MEDIA ADVISORY
21 June 2013

Kaikoura Zone Committee Focuses on Waikōau Lyell Creek

The Kaikoura Zone Committee will meet on Wednesday, 26 June, for its monthly water management public meeting.

A key focus for the meeting will be on protecting and enhancing biodiversity values in the zone. The committee will begin the meeting with an update on the Waikōau Lyell Creek restoration project.

In 2012 the Kaikoura Zone Committee identified Waikōau Lyell Creek as a priority for the district. The committee has a vision for the creek, one of crystal clear water with fully fenced and planted riparian margins which provide for mahinga kai gathering, recreation and enhanced biodiversity.

The committee wants the creek to be a place for the community to enjoy and be proud of and has recommended engaging with the community to achieve this.

The committee will be launching its vision for the creek at its Love the Lyell community event on 28 June from 2-4pm (postponed from today the 21 June due to weather conditions). The launch at the Village Green will involve stalls, live music, and give the community a chance to provide feedback on the committee’s vision.

Actions to help improve the condition of Waikōau Lyell Creek will include working with land-owners on weed control, riparian planting, and stock exclusion fencing initiatives.
At Wednesday’s meeting the committee will consider using its Immediate Steps biodiversity funding to progress some of the planting work. The Immediate Steps programme is a key component of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS).

The programme aims for the protection of ecosystems and habitats to conserve indigenous freshwater diversity. Zone committees decide the priorities for each zone and distribute the funding, which also requires a third party contribution.

The committee has $500,000 to distribute over five years, and to date it has allocated almost $50,000. This means there is still significant funding available for local biodiversity projects. Application forms can be found by searching ‘Immediate Steps’ at www.ecan.govt.nz.

At the meeting the committee will also consider two local fencing and weed control projects.

The Kaikoura zone committee was launched in mid-2011 as a joint committee of the Kaikoura District Council and Environment Canterbury. Monthly zone committee meetings are open to the public to attend, and have a chance to contribute to the meeting, if they wish.

Zone Committee Meeting information

Kaikura Zone Committee meeting
2pm, Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Memorial Hall Supper Room, Esplanade, Kaikoura

For an agenda visit  http://ecan.govt.nz/publications/Council/kaikoura-meeting-260613.pdf .

ENDS

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