Update March 2022
For several months the Lagoon committee has been exploring replacement of the culvert in the lower lagoon near Stewart Street with a weir and fish passage. This would maintain a higher water level in the lagoons during times of low rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding to properties at the edge of the lagoon, especially those in Stewart Street, during significant rain events. Initial discussions with the ORC, DCC and DOC have taken place and are positive. The project will be a complex process of obtaining consents, funding for design and plans and funding for the work itself. We will keep the community updated on the progress.
The culvert pipe looking west. August 2021.
Following several people in Waikouaiti approaching the committee about pest control, we are exploring approaches to expand pest management activities. Current discussions are with Pest Free Dunedin include opportunities for a community-based programme and collaboration with larger, well-funded groups.
The Annual General Meeting of Hawksbury Lagoon Committee will be held on Thursday 24th March at 19.30. The uncertainties associated with the evolving Covid pandemic means the delivery and venue may need to be changed from that currently planned (the new building at the Waikouaiti Coast Heritage Centre). Please registered your interest if you plan to attend by contacting Ruth (risabelfe@gmail.com or 021 1130 719 txt preferred). Those attending will be required to have a current vaccination certificate, wear a recommended mask and following recommendations for social distancing. We do hope you will consider joining us.
Pest of the Month – the rat
There are two species of rat expected to be found in the Hawksbury Lagoon area, the commoner Ship or black rat (Rattus rattus) and the Norwegian or brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). The Ship rat can climb trees while the Norwegian rat is a capable swimmer. Rats are a major threat to wildlife. They will eat birds eggs, chicks, lizards and skinks, insects, flowers, seeds, fruits, molluscs and .invertebrates The Norwegian rat will even kill large adult birds. Rats are considered to have pushed several native bird species into extinction. They are the commonest pest species trapped at the lagoon. For further information see:
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/pests-and-threats/animal-pests/rats/
https://predatorfreenz.org/toolkits/know-your-target-predators/rat/
Ruth Ferguson for the Hawksbury Lagoon Committee