Stop the spread of water pests in Taupo

Back row from left: Brenda Lawson, Greg Hadley, George Asher, Dave Lumley. Front row: Philip King and Daryl Anderson, with the new sign at Taupo Boat Harbour.

Noticed anything new on your travels around the Taupo District recently?
If you're observant, you may have seen new signs highlighting freshwater threats to the Taupo catchment.

They come after protecting local waterways from introduced threats like weeds, algae and pest fish was identified as high priority for local agencies at a recent freshwater biosecurity meeting.

The group, including the Waikato Regional Council, the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board, Taupo Harbourmaster, Taupo District Council and the Department of Conservation (DOC) recognised signage in the district needed a facelift.

The new designs include existing and potential weeds and pests, as well as how waterway users can use Check, Clean, Dry methods to stop the spread of freshwater threats.

"As national and local attention increases around the health of our lakes and rivers, so does the public's enthusiasm to take action," says DOC freshwater ranger Brenda Lawson.

"Knowing the risks, promoting, and using Check Clean Dry is the best way to protect their special places."

Getting the new signs erected has been a the result of collaboration between the groups involved. All agreed to work together combining budgets and expertise.

Recently produced Waikato River signs were modified to fit the Taupo area and then produced by the Waikato Regional Council. Locations were checked by Taupo District Council. And as the land around the lake belonged to all the groups, there was no problem approving sites.

Painting the posts was an ideal project for PiP - People in Prison - a Tongariro Prison initiative where prisoners work on community projects.

"It was a perfect fit to ask the prison to join the team to protect our waterways, especially as the prison is located in the Tuwharetoa rohe, and has worked over a significant period of time for the conservation of their waterways and land," says Brenda.

"Most of the signs are already up at boat ramps around the Taupo area, so make sure you stop and have a good look so you can help protect your favourite playground."

Brenda says many people are aware of didymo, but there are other invasive species in Taupo or nearby.

Hornwort is a nasty weed which has been in Taupo for many years. Blocking waterways, hindering fishing and creating a nuisance when it washes up on beaches are just some of its effects. Iconic lakes such as Otamangakau and Waikaremoana would be severely affected if this weed spread.

There is also the possibility of new foreign species arriving. Lake snow is a sticky slime algae creating problems with fishing lines and water filters in Lake Wanaka. Scientists are testing to see whether it is foreign, or a native blooming because of environmental influences.

Lake Waikaremoana has also tested positive for lake snow. Check Clean Dry is also effective on it.