- Environment Southland is closely monitoring water levels in Waituna Lagoon due to rising concerns.
- The lagoon's elevated level of 2.5m is affecting roads, paddocks, and local farming activities.
- Any lagoon opening would require emergency powers and careful coordination to ensure safety.
Environment Southland is keeping a close eye on the rising water levels at Waituna Lagoon, which have reached approximately 2.5 metres. This increase is impacting roads, paddocks, and farming activities in the surrounding areas.
Lucy Hicks, general manager of integrated catchment management at Environment Southland, explained the significance of the situation. "It’s been very wet and cold over a busy time of year for farmers across the region. For those in Waituna, seeing the lagoon sitting this high is concerning for some.”
Environment Southland is considering options for addressing the issue and providing support to local farmers. Hicks said, “We’re actively and continually assessing the options available to us to provide support and open the lagoon.”
While a long-term solution is in progress through a consent process, any immediate action would need to be taken under emergency powers provided by the Resource Management Act (RMA). Hicks added, “The act provides various emergency powers for use in certain circumstances. It sets a high bar and we need to be assured we are able to meet those requirements to be able to open the lagoon.”
Monitoring of the lagoon continues, and the catchment operations team is prepared to act if necessary. “Any opening would need to be carefully coordinated to occur when conditions would allow it to be done safely and effectively,” Hicks said.
In January, the lagoon was mechanically opened to prevent a toxic algal bloom, staying open for 59 days. Waituna Lagoon is part of the internationally recognised Awarua-Waituna wetland complex, home to numerous native species and culturally important to Ngāi Tahu.