NRC Coastal Commentary

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With Rick Stolwerk

Northland Regional Councillor, Coastal South

 

Kia ora all.

Yet another full-on month with Covid and tsunami alerts, also a number of environmental issues to the fore. Once again if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me on ricks@nrc.govt.nz or 021 823 770. I would much prefer a text message, if I do not answer straight away.

Mangawhai and Waipu Estuaries
Mangawhai estuary has a number of environmental matters that are of interest and significance to the community.

The dredging consent is coming up for renewal in the near future. The result of this will be of interest to us all. With the added number of recreational water craft, safety is of paramount concern to the community. Safety on the water is covered by the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2017. If you have concerns please contact the NRC Environmental Hotline 0800 504 639.

Also in Mangawhai, the issue of sand mining outside the harbour is a of major concern. The Auckland Council issues this consent as it comes under their jurisdiction. Once again if you believe anything is happening in Northland waters beyond the regional boundary you once again need to contact the NRC Hotline.

Waipu estuary has been in the news lately with the decaying red algae and fish odour. I have been commenting on this event in local and regional papers. Unfortunately, this problem cannot be dealt with quickly as it has taken some time to get to this stage and will more than likely occur again in the future. To work out what is happening the scientific monitoring and modeling programme which has begun needs the continued support of NRC and community groups. This however does not offer a short-term solution to affected residents, however the effects should not continue for too long. The report by the DHB on this algae is available at northlanddhb.org.nz. Type a search for ‘algae’.

 

Regional Land Transport Plan and Regional Public Transport Plan
Over the next couple of weeks these plans are open for you to submit on. It is important that you have your say by going to the NRC website to review the

consultation documents. If you are interested in the future of your region, if you want to have your say on what is happening on our local, regional and national roads, you should read and comment on these plans. Please note submissions close on March 26.

 

Northland Regional Council Long Term Plan 2021-2031
Please visit nrc.govt.nz, sign up and stay up-to-date with developments for the next three, 10 and 30 years. All councils do a LTP and the final document reflects what the community wants, so please have your say online or at Waipu Cove SLSC, Cove Rd, Friday March 26, 11am–1pm.

 

Until next month, nga mihi,

Rick

* Disclaimer: These are my personal views and not those of NRC or NRC councillors.

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