Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Media Release
26 July 2011

Strategy for Taharua and Upper Mohaka Rivers

A proposed strategy for improving water quality in the upper Mohaka River and the Taharua tributary is now available for comment by the public.

This fairly remote area is at the western edge of the Hawke’s Bay region, and adjacent to Taupo District.

Declining water quality has been monitored for some years due to land use intensification on the pumice soils of the Taharua catchment. Land use includes dairying, forestry, and some other pasture, but there is still native bush in the area.

The rivers are recognised as top rivers for trout fishing and the declining water quality is affecting trout populations, as well as reducing enjoyment of the river for recreational users. Restoring the rivers is close to the heart of local iwi.

The draft strategy to tackle water quality issues has been developed by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council in partnership with the Taharua Stakeholder Group, which consists of landowners, Mohaka iwi, DairyNZ, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Fish and Game, the Department of Conservation and Taupo District Council.

A summary of the draft strategy is inside the new Regional Council magazine ‘Our Place’ which has been distributed to homes in the region over the last week week. The strategy can be also read on the Council’s website www.hbrc.govt.nz and printed copies are available on request.

ENDS

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