Guardians of Lake Hāwea (GLH) Report - AGM 2021
GLH have met 9 times in the past year.
Lake Levels
The lake level for this time of the year is the highest since we first received graphs in 1998. (344.575masl at 12am 1st October)
Toilets
The GLH requested for the toilet being replaced at John Creek to be installed at Lake Camp/Willow Bay. We were disappointed the contractor chose the present position as opposed to our preferred position further along the beach head where it would be more highly visible to more users. The Deep Bay toilet is an example of one in a good position and hence well used by all.
Cliff erosion along southern foreshore
A submission was made on Contact Energy Limited’s Lake Hāwea Draft Erosion Management Plan. A focus of the submission was the erosion of the Flora Dora cliff face. An inspection of the cliffs along the southern shore took place in July with a Contact Energy engineer. A copy of the submission is available on HCA’s website.
Responsible camping
GLH made a submission on QLDC’s Draft Freedom Camping bylaw 2021. A copy of the submission is available on HCA’s website.
Since making our written submission, Guardians reviewed their position on the proposal for freedom camping at Camphill Rd carpark. In light of the potential adverse effects identified by other submitters, Guardians advised the hearing that they wished for camping at Camphill be approved on the basis originally submitted BUT that this arrangement be reviewed for adverse effects after twelve months. Should these adverse effects be significant then Guardians submitted that freedom camping be no longer allowed at this site in the absence of any mitigation measures (e.g provision of toilet) aimed at addressing these adverse effects. Asked at the hearing whether we would still approve camping at the Camphill Road carpark if the QLDC did not conduct a review after twelve months, we replied ‘No’.
Grandview Creek to John Creek: Enhancing Lake Hāwea’s Riparian Zone, local water quality and Indigenous Biodiversity
There have been significant pest plant clearing and plantings undertaken at all three target sites (Grandview creek, Urquhart Bay, and Rowley Bay). Progress throughout the year is recorded on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hāweanz
Winter grazing runoff
GLH expressed concern to ORC about the potential contamination of the lake arising from intensive winter grazing at Hunter Valley Station. This resulted in some improvement in practice and the establishment of communication with the Lake Hāwea Catchment Group (LHCG), a group representing the farms which border on Lake Hāwea. A meeting between GLH, LHCG, DOC and LINZ is being planned for November.
The Contact Energy Lake Hāwea Foreshore Landscape Management Plan 2020-2021
As reported last year GLH was represented on an HCA sub-committee which has sent comments on the draft plan to Contact Energy. The final plan draft was sighted in December 2020. Contact Energy report the plan has been approved by the QLDC and LINZ. The plan is currently before ORC. It is unclear when it will be publicly released
Grebes
Last breeding season, a pair of Great Crested Grebe nested on an artificial platform at Anzac Peninsula and produced 5 young. This spring, two breeding platforms were launched at Anzac Peninsula, another at the Neck and a further one near Dingle Station. At the time of writing one grebe pair have taken up residence at Anzac Peninsula and one chick has hatched. The other platforms have yet to be occupied. Signs asking for public co-operation in protecting the birds have been placed at the ANZAC Peninsula, the boat ramp, and the Neck.
Dotterel
Banded dotterels (“Threatened - Nationally Vulnerable”) nest on gravel beaches around Lake Hāwea with several nesting attempts seen last year. The Craig Burn delta is one location where driving on the beach and free-running dogs are threats. Guardians have worked with LINZ to create new signage and publicity to encourage good behaviour that will benefit the birds. A predator control programme is also running and to date has removed over 100 predators.
Supporting Sustainable Freedom Camping in Aotearoa New Zealand
The GLH made a submission on Central Government’s proposals which focused on strengthening the provisions for self-containment in camping vehicles. In general GLH were supportive of the proposals.
Pest plants – Gunnera
The pest plant Gunnera tinctoria/Chilean Rhubarb was identified on the west shore of Hāwea below Glen Dene in March 2021. This infestation has been documented and reported to LINZ (the landowner) and WAI Wanaka, both of whom have the interest and capability to control it. The problem was also reported to ORC.
Canadian Pond Weed (Elodea)
It is concerning to report that the NIWA lake submerged plant index (LakeSPI) survey of Lake Hāwea in February 2020 found the invasive Canadian Pond Weed (Elodea) in the main lake for the first time. It was previously seen in inlets and margins but not in the main lake. The full report eventually became available in September 2021 and GLH is seeking further information about the localities. We will then discuss whether any action can be taken in the community.
ORC 10 year plan
In May GLH together with Guardians of Lake Wanaka made a submission followed by a presentation. ORC subsequently adopted the following resolution:
…Requests establishment and funding of a scoping study for an Otago Lakes Strategic Plan, in association with relevant stakeholders, that creates lake management plans aimed at improving the environmental and amenity value of these water bodies, and acquire the science, partnerships and information for these.
Lake Inspection
A lake inspection was undertaken in May by launch. Our thanks to Doug Cabot et al for generously providing the Mainlander for the lake inspection. No significant threats to the lake were identified and potential sight for a Grebe platform was identified.
Guardians History
In 1975/76, the lake was lowered to near pre-dam levels. Dust storms were huge and frequent. These proved to be a health issue for Upper Clutha inhabitants, affected the quality of wool with sheep between Hāwea and Tarras, and deposited banks of dust and sand at John Creek.
The Guardians were formed in 1979 in the effort to seek regulation of maximum and minimum lake levels.
The Guardians worked with the Lake Hāwea Advisory Committee and Hāwea Development Assn (HDA) as it was then, at hearings with the National Water and Soil Conservation Authority (NWASCA) in 1980 to establish the statutory maximum and minimum operating levels of 346 and 336masl. The minimum level was revised to 338m at the 1985 hearing. These were major ‘victories’ for the community.
Guardians Aim: To ensure Lake Hāwea, its surrounds, water quality, biodiversity and ecosystems are maintained, and managed sustainably and safely for the benefit of all. The Guardians shall:
foster the development of a management plan for Lake Hāwea
liaise with users/stakeholders, and statutory authorities of the lake and its catchments
ensure that water levels and conditions of usage by Contact Energy are adhered to
contribute to any review of lake use, including any applications for consent to use the lake and its catchments
foster measurement and monitoring of lake conditions, its physical and biological properties including water quality, biodiversity, biosecurity, lake use, and lake catchment use.
John Langley - Chairperson
Feedback and Questions
(Please submit these before 7pm 3rd November )
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