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Rising concern over the pollution of local rivers has spurred the formation of the Matakana-Sandspit Catchment Group.
The Matakana-Sandspit catchment includes the Matakana and Glen Eden Rivers and many smaller tributaries, the surrounding hills and the Matakana Valley.
Group chair John Collins says increased human activities, including the construction of the controversial Sandspit Marina last year, have put the catchment waterways under threat.
These activities have led to greater accumulation of sediment, including contaminants from septic tanks and farms.
The Matakana River estuary (also known as Sandspit Harbour) is especially subject to degradation because of poor tidal flushing.
“We are worried that long-term consequences of not really addressing these issues will result in continued slow degradation of the whole environment,” John says.
Among those consequences are likely to be an increased silting of the Matakana River, restricting access to Matakana, and further proliferation of mangroves – nature’s response to contamination and sediment.
John says the catchment group will help develop a strategic action plan to protect the health of the rivers in concert with other interested groups and Council, and promote the enjoyment of the waterways.
He says an immediate priority is to make sure there are good plantings all the way up the Matakana and Glen Eden Rivers, which will help prevent sediment run off during storms.
Another priority is to prevent animal access to the rivers and adding to water pollution.
John is eager to hear from other people interested in joining the Matakana-Sandspit Catchment Group.
Email: matakanakana2@gmail.com.
