Murihiku Mahi & Rural Wrap
Environment Southland's regional round-up.
Forecasters: It’s going to be a wet spring and summer
After experiencing the wettest four months (June to September) since our records began in 1970, the recent sunshine has been a welcome respite. But weather forecasters say it won’t be a smooth run of weather up to summer and beyond thanks to the impact of El Niño.
Environment Southland recently hosted Earth Sciences New Zealand meteorologist Chris Brandolino for a series of events across Southland, where he outlined the likely impacts of the El Niño weather pattern at two cultivation field days and a session attended by rural professionals.
The lower South Island can expect more rain – with periods of high wind and heavy rain and increased
chances of flooding.
For the farmers, businesses and communities still grappling the effects of this winter’s wet conditions, the forecast of more rain won’t be welcome.
On 1 October, the Ministry of Primary Industriesclassified the extreme wet and cold conditions across Southland and the Clutha District as a medium-scale adverse event.
While Environment Southland is supporting the rural sector with practical advice, support, and education, we know changeable weather conditions impact all Southlanders.
As part of our environmental monitoring, we collect data on rainfall, river flows, soil moisture and soil temperatures and this is all available on our website: envdata.es.govt.nz
Small changes: Big protection for our waterways.
Whether you’re working or playing in our waterways, we all have a role in stopping the spread of freshwater
pests and weeds.
The familiar Check, Clean, Dry process has been updated, with the same rules now applying right across New Zealand. The changes help protect our rivers and lakes from pests such as didymo, lagarosiphon, lake snow and freshwater clams, as well as any unwanted newcomers we haven’t discovered yet.
If you’re moving between waterways, make sure you Check, Clean, Dry anything that gets wet.
Report this pest!
Oxygen weed (Lagarosiphon major) is a submerged freshwater plant found in rivers, lakes and ponds. Its long stems and narrow, curled leaves form dense underwater growth that can reach up to five metres tall. It spreads quickly, smothering native aquatic plants and habitats. Small fragments easily break off, drift downstream and take root, allowing the weed to spread rapidly through waterways.
If you see or suspect this pest, you must report the sighting to Environment Southland immediately at www.es.govt.nz/PestHub
Upcoming meetings
Tuesday 10 November
9.30 am – Council Workshop – Long-term Plan and Spatial Planning
Wednesday 11 November
9.00 am – Integrated Catchment Management Committee
1.30 pm – Strategy & Policy Committee
Wednesday 18 November
10.00 am – Finance & Performance Committee
1.00 pm – Risk & Assurance Committee
Friday 20 November
11.15 am – Emergency Management Committee
Tuesday 24 November
9.30 am – Council Workshop – Long-term Plan
Wednesday 25 November
9.30 am – Council Workshop – Long-term Plan
Environment Southland council meetings are held in the Council Chambers, corner of North Road and Price Street,
Invercargill. To watch online, head to www.es.govt.nz/Live Changes to this schedule will be advertised on our website at www.es.govt.nz/Meetings
Pay your rates the easy way
Choose a payment option that suits you with Payble. Pay your rates in a single lump sum by the November due date or spread payments across the year with a flexible payment plan.
