Last year the Advocates for the Tongariro River produced an aerial video of the Tongariro River from the delta to Waikato Falls. You can view it at the bottom of the following page https://tongariroriver.org.nz/
For Tongariro River fishos, this is nothing short of spectacular! Make a cuppa first as you will need about 20 minutes to view it and another 10 minutes to check your favourite pools and have a longer squiz at all the pools you did not know about.
Many thanks to AFTR for making it available. The Advocates for the Tongariro River is a charitable organisation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the values of the Tongariro River and surrounding environment. It relies on membership fees and donations for its work. Dial up their website and have a peep at their other blogs.
Background
In April 2023 the Advocates for the Tongariro River undertook an aerial survey of the river from the delta to Waikato Falls with the aid of a chartered helicopter and professional photographer. The purpose was to assess the state of the river, particularly with respect to the spread of invasive vegetation, and also the extent of fallen trees in the aftermath of cyclone Gabrielle. We were concerned not only about the environmental impact, but also the increased flood risk that these factors could pose.
Highlights
Aside from providing an excellent panorama of the beautiful world-renowned river that we all cherish, the video highlights a number of issues:
- Starting at the delta, the video shows a material number of semi-submerged trees which pose a hazard for boats trying to navigate up the river.
- Moving up to the middle reaches we can see the spread of invasive vegetation (e.g. willow, broom, buddleia) and also wilding pine, both on the edges and islands of the riverbed. This vegetation has increased significantly in recent years to the point that it will require major intervention to bring back under control.
- In the upper reaches, we can see the damage caused by cyclone Gabrielle, in particular the large number of fallen pine trees on or adjacent to the riverbed. Aside from the potential consequences if these were to be washed downriver in a major flood event, it adds weight to the importance of the control of wilding pines in this environment going forward. Notably, the native bush has withstood the cyclone comparatively well.
Action taken so far
Since analysing the video we have:
- Engaged with the Waikato Regional Council catchments management team, the Department of Conservation, and the Harbourmaster (re delta area).
- Submitted feedback on the WRC’s Annual Works Programme for the flood protection scheme (a copy of which can be found in the Key Documents section of this website).
- Agreed to assist with funding for DOC’s weed and wilding pine eradication work, and the replanting of low growing plants in the cleared areas.
Your membership subs and donations are most appreciated and will enable us to do more.