Last week, a new programme to protect and enhance the Rangitāiki River and its catchment was approved by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Regional Direction and Delivery Committee.
The annual work programme is an initiative that has been formed to meet the community's expectations for the health of the Rangitāiki River catchment. It was approved in the Council's long term 2015-25 plan and links to the Rangitāiki River Forum and its approved river strategy, Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki.
Regional Concil Catchment Manager, Simon Stokes says, “Efforts to protect and enhance the river environment are ongoing, and this dedicated programme is testament to how seriously we take this work. It also gives Council and partners a clearer picture of what our goals and – and of how we achieve them.”
The catchment programme includes all operational activities such as biosecurity, coast care and sustainable land management.
The main focus for 2015 and 2016 will consist of the continuation of science efforts to understand the state of the river environment, managing and implementing Coastcare programmes including dune restoration, supporting the Rangitāiki River Forum and working with iwi, landowners, communities and authorities to protect and restore the catchment.
“We will seek confirmation and commitment from our partners regarding other actions in Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki – Pathways of the Rangitāiki this year. Eventually this will mean we can report on a work programme that covers activities by all strategy partners to provide an overall picture of our work in the catchment," Stokes says.