• A twilight exploration of Ahuriri Estuary

A twilight exploration of Ahuriri Estuary

Napier City Council’s environment solutions manager Cameron Burton looked across Ahuriri Estuary.

He has a genuine concern, a believable respect for this significant estuary.

Cameron said, “We have inherited a historical legacy. A legacy from a time where things were done differently, and the environment was not considered like it should have been. But I still feel we are battling with people’s attitudes today, if we are to make a real and true difference to this place, we all have to work together”.

The stunning view of the estuary.

 

This historical legacy largely emphasised with a distinct lack of environmental understanding and environmental values, has contributed to the devastating ecological decline of Ahuriri Estuary.

Close to tipping point – a situation when an ecosystem loses its resilience, or capacity to cope with change – our estuary is straining to keep its head above water, with 90 years of misuse pressing down upon its shoulders.

We have all read the newspaper articles informing us of toxic discharges and high readings of faecal matter, that keep the swimmers among us, firmly on the shore. A sadness amid these communities is felt every time one of these warnings is publicised.

It is these occasions that shine a spotlight on the estuary. The recent cancellation of the swim part of the iconic IronMaori triathlon saw 600 entrants left on the shore wondering what happened. Unfortunately, it often takes this level of shock to wake people up to the true extent of our environmental problems.    

The estuary ecosystem has been overwhelmed by an expanding city.

 

Two groups of interested people each around 30 strong, took part in Seaweek’s twilight walk around the estuary. We were joined by experts from Napier City Council (NCC), Hawkes Bay Regional Council (HBRC) and the Department of Conservation (DOC). It was clear from the questions asked, and the serious faces of those who attended, that the group was made-up of conscientious citizens looking for answers.   

Cameron addressed our group, “Our biggest issue is very poor water quality. Unfortunately, we are dealing with a design – that if we could – we would change significantly, and we are working on it. The estuary receives contaminants from many outlets. This includes stormwater - 70% of Napier’s stormwater enters the estuary untreated. And we have a heavy industrial zone that backs directly onto Pandora Pond. From this zone Pandora receives discharges from tanneries, an abattoir, fertiliser mixing business, timber processors, galvanisers and shipping industries. Up-stream, farming contributes nutrients and faecal matter. High residential and commercial zones, roading, leaky septic tanks, and household rubbish, all contribute!”.

The walk was a chance to learn about the estuary and the plans that are being put in place to preserve it.

 

He emphasized that only rainwater should drain into our stormwater network, not chemicals, or rubbish. And all Napier residents should check their plumbing.

“Many houses in Napier have incorrect plumbing. Their stormwater system is connected to the wastewater system. During heavy periods of rain, the wastewater (sewerage) network can become overwhelmed which leads to wastewater overflowing from manholes. In these high pressure situations stormwater needs to be released in the estuary to prevent the city from flooding. Stormwater, and its cocktail of contaminants!” he said.

Anna Madarasz-Smith, team leader and HBRC’s principle scientist of marine and coasts, is clearly passionate about the estuary.

She said, “Despite the estuaries distinct problems it is a place of great significance and very special. It is home to many different marine species and is a sanctuary to a variety of birdlife. Having an expanding city right next to an estuary will always place such a sensitive ecosystem under immense pressure”

The group “birding”.

 

Anna commented that in all her fifteen years of working close to the estuary, she had never seen it so unhealthy.

“In the last few years we have observed a dramatic decline in the health of the estuary. Despite many efforts we are still uncertain what is causing this shift” she said.

Anna spoke of the many values Ahuriri Estuary brings to the community and stressed how - on so many levels - it is vital, we all look after it. Everyone has their part to play.

Some of the group expressed their dissatisfaction at the length of time it has taken the three administering agencies, (HBRC, NCC, DoC,) to actually do something about the estuaries poor condition. The experts did not argue or try to find excuses. 

Public pressure and the evident, unavoidable truth of our ailing estuary has placed Ahuriri Estuary at the top of the rescue priority list.

Among others, initiatives such as the Ahuriri Estuary and Coastal Edge Master Plan have been devised to help restore the estuary back to health. These are long-term commitments and the results will not be seen overnight.

Looking at birds on Scrape Lake.

 

Anna says, “It took us 90 years to get here! There is no quick fix solution. But we are focused on turning it around”.

She added, “We are definitely seeing a paradigm shift. Back in 1908 the government passed a swamp drainage act which lead to the drainage of wetlands on a huge scale! Swamps were considered unattractive and useless. We now understand the significance and importance of our wetlands!”

With 99 percent of Hawkes Bay’s wetlands gone, this paradigm shift could not have come soon enough!

The sobering first half of our tour came to a close.

As we joined our next two experts, a distinct change of mood was noticeable. These were experts in birds. Bernie Kelly, local representative from Birds New Zealand and Denise Fastier Senior Ranger, Biodiversity for DOC in Hawkes Bay, welcomed us.

Scrape Lake.

 

We were looking at “Scrape Lake”. Scrape lake was formed on the southern end of Westshore’s Wildlife reserve. Scrape Lake was developed as part of the environmental mitigation measures taken out when constructing the new entrance to Hawkes Bay Airport.

Bernie said, “It has been an overwhelming success! As soon as the construction work had finished the birds moved in!”

Scrape Lake offers a sanctuary for the birds that is non-tidal. This makes it easier for small wading birds such as dotterels, plovers, stilts and the many migratory birds that come to Napier each season, to feed, roost, rest and breed.

Observing the birds on Scrape Lake.

 

“Birds are site loyal!” Denise said. “It is very important we provide these safe locations for the birds to migrate to”.

Bernie and Denise told us about the astounding migratory habits of the Kuaka/Bar-tailed godwit.

“Godwit’s embark on an 11,000 – 12,000 km journey each year! This takes them around 8-9 days. It is the longest non-stop flight of any known bird.  They arrive in New Zealand in September - very hungry - from Alaska. They stay here over summer, fattening themselves up in preparation for the return flight. They have to double their body fat in order to arrive back in Alaska healthy for breeding” Bernie said.

Birnie Kelly addressing the group.

 

Denise stressed how important it is we try not to disturb the birds when they first arrive.

“Flying is a very high energy activity! When they arrive in September it is vital, we try not to startle them. We need to keep our distance and keep dogs well away. It is a great opportunity to quietly observe these extraordinary birds”.

The sun had started to set over the estuary. Our tour had reached its completion. We gave the binoculars back to the birders and enjoyed small departing conversations with one another.

The walk was so good. The openness of the experts to share their knowledge and grave concerns, was touching.

We all went away with something new to think about.