3.6.1 Significant Resource Management Issues

• The three main rivers in the District, the Piako, Waihou and Waitoa, have all been modified to some extent as a result of farming, settlement, drainage, stopbanking and other activities. However some streams and creeks in the Kaimai-Mamaku Ranges and the Te Tapui Scenic Reserve are in a relatively natural state. The Waihou and its tributary streams provide trout habitat. The tributaries are important for providing spawning habitat for both brown and rainbow trout.

 

• Council wishes to avoid the progressive degradation of the quality of the District's waterways from inappropriate use and development on the surface of water and on adjacent land. A wide range of activities are undertaken on the District's waterways and in general, the majority of activities have little or no adverse effect. However individually or cumulatively, there is the potential for activities to adversely affect the environment and the public use of water resources.

 

• Activities that occur on the surface of water can have an adverse affect on the adjoining land. In particular noise from motorised boating can affect the enjoyment of land activities, particularly in the vicinity of esplanade reserves and walkways, and residences. Wash from boats can result in scouring and habitat disturbance or destruction. The action of boats can adversely impact on trout habitat. Structures over the surface of the water can also have an impact on the visual amenity and aesthetics of a water body. The visual appearance of the District waterways can be adversely affected by oil and grease films, scums and foams and by changes in colour and visual clarity on the surface of the water. There is also the potential for conflict to arise in respect of access, safety and general enjoyment of the water, where multiple use is made of an area, e.g. power boating and fishing. These activities and structures need to be managed to ensure that the effects are acceptable. It is acknowledged that the WRC has a role with regard to structures in, over or on the beds of rivers.

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