Press Release: Linton McGill

19 October 2016

It’s time to restore the Ruamahanga River. The health of the region is at risk. Wildlife is disappearing fast. Under our present management the river is getting worse.

When Linton McGill first came to the Wairarapa forty years ago the Ruamahanga was regarded as NZ’s best lowland river. Linton raised his family in Masterton. There were tough times in store for them, but the river provided a lifestyle that ensured good times for his family.

“I brought up 6 highly successful kids in Masterton after their mother died when the youngest was one. Our fishing spots were a second backyard and a food source for us, he says”Linton has watched the river deteriorate to its present state. The sense of loss he feels has compelled him to stand for the Wellington Regional Council in the Wairarapa seat. While the official reports say the Ruamahanga is safe for swimming in low Summer and Autumn flows, Linton says there is widespread disbelief about this.

“Now the river edge stinks. Mats of toxic algae are prevalent in low flows. When I take my grandchildren there it’s certainly not the same place I used to take my kids. It’s not safe either, toxic algae is known to have killed over 50 dogs and at least 2 horses.”

“Countless millions of mayflies came off the river in clouds each evening, now there are hardly any. I’m standing for the GWRC because I want to see the Ruamahanga restored to health,” he says.

Linton says a comprehensive approach, including sound science, broad community buy in, and political leadership is needed to fix the river.

“I worked on a rabbit research programme that saved the government $100m. I’ve used the approach I learned to restore derelict and poor performing vineyards. I was told a vineyard needed fertiliser. Instead I tested the soil and found levels of aluminium in the subsoil toxic to grapes. I restored the vineyard with 11 tonne of lime per ha into a rip and new plants.”

“If we don’t challenge Wellington Regional Council’s US Army Engineers approach we can’t expect the results we’re after. Bulldozing the river bed in the name of flood protection is a big part of the problem,” he says.

Much of Linton’s work and career, in agriculture, horticulture and tourism sectors has been strongly connected to the Wairarapa’s rivers. Clean rivers and water are essential to the Wairarapa’s economy, lifestyle and future.

We all want a clean healthy river. A vote for Linton McGill is your chance to achieve it.

ENDS

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