BIODIVERSITY

Our main Probus Club speakers this month were Perry Cameron and Jim O’Malley from the South Wairarapa Biodiversity Group. A short introduction to the purpose or objectives of the Society is to empower the community to improve the quality of Wairarapa Moana, especially the Onoke catchment and lower reaches of the Ruamahanga for the environmental, social, cultural and economic benefit of the community.

The group has been running a Farming for the Future project – a yearly seminar to bring together farmers, business people, farm advisers etc. There is a growing appreciation of the connection between, farmers, communities and the natural environment so that “business as usual” is no longer good enough.

The Aotere Catchment area (estuary and bay near Farewell Spit) is an area where there is a farming versus shellfish problem with E-coli as the key contaminant. Research was done to see whether this was coming from farms or some other source. If this could be clarified then how could they reduce the amount of runoff. Steps have already been taken where the rate of E-coli contamination has reduced markedly and allowed dairy and marine farms to co-exist and maintain their livelihoods sustainably.

Water Quality of the Ruamahanga Catchment: The water is currently only suitable for wadeable purposes, ie fishing and kayaking but not for swimming and has also affected the fish life in the river. Water quality is classed as “poor” relative to other monitored sites in the region. Algae levels in the water can affect whether the water is safe for people swimming, or for dogs. Sometimes levels in the lower Ruamahanga exceed safe levels.
Okorewa Lagoon/Western Restoration Project: The wetlands on Lake Ferry have had major plantings of flax and native trees and shrubs to assist with the purification of water and also establish a lookout at the top of the cliff above the Lake Ferry Hotel.

Council has agreed in principle to a Lookout atop the cliffs behind the Lagoon – with magnificent views of Palliser Bay. Perry concluded by announcing the application has been made for official recognition of the Lake Ferry place name. A public event was planned to celebrate that and the Lookout.

The organisation is also involved in many other areas including helping fund feeding of the native falcon or karearea at Martinborough, and Perry assured us Dung beetles can help improve soil quality, structure etc.

As you can see we had a most interesting talk and were much better informed of all the good work happening “down south”!
Anyone who would like more information on our Probus Club and our various interest groups are very welcome to contact Margaret Griffiths on 306-8102.