Greetings to the People of Northland

Nominations are being called to fill vacancies on the Northland Conservation Board.

The Northland Conservation Board/Te Rünanga Papa Atawhai o Te Tai Tokerau’s focus is on policy issues, strategic direction and planning, for the Department of Conservation's work (not the day-today work of the Department).

Please click on this internet page for further information about the Board’s work http://www.doc.govt.nz/getting-involved/nz-conservation-authority-and-boards/conservation-boards-by-region/northland

Please could you distribute this nomination form and information as appropriate amongst your whänau, hapu, community and iwi networks.

Please note that nominations close at midday Friday 18 February.

Click here for a nomination form

nomination form

Nomination forms and queries should be addressed to:

Mrs Jeannie Hogarth

Secretary Northland Conservation Board

Department of Conservation

149-151 Bank Street

WHANGAREI 0140

Email: jhogarth@doc.govt.nz

Telephone: (09) 470 3352

The map below represents the results of the Doubtless Bay freshwater quality samples taken on 11th January 2011. For more information on the monitoring programme and all the results, please click here.

Please note: These samples were collected before the recent rainfall, and as a result the water quality may have declined since the samples were taken.

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming. 

Testing started on 29 November and will continue for 12 weeks through to March.

Beach water quality for week starting 10 January:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• There are no warning signs at coastal swimming sites this week

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a beach swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Enterococci.  Find out more about what NRC test for

Green: safe to swim
Enterococci count less than 140/100ml

Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
Enterococci count more than 140/100ml

Red: unsafe to swim
Enterococci count more than 280/100ml

This weeks' results:

Far North

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

North East (Coopers Beach to Matauri Bay)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

North West (Hokianga Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link. 

South West (Kaipara District)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.

To view an aerial photo map of the location where the samples were gathered, click on the site name link.

South East (One Tree Point to Mangawhai Harbour)

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites.  

Bay of Islands and Oakura

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the BOI and Oakura testing sites. 

Tutukaka

Full weekly results available below. View a map of the testing sites. 

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Results
Church Bay	105448	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Kowharewa Bay	106444	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Matapouri, at first bridge (south bridge)	100711	Green: Safe to swim	20
Matapouri, at second bridge (north bridge)	100712	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Matapouri, Beach	110321	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Ngunguru, at Motor Camp	100073	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Ngunguru, at Norfolk pine	100076	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Ngunguru, at toilets	108320	Green: Safe to swim	64
Pacific Bay	108313	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Sandy Bay	109879	Green: Safe to swim	10
Wellingtons Bay	109880	Green: Safe to swim	10
Whananaki, footbridge	103147	Orange: Caution	31
Whananaki, East beach	106938	Green: Safe to swim	<10
Woolleys Bay	109878	Green: Safe to swim	<10

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming. 

Testing started on 29 November and will continue for 12 weeks through to March.

Freshwater quality for week starting 10 January:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Ocean Beach Stream
• Otamure Bay Stream
• Whangarei Falls
• Waipu Cove Stream
• Coopers Beach Stream

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a freshwater swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).  Find out more about what NRC test for

 Green: safe to swim
 E. coli less than 260/100ml

 Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
 E. coli count more than 260/100ml

 Red: unsafe to swim
 E. coli count more than 550/100ml

This weeks' results:

The table below shows the most recent results for all the freshwater sites sampled in Northland.  All locations are in alphabetical order.

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Aurere River, at Aurere Beach Road	110324	Green:  Safe to swim	183
Coopers Beach Stream	101870	Red: Unsafe to swim	2481
Kaihu River, at campground	102221	Green:  Safe to swim	63
Kapiro Bridge, at Purerua Road	102838	Orange: Caution	419
Kerikeri, Stone Store	101530	Green:  Safe to swim	259
Lake Coca Cola	110323	Orange: Caution	309
Lake Ngatu, south end	100402	Green:  Safe to swim	10
Lake Taharoa	105434	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Langs Beach, toilets	100686	Red: Unsafe to swim	933
Ocean Beach Stream	102077	Green:  Safe to swim	134
Omamari Beach Stream	102305	Green:  Safe to swim	187
Otamure Bay Stream	108859	Red: Unsafe to swim	3076
Otaua Stream	108510	Green:  Safe to swim	119
Raumanga Stream, Whangarei	103246	Green:  Safe to swim	216
Tirohanga Stream	102252	Orange: Caution	262
Twin Bridges	105973	Green:  Safe to swim	20
Victoria River	104908	Green:  Safe to swim	244
Waipapa Basin, at Charlies Rock	110348	Orange: Caution	262
Waipapa River, Puketi	103248	No data	No data
Waipoua River, at DOC campground	108613	Green:  Safe to swim	63
Waipu Cove Stream	101207	Green:  Safe to swim	85
Waitangi, at Lilypond	104830	Green:  Safe to swim	223
Waro Lake, Hikurangi	107272	Green:  Safe to swim	63
Whangarei Falls	105972	Orange: Caution	317

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004

By Wayne Thompson, NZ Herald 14th January 2011:

A kakapo that played a key role in the recovery of the species from only 49 birds has died aged about 80.

Named Richard Henry after the pioneering Fiordland caretaker of kakapo and kiwi, the bird died of natural causes.

Richard Henry was the World's oldest Kakapo. Photo / DoC

Department of Conservation scientist Ron Moorhouse said the bird was found in Fiordland in 1975 when kakapo were believed to be extinct.

His contribution was fathering three chicks, who are now adults.

He also brought genetic diversity to a breeding programme when a group of other birds were found on Stewart Island.

Moving from phases of discovery and rescue to intensive management of the species, the programme has in 20 years produced 121 kakapo.

"He has not bred since 1999 and had been showing signs of age, including blindness in one eye, slow moving and wrinkles," said Mr Moorhouse.

A sample of the bird's DNA has been preserved.

His age was a conservative estimate, said Mr Moorhouse.

An adult when found, he could have hatched in 1930 or even 1900 - in which case he would have been 100 years old and New Zealand's oldest bird.

As for his namesake, Richard Henry, he transferred 700 kakapo to an island sanctuary in Fiordland from 1894 to 1908, when he resigned on the discovery of the kakapo's great enemy, the stoat.

Mr Henry died in 1929, after further service as a ranger at the Kapiti Island sanctuary.

By Wayne Thompson | Email Wayne

Sustainable Rural Development Course

At Otiria Falls

 Fees Free NorthTec Course

SRD Level 3 Course

Starts on the 28th of February and runs for 17 weeks

Students attend course on Thursday and Friday 9am-3pm

Learn about:

• Natural Building Methods and Materials
• Traditional Maori Gardening and Small Scale Cropping
• Permaculture Design and Practice
• Develop your own project

Tutors: Grant Steven and Helen Davis

Grant teaches:

•  Natural Building
•  Raised Bed gardening
• Adobe Pizza Oven Construction

Helen teaches:

•  Rongo
•  Natural Therapies
•  Gardening

Please try to register before 1st of February

Contacts:

Grant 027 2070271

zenfarmer@gmail.com

Susan Henare 09 4041793

Northtec Freephone 0800 80 4678

Grant Steven

Kiwi Organoponico www.organoponico.com

Gentle World cordially invites you to attend
a FREE one-day educational event,
highlighting the benefits of a plant-based diet
and the many reasons for the vegan way of life.

Where: The Herb Shack – 24 Puckey Ave. (right behind Pak ‘N Save)

When: Saturday, the 15th of January – 11:00 am ‐ 4:00 pm

Admission: FREE (please see registration details below)

Throughout the course of the day, snacks and beverages will be served, as we invite you to watch educational videos and ask questions.

1:00pm – Speakers:

Dr. Cornelius Van Dorp; renowned medical doctor & author will speak about the health benefits of a plant-based diet, and the conclusions he has drawn from reading The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell.

Kate Elliot; Naturopath, Osteopath & NZ Natural Health Consultant will speak of her decades of experience as a vegan health practitioner, and as a mother who raised her children on a plant-based diet.

Angel Flinn; Outreach Director for Gentle World will speak about the ethical reasons for living vegan, and the spiritual benefits of embracing the vegan ideal.

2:00pm ‐ A healthy, organic, vegan, incredibly delicious feast will be served.

JOIN US FOR A CELEBRATION of the many health, environmental and spiritual benefits of living vegan!

For more information, or to make a reservation:

call 408‐2188 or e‐mail info@gentleworld.org

Gentle World is a charitable trust and vegan educational centre, whose volunteer members teach interested individuals about the preparation of vegan food, vegan‐organic growing and all other aspects of vegan living.

They are the authors of Incredibly Delicious; Recipes for a New Paradigm.

www.gentleworld.org

Each summer, Northland Regional Council test the water quality at a number of Northland’s popular coastal and freshwater swimming spots to make sure it’s safe for swimming. 

Testing started on 29 November and will continue for 12 weeks through to March.

Freshwater quality for week starting 03 January:

Warning signs have been placed by District Councils at the following sites (please see all the results below):

• Ocean Beach Stream
• Otamure Bay Stream
• Whangarei Falls
• Raumanga Stream
• Waipu Cove Stream
• Coopers Beach Stream
• Otaua Stream at Otaua Road Bridge
• Victoria River at DOC reserve
• Kerikeri River at Stone Store

NOTE: Some results remain high as a result of the ongoing rainfall. Remember the four simple rules:

• Don't swim if there are warning signs indicating water is unsafe
• Avoid swimming two to three days after heavy rain
• Don't swim if water looks dirty/murky, smells or it has scum on the surface
• Be aware of potential sources of contamination nearby or upstream

Status system

NRC give a three tier status system for swimming water quality.  This is based by assessing the risk of contamination at a freshwater swimming site using levels of the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).  Find out more about what NRC test for

 Green: safe to swim
 E. coli less than 260/100ml

 Orange: caution, potentially unsuitable to swim
 E. coli count more than 260/100ml

 Red: unsafe to swim
 E. coli count more than 550/100ml

This weeks' results:

The table below shows the most recent results for all the freshwater sites sampled in Northland.  All locations are in alphabetical order.

LOCATION	Site No.	Status	Result
Aurere River, at Aurere Beach Road	110324	Green:  Safe to swim	205
Coopers Beach Stream	101870	Red: Unsafe to swim	3873
Kaihu River, at campground	102221	Green:  Safe to swim	98
Kapiro Bridge, at Purerua Road	102838	Green:  Safe to swim	189
Kerikeri, Stone Store	101530	Red: Unsafe to swim	663
Lake Coca Cola	110323	Green:  Safe to swim	10
Lake Ngatu, south end	100402	Green:  Safe to swim	146
Lake Taharoa	105434	Green:  Safe to swim	<10
Langs Beach, toilets	100686	Red: Unsafe to swim	1607
Ocean Beach Stream	102077	Red: Unsafe to swim	8164
Omamari Beach Stream	102305	Green:  Safe to swim	98
Otamure Bay Stream	108859	Orange: Caution	359
Otaua Stream	108510	Orange: Caution	393
Raumanga Stream, Whangarei	103246	Orange: Caution	327
Tirohanga Stream	102252	Orange: Caution	265
Twin Bridges	105973	Green:  Safe to swim	41
Victoria River	104908	Red: Unsafe to swim	3255
Waipapa Basin, at Charlies Rock	110348	Green:  Safe to swim	233
Waipapa River, Puketi	103248	No data	No data
Waipoua River, at DOC campground	108613	Green:  Safe to swim	122
Waipu Cove Stream	101207	Orange: Caution	537
Waitangi, at Lilypond	104830	Green:  Safe to swim	74
Waro Lake, Hikurangi	107272	Green:  Safe to swim	52
Whangarei Falls	105972	Orange: Caution	512

 
NOTE: NRC also randomly sampled the Wairoa Stream at Ahipara, this site was 'Orange:Caution'.

Check before you swim

In general, water can be contaminated and unsafe for swimming if:

• there is a warning sign erected indicating water is unsafe.
• there has been heavy rain recently.
• the water looks dirty (murky).
• there are several potential sources of contamination nearby and upstream such as:
  • houses on septic tanks;
  • stock with access to the water; or
  • a sewage treatment plant discharge. 

Who to contact

NRC are responsible for routine surveillance monitoring. These results are sent to the District Councils and Northland Health, who then carry out follow-up sampling as required and warn the public of any swimming sites that may be unsafe.

For information about a specific area or a warning sign contact your local District Council or the on-duty Health Protection Officer at Northland Health.

Far North District Council
Freephone: 0800 920 029

Whangarei District Council
Phone: 09 430 4200

Kaipara District Council
Phone: 09 439 7059

Northland Health
Phone: 09 430 4100

For general information contact:

Northland Regional Council
Freephone: 0800 002 004