As a recreational fisherman, I have witnessed the deterioration of our waterways particularly in the last 20 years, primarily due to the increase in intensive dairy farming.
One of my favourite rivers was the Kakanui, just south of Oamaru. Around 2010 I noticed lower river flows and the rocks on the riverbed becoming slowly covered in algae. The deterioration in the water quality coincided with the dairy conversions and irrigation in the Kakanui Valley and along the Western to Ngapara road. I am not against the primary sector and the economic contribution they make but get annoyed when this is not done well impacting the health of our waterways and ecosystems.
My dismay at these changes led me to successfully stand for election on the Otago Regional Council in 2022. I am still motivated to protect healthy waterways and improve deteriorated waterways.
I am a qualified accountant and company director and have been involved as such in the forestry, manufacturing and film sectors in Dunedin. I am a product of Dunedin, attending Bayfield High School and Otago University. My community service record includes Wakari School Board of Trustees, Treasurer of the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust (several years), and Presbyterian Support Otago, serving on the board for over 15 years, nine of those years as Deputy Chair and Chair.
I have now served 3 years as an ORC councillor and am seeking re-election, I have proven to be an effective advocate for our environment through debate, strategic planning and by ensuring accountability and compliance as the co-chair of Finance and Audit and Risk.
A significant issue over this triennium was the non-notification of the controversial Land and Water Plan. The conflict caused by the proposed changes was around setbacks from waterways (for some farming activities), limits on cows per hectare (as a measure of intensity), restrictions on the amount of synthetic fertiliser used and minimum flows on over-allocated rivers. These are all worthy objectives. I am committed to seeing this plan established and effectively implemented within the proposed new future regulations.
As a Dunedin resident I am also concerned for our city and surrounding environment. The Kaikorai Stream (Kaikārae) starts out as a clean, healthy creek but by the time it reaches the ocean, it is possibly the most contaminated waterway in Otago. It’s time to sort this out.
Maintenance of indigenous biodiversity is also one of ORC’s core responsibilities. The council must take a leadership role to maintain and enhance our native forests, birds and insects through effective pest control, working with community groups and monitoring outcomes. I am a member of the ORC biodiversity group reviewing this strategy and I would like to continue this work.
The philosophy embraced by the current government is to reduce regulations. Non-regulatory compliance is the ideal, however we still need good rules and regulations to live well together and to protect the environment that supports all of us now and into the future. There needs to be a balance.
Authorised by Tim Mepham rautakiadvice@gmail.com
