So many Tongariro anglers were disgusted and complained bitterly to TRM regarding the April excavations in the Tongariro River during the early spawning runs below the main road bridge – to divert the flow away from the TRB – northern side, etc. For them in particular is the following Waikato Regional Council programme invite to consult on future river excavations. All communications on this issue to be sent directly to WRC – not TRM. OK?
TRM could get picky and suggest that based on past performance, Tongariro anglers are totally justified their “consultation” process is just a waste of time “window dressing” exercise as they – WRC and their consultants – have already decided what they want to do and DOC and Councils and other fishing clubs or advocate organisations have not been effective or considered seriously, but wisely SWMBO will not let me… If you doubt them then check their works programme for last year and see if you could read into it or envisage the changes to the Bridge Pool. Clear evidence they go through all the process to be seen to consult and then do what they intended anyway.
For more background info refer to the Fishing & Outdoors Newspaper June issue, Page 6, feature article headed: “Tongariro River gravel works – an exercise in futility.” Tongariro anglers suggest that heading and article says it all….i.e. quote: “The recent gravel works are a prime example of DOC’s and Waikato Regional Council’s incompetence with poor consultation. The two organisations bought into the flood protection guise but didn’t seek responses from other angling clubs even though many were known to them. The WRC have recognized their failure in broader consultation as few people outside of Turangi knew of the proposed works. Had other organisations had input the works may not have gone ahead.”
The following issued from WRC is for those anglers who have phoned since April asking for fishing updates – before & after – on the Bridge Pool. i.e.
Today TRM received a (hand-written) letter from an inmate who has been fishing the Tongariro for the last 40 + years. We prefer not to name him. He is being responsible and concerned enough to advise he will be ‘consulting’ with DOC and WRC. So his comments on changes to the Bridge Pool should be of interest.
“Re Riverworks: BTW the top of the lower Bridge Pool is buggered with the water flowing too fast and the alluvial shingle creating a shallow shoulder where there was once a steeper depth of slower current right up to the in-flow. I also prospected the Troll Hole (Bridge Pool) got a couple in the usual channel with nothing in the wide ? (could not read the writing) was amazed how the canal has already widened with most of the shingle no doubt contributing to the change in the upper part of the lower Bridge Pool. This transport will continue with every flood. I hope it wont shallow this pool too much. etc.”
From Waikato Regional Council:
Hi,
You are receiving this email as you are listed as an interested party for consultation for our Annual Works Programme for the Tongariro River, a copy of which is attached to this email.
The Integrated Catchment Management team at the Waikato Regional Council holds a Resource Consent to undertake management works within the flood scheme on the Tongariro River. Part of the conditions for this consent is to notify interested parties of our Proposed Annual Works Programme
The purpose of this consultation is to:
- Identify proposed works and how they will be managed in accordance with the conditions of consent;
- Allow parties to consider whether the proposed works will impact on specific sites and/or species of significance; and
- Identify solutions to address any concerns parties may have.
Proposed works scheduled for the upcoming season primarily consist of gravel island, riparian margin and flood scheme asset vegetation control, along with gravel management. These are considered the most appropriate strategies to maintain the design standards of the Tongariro River flood protection scheme. Other works may include routine maintenance and ecological restoration such as appropriate revegetation and stopbank top-ups (generally permitted activities).
Site meetings will be scheduled in the coming months, which you will be invited to attend should you wish. The site meeting will aim to answer any questions relating to the works proposed.
Should you wish to discuss the attached work programme please get in touch with either myself or Allan Kirk and if you wish to stop receiving these updates let me know.
Kind Regards,
James Linehan | River Management Officer – Upper Waikato/Taupo | Integrated Catchment Management
Waikato Regional Council
P: +64 7 213 2611
F: +64 7 859 0998
M: +64 21 241 6536
Private Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240
Allan Kirk B Ag.Econ., PG. Dip Ed., Dip Nut
Zone Manager Upper Waikato Lake Taupo
P +64 7 378 6539
M +6421 913250
Private Bag 3038, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240
Tongariro River Annual Works Programme 2018-2019
