November 21 2023
Kaipara’s Only Regional Newspaper | Kaipara owned and Operated
YOUR LOCAL HELICOPTER OPERATOR
0800 435 684
10,450 Copies DELIVERED FREE throughout the Kaipara
Boat ramp ban on lakes debated u by Andy Bryenton
The Northland Regional Council has recommended that the Kaipara District Council should close the Lake Taharoa boat ramp for the summer to help the lake avoid a major environmental threat.
Swift boost to response
Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) Te Tai Tokerau has recently expanded its immunisation van frequency …
P3
Tsunami protection renewed
p Moves to close the Kai Iwi Lakes to powered vessels and shut the only boat ramp there were debated last week, with a boat embargo now a step closer
The Northland Regional Council is leading a roll-out of new, more effective tsunami sirens as an early …
P5
Honour among donors Ken McLeod shared his generosity with Maungatūroto-based Linking Hands by donating the medical transport service with a car …
P7
The NRC indicated a desire for the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee to enact the temporary closure of the Lake Taharoa boat ramp until October 31 2024, to protect the ecological, recreational and economic values of the lake that are threatened by the invasive gold clam, which gained a foothold in New Zealand waterways. The local committee which administers the lakes has voted in agreement, with the closure of the Lake Taharoa boat ramp now just one vote of open council away, as soon as their next meeting. “Prevention is better than cure as the gold clam has never been eradicated from an invaded location before,” said Lisa Forester, Jacki Byrd and Nicky Fitzgibbon, biodiversity and biosecurity specialists with the NRC.
BUY - SELL - RENT
“Proactive action is needed to prevent the clam from reaching the Kai Iwi Lakes. Boats, especially wake boats, are at the highest risk of spreading the clam. It is recommended that the committee close the boat ramp as a means of reducing the risk of the clam becoming established at Lake Taharoa this summer.” Ecological information was presented about the invasive clam and how it could spell extinction for fish and plant species found only in the dune lakes of west Kaipara. The pest can travel in the bilge and ballast water of boats, so a comprehensive cleaning and washing campaign with public education was discussed as one method to deter its spread. The KDC recommended the continuation of the status quo and
took into account the fiscal losses and disruption to camping, which would come from a closure. Bookings are already finalised for visitors coming to stay at the lakes this summer, many with boats. However, a vote of four to three means that the recommendation to go before the KDC is one of boat ramp closure, at least temporarily. It was noted that without changing the bylaw, which concerns watercraft on Lake Taharoa, an effective ban could not be enforced. The closure of the boat ramp would limit access by large vessels, but in addition to this measure, the application of a rahui by regional iwi was also discussed. Crucial to the closure will be the vote of the full KDC, which could come as early as next week. ¢
RESIDENTIAL - RURAL - COMMERCIAL
Let one of our trusted award winning team members look after you. For everything real estate - we Cover the Kaipara
Craig 021 461 668 Sales
Adrianne
Michael
0204 076 2650 027 278 8122 Sales Sales
Gary 021 902 087 Sales
Rhoda 0274 800 691 Sales
Karyn
Jill
029 779 9019 021 505 712 Sales Principal Officer Sales
Roper & Jones Licensed under REAA 2008
Dargaville Realty Limited
roperandjones.co.nz
Inez
Simone
Corey
Property Manager
Property Manager
Senior Property Manager
09 431 1016
09 439 7295
143 Hurndall Street Maungaturoto 0520
110 Victoria Street Dargaville 0310