Managing Waituna into the Future
Media Release
April 2015
Managing Waituna into the Future
A vision for the Waituna catchment and lagoon has been suggested in a draft Strategy and Action Plan to help guide and coordinate work in the area over the next 10 years.
The Waituna Partners Group, made up of representatives from the Department of Conservation, Environment Southland, the Southland District Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Te Rūnanga o Awarua, is currently seeking feedback on the Plan to ensure that the vision, goals and actions outlined are as effective as possible to achieve an improvement in catchment and lagoon health.
Southland District Council Deputy Mayor and Waihopai –Toetoes Ward member Paul Duffy said: “There have been some very positive initiatives and actions taken by landowners and other agencies in the Waituna catchment in recent times. It is important that we build on these in a structured and collaborative way and avoid duplication of effort, and the Strategy and Action Plan is very important in doing so.”
Environment Southland chairman Ali Timms said the draft plan had been developed as a starting point for discussion between all those who have an interest in the health of the Waituna catchment and lagoon. “We're now seeking feedback from the community and other interest groups to ensure everything that needs to be is included in the Strategy and Action Plan,” she said.
Te Rūnanga o Awarua representative Gail Thompson said Ngāi Tahu have a long standing relationship with the Waituna lagoon and catchment. “This has been formed through our relationship with mahinga kai (wild foods). The combined effort to maintain and enhance wellbeing in the catchment through actions to date and through input into the draft plan will ensure the vitality or life force of the Waituna for this and future generations continues,” she said.
South and Eastern South Island Region, Conservation Partnerships Acting Director Annie Wallace, said Waituna Lagoon contains a diverse range of ecological habitats and species. It is nationally significant and internationally recognized. The draft strategy and action plan provides a great platform for all parties to provide benefits for the community, enrich the catchment and improve the health of the lagoon and surrounding environment.
Feedback is sought on the draft Strategy and Action Plan until Monday 11 May 2015. The Plan is available for download from the Environment Southland website (www.es.govt.nz) and in hard copy from any of the Partners’ offices.
ENDS