eroded banks - Halswell canal

intrusion on LII

Photo shows an intrusive weed clearing machine and platform on edge of delicate LII riparian margin. A wire cable prevented boat passage on river. No doubt an increase in nutrients has accelerated weed growth in the river. Not a very sensitive approach to weed control-

Kaituna river- a severly degraded river system- cattle damage to banks

Halswell River bank exposed

Note - bare banks- no riparian buffer- so fine silt-soil washes into river choking much aquatic life. The Halswell suffers from soil wash off severely degrading the in-stream values of this critical waterway within the Te Waihora catchment.

Sign- lower Waimakariri River- Canterbury

Embarrassing to drive past when taking international visitors down to the river to go fishing. The lower Waimak- a braided river on our doorstep- a drain for treated industrial waste.

Riparian destruction - Jollie's Brook

A small coastal stream near Taumutu, on the South Canterbury Coastline. In 2004 I was shocked to see the destruction along the entire side of the creek of a flax riparian margin over a distance of 1 kilometre. At the time I was informed that it was routine flood control - a laughable explanation for a stable coastal spring creek. Since local authorities were made aware a retrospective resource consent was given along with the implementation of an ecological restoration program- of which I was given no details. This one goes in the to follow up basket.

Okana River- Lake Forsyth tributary

Photograph shows severe erosion and silt input. More care needs to be taken of the riparian margins of the Okana and Okuti Rivers- especially in there lower reaches, to contribute to an improvement in the water quality of lake Forysth- Wairewa. This photo taken in September 2008 shows how little has been done to look after a once much renown lowland waterway. With advocacy by myself and others some improvements have been made to fence out cattle but more needs to be done.