Election day. Voting closes at 12 noon. |
For more information call 0800 800 401 to speak to electoral officer, Maureen Poole or deputy electoral officer, Catherine Robinson.
To enrol or update your details call 0800 367 656, free text your name and address to 3676, visit any Post Shop, or click on www.elections.org.nz.
2010/11 Annual Plan
Financial summary
Protecting people, property and the environment
The 2010/11 Annual Plan represents the second year of Environment Waikato’s 2009-2019 Long Term Plan (LTP). It continues the council’s focus on fi nancial sustainability and the provision of core services to protect people, property, and the environment.
The council has worked hard to keep rates down while increasing service delivery in some areas, particularly pest management, river and catchment services and transport.
In our draft plan, we sought feedback on six proposed amendments to the LTP. As a result of submissions and careful consideration, the council adopted all six amendments, which are outlined below.
Rates equalisation
The council currently calculates the differential general rate using a three-year average. It will now move to an approach that bases the rates calculations on independent valuation advice about the annual movement of property values in those districts not revalued that year. This aims to smooth the three-yearly spikes in revaluation adjustments and brings Environment Waikato’s rating system more into line with other regional councils.
The change will be phased in over two years instead of one to lessen the impact in rating for some ratepayers who would otherwise face a significant increase over one year.
Investment fund
The council has agreed to infl ation-proof the investment fund to maintain the fund’s real value over time and ensure it represents the needs of present and future generations. Annual returns will be distributed in the following order: an amount equal to the New Zealand Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the year will be credited to the infl ation reserve
- the amount required to fund general revenue requirements (approximately 3.5 per cent per annum)
- a sum to the income equalisation reserve deficit
- finally, once the defi cit is cleared, to the capital growth reserve.
The projected fund balance has been revised over the remaining nine years of the 2009-2019 LTP to take this decision into account. In previous years, investment fund income has been used to fund projects and activities with long term benefits such as Clean Streams and the Environmental Initiatives Fund. These are still being funded from programme budgets, but at a reduced level.
Rating changes
The council’s decision to remove the early payment discount has taken about $900,000 from the overall rates bill. Previously, all ratepayers paid more in rates so that a 2.5 per cent discount could be given to those who paid in full by the due date.
Figures presented during deliberations showed the example of a ratepayer with an annual bill of $407 paying an extra $6.27 in rates and receiving a discount of $10.18 (a gain of $3.81), compared with another ratepayer paying the same amount but getting nothing back because they paid after the discount date or by direct debit instalments.
In light of this, the council considered it was fairer and more transparent to remove the discount because those who paid their rates after the discount date or by regular direct debit subsidised those who qualified for the discount.
The payment due date will move from 20 September to the last working day in October, giving ratepayers an extra six weeks to pay their rates or go on a payment plan.
Under this new proposal, the penalty for late payment will increase to 10 per cent, with a penalty applied in July for the previous year’s rates arrears, and in November for the current year’s unpaid rates. Ratepayers on a payment plan will not incur penalties.
Animal health board funding
The council has agreed to continue to collect $650,000, by way of a differential targeted rate on rural properties of two hectares and above on behalf of the Animal Health Board (AHB). The levy will be collected with the rate shown on a separate line and clearly marked as a ‘targeted rate for regional contribution to National bovine Tb vector control – collection on behalf of the AHB’.
West coast zone
The council has decided to create a west coast zone and catchment liaison subcommittee as proposed in the Draft Annual Plan. The decision will give ratepayers on the west coast more input into what work they want done and how much they are prepared to pay. Currently, work in this area is funded via the general rate. A new targeted rating scheme will be introduced with funding for the zone as follows:
- targeted rate – 35 per cent
- general rate – 35 per cent
- landowner contributions – 30 per cent.
The new zone rate will be charged on the basis of 50 per cent per property charge and 50 per cent capital value. A west coast advisory subcommittee will be established and the council will begin catchment management planning to assist the subcommittee once formed.
New funding - navigation safety
After considering submissions, the council has agreed to provide $50,000 funding for groups that work with the council’s navigation safety team, such as Surf Life Saving and Coastguard.
Community input into 2010/11 Annual Plan
Earlier this year, we consulted with the community about a range of proposals in the Draft Annual Plan.
We received 652 submissions and heard from 65 submitters in person. The council thanks everyone who took the time to submit and will be responding to each submitter in writing over the next few weeks.
Following deliberations, the council has agreed to a $1.54 million increase in funding for key workstreams. Total expenditure for the 2010/11 year will be $100.569 million. This is an increase of $4.936 million from 2009/10, and an increase of $2.047 million from the planned level of expenditure in the LTP. The net increase is $465,000.
The 2010/11 work programme will be delivered on total rates revenue of $69.313 million. The overall average increase to existing ratepayers is 1.92 per cent, lower than the LTP forecast of 2.9 per cent.
For 90 per cent of ratepayers, this increase will be less than $10 a year.
A snapshot of your rates
Rates are made up from the
General rate – applied to all properties based on capital value
Uniform annual general charge (UAGC) – a fixed rate applied to all properties
Passenger transport rate – only charged in Hamilton and based on capital value
Natural heritage rates – a uniform charge applied to all properties
Lake Taupo protection rate – a uniform charge applied to all properties
Biosecurity rate – applied to all properties based on capital value.
Other rates may apply such as catchment rates, Project Watershed, or the Peninsula Project rate, depending on where your property is located.
What your rates help fund
Where our funding comes from
For more information, call the rates team at 0800 800 401 or email rates@ew.govt.nz
Co-management with iwi
Environment Waikato is focussed on establishing new ways of working with iwi following the passing of Treaty settlement legislation over the Waikato River. Substantial council resource is needed to establish the new co-management arrangements with iwi, requiring reprioritisation of work programmes and increased funding. Over the next three years, the council estimates it will need to budget $700,000 in staff labour and direct costs to fund the establishment of co-management arrangements such as:
- development of joint management agreements ( JMAs)
- development of the Integrated River Management Plan
- additional work associated with developing the Regional Policy Statement around the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River
- additional reporting to support the Waikato River Authority
- staff technical support to Environment Waikato elected members on the Waikato River Authority.
The council had previously allocated $500,000 revenue for this work, but has removed it from the budget pending discussion and confi rmation from the Government that it will fund new work associated with the Treaty settlement.
Passenger transport update
Funding for passenger transport comes from three sources – the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), a targeted passenger transport rate (Hamilton only) and bus fares. Bus services managed by Environment Waikato in other parts of the region are funded through the district councils where services are provided.
NZTA funding covers 50 per cent of the cost of bus services in Hamilton city. Following the NZTA’s decision to cap funding for passenger transport for the next three years, the council has reviewed plans to expand the passenger transport network in Hamilton city, and will seek further efficiencies from the existing network.
Hamilton city has one of the fastest growing passenger transport networks in the country and the council has confirmed the addition of two new buses to the Orbiter route during peak times in order to meet ever increasing demand. This much needed extra spend will be funded from an increase in the child concession fare by 20 cents from $1.30, and an increase of $50,000 in the Hamilton passenger transport rate.
Despite this increase, due to network efficiencies, the increase in the transport rate has been reduced to four per cent from the 10 per cent anticipated in the 2009-2019 Long Term Plan.
New funding and good ideas - transport
Environment Waikato works closely with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and territorial authorities to develop, maintain and fund walking and cycling infrastructure. In light of this, the council reconfirmed $70,000 for the Waikato River Trails Trust for the 2010/11 financial year.
Commuter rail service
During the public consultation period, submitters asked Environment Waikato to consider funding the establishment of a Hamilton to Auckland commuter rail service.
The council agreed the proposal has merit but that it would need further investigation and special public consultation before any funding could be made available. The potential for a service will be assessed through reviews of the Regional Land Transport Strategy and the Regional Passenger Transport Plan, and a special working group will be established.
Bus n' bike!
During public consultation on the Annual Plan, a number of submissions referred to a rule change which allows bike racks to be fitted to buses. Discussions are already underway to trial this type of service on the Raglan to Hamilton bus route.
Win a $500 cash prize
Thanks to the National Bank, Environment Waikato ratepayers have the chance to enjoy the convenience of direct debit and go in the draw to win a $500 cash prize.
All you have to do is sign up to pay your rates by annual direct debit by 15 October 2010. Your rates will then automatically be paid from your account on the due date.
Direct debit is a convenient way to pay your rates. You can spread your payments over a year, making it easier to budget and removing any risk of penaly for late payment. Environment Waikato also welcomes direct debits weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly.
It’s easy to sign up, just go to www.ew.govt.nz/payrates to download and print the direct debit form. Once you have completed and signed the form, you can:
Post to
The rates team
Environment Waikato
PO Box 4010
Hamilton East, 3247
Or deliver to
Environment Waikato
401 Grey Street
Hamilton East
If you already pay your rates by annual direct debit you will automatically go in the draw.
Waikato students lead the way
Awesome, a dream come true, loved every moment – these are just some of the reflections of the four high school students selected by Environment Waikato to represent the region at the 2010 Sir Peter Blake Youth Form in Wellington.
Dean King, Environmental Waikato's education programme manager, said that each region normally selects up to three representatives. This year, due to the high calibre of applications, the council selected four representatives for 2010 – Larissa Keast (Te Awamutu College), Jordan Abrahams (Hamilton Girls High School), Te Atamira Roa (Ngaruawahia High School) and Jack Newton-Jackson (Hillcrest High School).
“The four chosen really stood out for their deep interest in environmental issues and strong leadership potential,” said Mr King.
In its seventh year, the forum, hosted by the Ministry for the Environment and the Sir Peter Blake Trust, offers an intensive programme of workshops and field trips. The students get to work with like-minded peers and meet with government ministers, trust ambassadors and Ministry for the Environment staff .
Te Atamira Roa
(Ngaruawahia High School)
“AWESOME – is what comes to mind. I was amazed by the presentations, particularly the Enviroschools and Enviroschools Regeneration programmes which influence and aid youth from primary to near adulthood to keep people passionate about the environment.”
Larissa Keast
(Te Awamutu College)
“I learned a lot about what other people are doing, how others help and how I can help the waterways in my area. What surprised me most was the energy of those who attended and the fact that every single person is interested in the same thing but have different ideas on how to solve the problems.”
Jordan Abrahams
(Hamilton Girls High School)
“I loved every moment. It was amazing to share ideas and be inspired. I learned so much and made lifelong friends. Now I have, with new inspiration and knowledge, continued to advocate on environmental and humanitarian issues and creating change. I also have incorporated new ideas into my school enviro-group.”
Jack Newton-Jackson
(Hillcrest High School)
“The delegates could choose one of three projects; reducing our emissions, reducing our waste, or conserving water. We also visited Te Papa and Zealandia. Seeing kiwi and tuatara in their natural habitat was fantastic and a dream come true.”
Mai nga Maunga ki te Moana expo
An expo to inspire wha-nau, hapu- and iwi to explore a diverse range of development options, which could provide significant benefi ts to the community, will be held 3 – 4 August in the Hamilton Gardens exhibition hall.
The expo is supported by Kahui Taiao, a forum involving local and central government agencies (including Environment Waikato) and private business. Participants will attend information sharing workshops, which will explore economic development options, ways of working together and facilitation of career development amongst wha-nau, hapu- and iwi.
Environment Waikato's Tai-ranga-whenua programme manager Rama Ormsby said the expo offers the council good opportunity to work collaboratively on initiatives that boost the local economy and community wellbeing.
For more information contact Leanne Hamilton at the Maori Trustee Office on 07 834 7110.
Carbon $ave
Environment Waikato’s Carbon $ave programme has produced encouraging results for businesses involved in managing their environmental impact.
The Carbon $ave initiative, with funding from the Ministry for the Environment’s Sustainable Management Fund, helped Waikato businesses
understand and manage their environmental impact by focussing on reducing their carbon footprints. Seventeen medium-sized businesses regionwide signed up for the 12-month programme.
Some of the actions implemented during the programme included:
- Tokoroa firm, Holsters Engineering, and Taupo Airport upgraded their lighting systems, saving an estimated 2.5 tonnes of CO2 – a combined forecasted saving of $2,000 a year.
- First Credit Union in Hamilton has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce waste and save energy, including an organic waste collection system. They have reduced energy usage by 10 per cent since joining the programme. By maintaining this reduction, the company could save $1,000 a year.
- Patrick’s hairdressing school used the programme to develop a sustainability training module which is being adopted as an industry standard.
Many of the businesses are continuing their efforts by working with other sustainable business programmes. “We have all learned from this project and changed or improved systems to benefit the environment”, said Sue Paris, sustainability champion at First Credit Union, Hamilton.
For information on similar initiatives available through the Sustainabiz programme, call Barnaby Smith at 0800 800 401 or visit www.sustainabiz.co.nz
Biosecurity round up
Check out this snapshot of Environment Waikato's work aimed at protecting our region from the weeds and animal pests that kill native plants and animals, threaten our economy and increase the risk of erosion and flooding.
Animal pests
Te Akau South
Possum control underway in Te Akau South, north of Raglan Harbour. Control will reduce reinvasion into the neighbouring Waimai Valley Priority Possum Control Area (PPCA) and complete an unbroken band of control along the coast from Whaingaroa Harbour to Port Waikato.
Te Tapui - Eastern Waikato
Possum control in Te Tapui Reserve completed. A collaborative operation between the Department of Conservation (DOC), EW, NZ Deerstalkers Association, local community and iwi, and the first time a ground control operation has been completed using 1080 in bait stations in this reserve.
Central King Country
Possum control completed December 2009 in the Aria area. Two other areas now controlled; Mokauiti Stage 1 (ground control), to the south of Aria and Mahoenui (ground and aerial control).
Hamilton Halo
Pest control underway to enhance bird nesting at five sites in support of the Hamilton Halo project.
Plant pests
Taupo
Pampas grass controlled along the river from the head of Lake Whakamaru to the SH1 bridge at Atiamuri.
Yellow flag iris has been treated. Probably a garden escape from Taupo that had spread 50km’s down the river below Huka Falls and Reporoa.
Joint Environment Waikato/DOC roadside broom control programme completed in the tussock lands across the Desert Road.
West Waikato
A busy time for alligator weed control work along the Waikato River. Areas include: Port Waikato delta, Lake Whangape, Mercer to Whangape Stream, and Taupiri to Ohinewai.
New alligator weed site found on Waikato River near Huntly – the first time this fast-growing weed has been found upstream of Oninewai.
King Country/East Waikato
Significantly reduced infestations of white bryony in Aria/Mokauiti.
10 Significant progress made by Matamata-Piako District Council to remove roadside privet.
Coromandel
Boneseed in Coromandel township found early, making eradication possible.
The only evergreen buckthron site in Coromandel is in Kuaotunu. All seed sources eradiced and very close to total eradication.
Hamilton
Joint Environment Waikato/Hamilton city project has controlled a range of invasive pest plants including woolly nightshade, common pampas, wild ginger and moth plant along the Waikato River.
Recreational and commercial possum hunting
Recreational and commercial possum hunting can contribute to pest control in the Waikato region. Environment Waikato staff are often asked to recommend areas suitable for possum hunting and fur harvesting and have produced a map which may be a useful resource for possum hunters.
Hunters are reminded permission is required from landowners before hunting and a permit may be required for hunting DOC managed land.
For more information visit www.ew.govt.co.nz/huntingmap.
Waikato Kauri alert
Kauri-killing fungus ‘PTA’ discovered near Tane Mahuta in Northland brings new warning for vigilance about stopping the spread of the kauri
dieback disease. Anyone coming from Northland, the Waitakere Range in Auckland and Great Barrier Island, must clean gear and footwear before going on to land with kauri. Cleaning stations will be located on DOC and Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) lands.
Teaming up with Conservation Volunteers New Zealand
Environment Waikato has several wetland restoration projects underway to reduce the impact of agriculture on the peat lakes and enhance
the wetland habitats – often home to rare and threatened species.
Since October 2009, Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ) have worked with Environment Waikato to enhance some of the Waikato peat lakes including Lake Mangahia, Lake Kaituna, Lake Komakorau and Lake Maratoto. So far, restoration work has mainly involved weeding around previously established native plantings. Over the next 12 months, CVNZ will also undertake some large scale native planting projects for Environment Waikato.
CVNZ is a not-for-profit organisation offering volunteer conservation experiences for the public. If you are interested in volunteering or have a conservation project you would like help with, contact CVNZ’s Waikato regional manager, Yuki Fukuda at 07 859 2401, yfukuda@conservationvolunteers.co.nz, or visit www.conservationvolunteers.co.nz.
Clean air for better burning this winter
Air quality is a significant issue in some Waikato towns.
Environment Waikato monitors air quality in the region and supports projects that help protect and improve air quality.
For example, the Waikato Clean Heat programme involves the council working with community groups and district councils to provide for the replacement of old woodburners in Te Kuiti, Taupo and Tokoroa.
The Waitomo District Healthy Homes and Clean Air Group is a new community group aiming to improve community health by encouraging better home insulation and the replacement of polluting fires. The group is helping to develop educational material for Te Kuiti and identifying homes that may qualify for the Waikato Clean Heat programme.
Better burning this winter
Wood is a popular source of home heating fuel. Burning dry wood will not just keep you warmer, it is also much better for the air. Smoke contains harmful particles called PM10, not visible to the eye but small enough to get into human lungs and cause health problems. In winter, most of these harmful particles come from wood burned in homes. Research has shown that by simply drying wood before it is burned, PM10 emissions can be reduced by three to five times.
Here are some simple tips to get maximum heat from your wood:
- Only burn dry wood. It gives more heat, burns faster than wet wood. It is also cleaner to burn, causlins less smoke and air pollution.
- Check if your firewood is dry (dry firewood has cracks in the ends and is lighter than wet wood, makes a loud, hollow crack if you bang two pieces together, makes a sharp, resonant sound if you tap it with a key or coin, and should, if a small piece is placed on glowing embers in your woodburner, catch fire in less than a minute. Wet firewood is hard to light and hisses and sizzles and produces more smoke than heat)
- Burn small pieces of wood
- Use dry kindling and paper to start the fire. Once it's burning brightly, add a few smaller pieces of wood, then wait until it's burning brightly before adding larger pieces.
- Fully open the air supply when lighting a fire or adding wood, so it burns hotter. Ensure the wood is well alight before reducing the air supply. If you can see smoke from your chiney, your fire needs more air.
- Don't overload your woodburner.
- Avoid damping down or banking up your burner, slow smouldering fires create more smoke and don't keep a room any warmer than burning wood efficiently.
- Dont burn coal - it creates more pollution than wood and can damage your woodburner.
- Clean your chimney once a year.
Look for rooks
Rooks, a threat to our Waikato farms, are present in the region and Environment Waikato is asking for your help by reporting any sightings. This destructive large black bird damages pasture, feeds on newly sown crops, and can destroy silage by tearing holes in the covers.
“At present rook numbers are low due to ongoing control made all the more successful thanks to public support,” said Environment Waikato biosecurity offi cer Brett Bailey. “Public help goes a long way towards keeping rook numbers to a minimum.”
Rooks are large black birds from the crow and raven family which are not native to New Zealand. Found in both urban and rural areas, they nest high in the branches of tall trees such as gums and pines. They appear to have an innate ability to detect threats and are challenging to control which is why we ask you to not to try to control them yourself.
If you see a rook, call 0800 BIOSECURITY (0800 246 732). More information about rooks and how to identify them is available at www.ew.govt.nz/rook. Thank you for helping to rid the Waikato of rooks.
Project Echo
Environment Waikato, Hamilton City Council, and the Riverlea Environment Society, have launched a conservation initiative called Project Echo to help Hamilton’s population of long-tailed bats spread their wings more widely.
Hamilton is one of the only confi rmed New Zealand cities supporting this threatened mammal species. Bats were previously detected in Hammond Bush, Riverlea, but recent research by Waikato University student Darren Le Roux shows they are more widespread along the southern urban-rural interface of Hamilton city.
To help with efforts to support the species in Hamilton, Project Echo is trying to find out if the bats are roosting in other parts of the city.
The project involves Hamilton City Council funding Riverlea Environment Society’s purchase of bat detection devices which convert the sonar signal bats send out into a sound audible to humans.
The bats live in small cavities in large native and exotic trees (including dead trees). They are threatened by marauding rats and loss of suitable habitat. If you suspect bats are on your property, you can borrow a bat detector by contacting Ben Paris on 0800 800 401. To report a bat sighting or for more information about Project Echo visit www.ew.govt.nz/projectecho.
Don't catch a chill, catch the bus!
With more than 35 services in Hamilton as well as services across the Waikato region, there’s no need to walk in the rain!
For bus timetable and fare information, visit www.busit.co.nz or freephone 0800 4 BUSLINE.
Nav safety - vessel ID rule
To make it easier to identify vessels needing assistance or those breaking the rules, boaties are reminded that from 1 July 2010, all vessels should display a name or similar identifying marks.
Power-driven vessels larger than four metres and non-powered vessels larger than six metres are required to display a name or a similar identifying mark that clearly stands out. The number/name should be a minimum height of 90 millimetres and displayed on each side of the vessel. Smaller vessels such as dinghies, kayaks and rowing skiffs must be marked with emergency contact details and/or the owners’ contact details.
Envirofriendly Envirocare
Envirocare is produced on paperstock certified under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certifi cation (PEFC).
PEFC is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation which promotes sustainably managed forests through independent third party certifi cation. The PEFC provides an assurance mechanism to purchasers of wood and paper products that they are promoting the
sustainable management of forests.
The process undertaken to print Envirocare is web-off set. The printer we use is the first web-off set printer in New Zealand to offer the PEFC certifi cation The inks used are manufactured using renewable resources and are largely vegetable oil-based materials.
Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint
The Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint is a joint effort between four agencies – Environment Waikato, Thames-Coromandel District Council,
Department of Conservation and Hauraki Whaanui – which share responsibility as environmental guardians, planners and providers of services and infrastructure across the Coromandel/Te Tara o Te Ika o Maui.
The blueprint is about managing change, growth and sustainable development on the peninsula over the next 50 years.
The agencies are using the blueprint as the ideal opportunity to review their own plans, from coastal management to district planning, standardising processes, minimising red tape and costs to the community.
Visit www.coroblueprint.govt.nz
Something to sing about
The bellbird is a native bird not reported in Hamilton for more than a century.
In May, a multi-agency project team led by Landcare Research and the University of Waikato released 50 bellbirds from Auckland’s Tiritiri Matangi and Tawharanui bird sanctuaries into Hamilton Gardens. The project, partnered by Environment Waikato as part of the Hamilton
Halo project, hopes to build up a breeding population and increase biodiversity in the city.
Now, not only are the released birds settling well in their new environment, but the surprise sightings of unbanded bellbirds, previously never recorded in Hamilton, have been heralded as the best possible anchor to encourage the released birds to stay.