Kaikōura Zone Delivery Manager Kevin Heays provides insight into what is happening on the ground.

Wonderful wetlands

You may have recently seen Radio New Zealand’s feature on some of our local landowners carrying out some great work restoring wetlands on their properties.

I sometimes feel like I’m a broken record talking about wetlands, but it’s important to keep reiterating how great they are for biodiversity and cultural values, improving water quality and mitigating farming impact on land and water.

Radio New Zealand’s feature helped raise awareness of wetlands locally, and full credit is to be given to the landowners who are working with our staff to create legacy wetlands for future generations to benefit from them. As Barb Mackle-Woods says – “wetlands are a long-term investment (but SO worth it)”.

Summer safety more than just ‘slip, slop, slap, and wrap’

Another topic I wanted to raise is safety on the water. Our Harbourmaster’s Office has been running a summer boating safety campaign – something that’s relevant to us all, living so close to moana (the sea).

The team has been out and about and has seen several locals on the water with all the right safety gear – which is great to see! However, it’s important that even the most experienced skippers don’t get complacent and make sure they are prepared before heading out on the water.

Top tips to keep in mind when on the water

Everyone heading out on the water, whether it’s on a boat, kayak, jet ski or paddleboard, should always follow these five key messages:

• always wear your lifejacket
• take two waterproof ways to call for help (that work in the area you’re located)
• check the correct forecast for the area you’re in
• avoid alcohol
• be a responsible skipper.

We are also encouraging people to carry personal locator beacons as one of their forms of communication. Having one attached to your lifejacket or belt could come in handy if you somehow get separated from your boat or your group. And as always, wear your lifejacket – you know the deal!

There’s a Canterbury Safer Boating Guide (12.42MB), which can be can be downloaded for free. It has all the key information for heading out on the water, and includes maps, regional Navigation Safety Bylaws and general safety information. Check it out.

Until next time,

Kev.

Safer boating resources

• Environment Canterbury’s summer boating safety ‘get home safe’ campaign
• Maritime New Zealand’s Safety Boating Code 
• Follow the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ principles